The Power Trap | 3 Traps That Keep You Playing Small | Ep 365
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When Success Feels Scary: Escaping the Power Trap
Have you ever felt like stepping fully into your power would cost too much?
You’re not alone.
That fear of being judged, failing publicly, outshining someone, or even succeeding is real—and it keeps so many of us quietly stuck in the Power Trap.
I’m with you on this one!
The Power Trap whispers:
“If you really go for it, what will people think?”
“If you shine too bright, will you look prideful?”
“What if success demands more than you can give?”
Here’s the truth, my friend:
You’re meant to bring light.
Holding your light back doesn’t make you holy—it just leaves others in the dark.
So, let’s look at three ways to get out of the Power Trap and back into courageous, purposeful action, lickety-split.
1. Name What You’re Afraid Of
What made the Jaws movie so scacry?
So scary, I’m still am afraid to go more than ankle deep in the Pacific.
It’s what you couldn’t see that scared you.
The same goes for fear. When you name your fear (fear of failure, outshining, rejection, succeeding, etc.), you start to strip it of its power.
🧠 Bonus: Naming it also moves your brain out of panic mode and makes room for courage.
2. Define What Power Looks Like for You
Power doesn’t always roar.
It might be quiet. Reflective. Subtle.
But it might be loud and bold.
Step into YOUR voice, not someone else’s version.
You, my friend, are God’s workmanship––His Masterpiece––created on purpose for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
So define what showing up in your full power looks like for you and you alone.
3. Choose Purpose Over People-Pleasing
Abraham got waylaid when he tried to please people (hello, Ishmael).
Don’t trade your assignment for approval, applause & accolades.
Remember your why. Your why, your purpose, is the people you’re called to reach need you to show up.
Courageous Action Steps:
Time to take courageous action instead of just sitting and listening.
Journal through Psalm 139:23–24. Ask Father to reveal what fear is holding you back.
Define what power looks like for you this season. How are you wired to show up?
Choose one action you’ve been avoiding—and take it this week, no matter how small.
You might not be where you want to be yet… but you’re not where you started. Celebrate the progress! 💛
Show Notes
Summary:
Afraid that stepping into your full power will cost too much? That people might judge you, or success might ask more than you can give? In this episode, we’re uncovering the final trap that keeps you playing small—and walking through how to break free so you can show up boldly in your calling, without apology.
Takeaways:
The Power Trap shows up when we fear what our calling will require.
Success can trigger fear responses just like failure can.
When you name your fear, you strip it of its power.
Power looks different for everyone—define what it looks like for you.
People-pleasing keeps us playing small.
Playing small is not humility—it’s self-protection.
God works in layers—stepping into your power happens one layer at a time.
Abraham’s story shows the danger of pleasing people over purpose.
Courage says yes, even when fear says run.
You don’t have to get it perfect—just keep stepping forward.
Quotes:
“If you don’t step into your power, others are going to miss out on what you are called to bring to the table.”
“Playing small isn’t holy—it’s just keeping other people in the dark.”
“Your obedience is not for their applause. Your obedience is for the one who called you.”
“Courage doesn’t mean it’s loud, but it is consistent.”
Courageous Action:
Get Honest with God – Journal through Psalm 139:23–24 and ask Father to show you the real fear holding you back.
Define Your Version of Power – What does power look like for you in this season? How are you wired to show up?
Take One Bold Step – Choose one action you've been avoiding and do it this week to start practicing your power.
Chapters:
00:00 – Three Enrolling Questions
01:00 – Series Recap (Feeling, Safety, Power Traps)
03:00 – WIIFM: Why this episode matters
04:00 – Personal Story: Coaching opportunity & fear response
10:00 – The Power Trap Defined
12:00 – Scripture: Luke 12:48
14:00 – Moses vs. Israel – Stepping into power
16:00 – Trap Response #1: Name your fear
20:00 – Trap Response #2: Define your version of power
26:00 – Trap Response #3: Choose purpose over people-pleasing
30:00 – Abraham’s story: Purpose over people
32:00 – Recap + Final Encouragement
35:00 – Courageous Action
37:30 – CTA + Outro