This is episode number 202 and you're listening to Soultime, a show that explores the world of unlocking your unique potential. My name is Dr. Katja Makowka, and I’m a teacher at school, a former teacher at universities, and a stress and mental coach, and I’m your host.

Today, we’re diving into something so many of us do without even realizing it: shrinking ourselves to fit the noise around us. You know the feeling - when you hold back your thoughts, soften your words, dim your energy, or avoid sharing your ideas just to keep the peace, fit in, or avoid conflict. It feels safe, right? Until it doesn’t. The truth is, every time you shrink, you give your power away to the noise - the opinions, judgments, expectations, and chaos of the world around you. And over time, that quiet compliance builds up, leaving you drained, frustrated, and disconnected from the person you truly are.

In this episode, we’re going to explore why this shrinking happens, how it silently shapes your life, and what it feels like to finally stop bending to the noise. Because when you stop shrinking, something magical happens: you reclaim your energy, your clarity, and your freedom.

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For more ideas to raise your confidence and energy listen to the following episodes:

Episode 100: The power of love and gratitude - a state of being

Episode 105: Fail Forward: How Embracing Failure Can Propel Your Personal Growth

Episode 108: Juggling Priorities in a Busy World

Episode 124: Embrace Growth: Prioritizing Progress Over Perfection

Episode 127: Judgment Detox: How to Stop Worrying About What Others Think

Strong, Soft, and Unshakable: How to Stay Soft in a World That Wants You Hardened