The Fear of Visibility and the Need for It

There are a handful of things I dislike. One of them is attention. I hate the spotlight—limelight, center stage, or whatever you choose to call being the focus of everyone’s eyes. If I had my way, I would stay behind the curtains, quietly doing what I love without drawing too much notice.

But if there is one thing I have come to learn as a writer, it is the importance of visibility. A writer with no visibility is like a microphone with no battery—present, but powerless.

Of what use is a voice that can’t be heard? What use are words that can’t be read?

This truth applies not only to writing but to every sphere of life. Whether you are a business owner, an artist, a speaker, or a professional in any field, you need visibility. You need to be seen, heard, and known for what you do. Only then can you make a difference.

I won’t pretend it’s easy. Visibility is uncomfortable. It demands stepping out of the shadows and allowing yourself to be noticed, judged, and even criticized. But it is also the only way to fulfill purpose.

“No one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in will see the light.”

—Luke 8:16

Even in the Bible, we see that identity and purpose are linked to recognition. When the sons of Sceva attempted to cast out demons, the spirits responded:

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Who are you? What do you carry? And more importantly, does the world know you for it?

This reminds me of one of my favorite moments in Frozen 2, when Elsa finally discovers who she really is:

“Show yourself

Step into your power

Grow yourself

Into something new

You are the one you've been waiting for

All of my life

All of your life

Oh, show yourself....”

For the longest time, Elsa resisted who she was meant to be. She hid. She ran. She feared stepping into her power. But the moment she embraced herself—fully and unapologetically—she became who she was always meant to be.

You don’t have to love the spotlight, but you must embrace visibility. You must show yourself.

It’s time to stop hiding.

Are you hiding your light because of fear or discomfort? It’s time to step into your power. What’s one thing you can do this week to make yourself more visible in your craft or purpose? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!