What happened when I stopped overthinking and started showing up
Read time: 6 minutes
Back in the summer, I was invited to speak at a leadership event.
It was a paid opportunity, and one I might never have known about if the organisers hadn’t come across one of my LinkedIn posts.
That single post — which I happened to write in 20 minutes while my kids ate breakfast — changed the trajectory of my year.
It led to multiple new connections, along with the now-familiar comment: “I feel like I already know you from your posts.”
Not that long ago, I would have been too embarrassed to share anything at all. I would draft something, then talk myself out of posting it — too worried about what people would think.
And yet, showing up consistently online has opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
If you’ve been thinking about posting on LinkedIn but that hesitation keeps holding you back, here’s what I’ve learned about starting small, building confidence, and showing up without the cringe.
1. Everyone feels awkward at first
No one starts out with total confidence. Every leader or voice you admire once felt exposed sharing their thoughts publicly.
I often worried my posts weren’t engaging or polished enough. But the discomfort was part of the process, I think; a sign I was pushing myself.
With time, writing and showing up became easier. Like any other muscle, you strengthen it by using it.
Try this: If you’re not a regular poster, treat the first few posts as practice. The more you practise, the less intimidating it feels.
2. Create a system that takes the pressure off
I used to sit down to write and go completely blank. Now, I keep a running list of content ideas and note things down when I feel inspired.
Some weeks I write multiple posts and newsletters in one go. Other times, I repurpose something I’ve previously posted. Planning ahead helps me stay consistent even when things get busy.
Quick tip: Block out 30 minutes one weekend to plan three post ideas, then get at least one scheduled.
If you want to take this further, I’ll be hosting a free masterclass in a few weeks, for busy leaders looking to build a credible and visible personal brand. I’ll share practical strategies to help you step up and be seen. More details coming this week!
3. Be consistent, even when it’s quiet
When I committed to showing up three times a week — even when there was no engagement — things began to shift. The same goes for this newsletter; there have been weekends where I didn’t feel like writing it.
But consistency is how people notice your name, remember your face, and associate you with something specific. You’re building a body of work in public. The effects compound; slowly at first, then all at once.
Do this: Set a small, achievable rhythm. One post or one comment a week is enough to start momentum.
4. Focus on being useful, not impressive
Posting on LinkedIn is really about helping others. Whenever I focus on sharing something genuinely helpful like a reflection, framework, or mindset shift, engagement follows naturally.
It’s also a good judgement filter: if it might help someone, then it’s worth sharing.
Try this: Write as though you’re speaking to one person who could really use your advice today.
5. Let your voice evolve
My very early posts make me cringe slightly — but they helped me find my tone and rhythm. I’ve realised you can’t discover your voice by thinking about it; you find it by using it. And it shifts as you grow — which is a good thing.
Each post can teach you something new about your perspective, your audience, and yourself.
Reflection: If you wanted to sound really authentic and say what’s on your mind, what might you say next?
6. Visibility creates opportunity
That speaking invitation didn’t happen by accident. It happened because someone connected with something I’d written and decided to reach out.
Every piece of content is like a breadcrumb that helps people find you. The more consistently you show up, the easier it becomes for the right opportunities to appear.
It’s also about credibility; you’re showing people how you think and what you stand for — and that’s powerful.
The takeaway
Posting on LinkedIn has changed my career. It’s helped me build trust, attract aligned opportunities, and grow a community of people who share similar values.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to start, this is it. Start small, stay consistent, and let things evolve.
The right people will find you — but only if they can see you.
Speak soon,
Dupé
PS: I’m running a free masterclass designed for busy leaders who want to grow their visibility and credibility online. More details coming this week!
And, as always, if you’d like support in showing up confidently and growing your personal brand, I still have a few 1:1 coaching spots available. Reply to this email, or complete this form, and let’s explore working together.
And finally, if you' like to book me to speak make an inquiry here :)
