Perhaps you have a thought or an opinion, but hold back from sharing it, not because you don't believe in it, but because you're not sure if you could defend it in a debate or discussion.

This hesitation is common in environments where we feel less confident, whether it's in a professional setting, a social gathering, or even online.

Part of this fear stems from not wanting to engage in conflict. Many of us naturally shy away from situations that could lead to disagreements or arguments.

We might worry about the emotional toll it could take or the potential damage to relationships, especially if the discussion becomes heated or confrontational. This avoidance of conflict can often leave us silent, even when we have valuable insights to share.

Then there is the paralysing fear of not being able to defend our ideas. It's rooted in the worry that we might be put on the spot, questioned, or even challenged, and that we won't have the right words or the depth of knowledge to back up our stance or point of view.

It’s like having a voice but being unsure of its strength or its reach. The concern here isn’t necessarily about the validity of our ideas, but more about our ability to articulate and justify them when faced with opposition or scrutiny.

One way to move past this is by adopting a mindset of curiosity and learning rather than seeing discussions as battles to be won.

It's about transitioning from a defensive position to one of exploration.

When you share an idea and someone challenges it, instead of feeling threatened, view it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding or refine your perspective. Encourage questions and be open to different points of view.

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