Microphone Check: Because Sometimes You Need to Hear Your Own Voice First
Why self-hype isn’t arrogance, it’s thriving
No matter how many people tell you you’re worthy, it means nothing if you don’t believe it.
I’ve won Emmys. A Peabody. About a dozen other awards. I’ve produced work that changed lives. Stories that sparked change. Pieces that I know made a difference.
Despite that, some days, I struggle to see myself the way others do. That little voice creeps in. Tells me I’m not enough. Makes me second-guess my own shine.
But as my dad used to say:
“If you don’t think you’re the sh*t, no one else will.”
My little brother, Dr. Russell Ledet, MD, also said it best when we featured him on CBS Saturday Morning. It is a line I can’t stop thinking about:
Listen, loving yourself isn’t about ego. It’s about protection. It’s about making sure you never hand over the pen and let someone else write your story.
Confidence isn’t just about walking into a room and feeling like the baddest one there. It’s about trusting your own instincts. It’s looking at your own reflection and thinking, “I got me.”
You know who taught me that? Beyoncé.
Not just because she’s flawless, but because behind every era, every reinvention, is a woman who clearly knows her worth and the cost of people trying to diminish it.
Remember that viral Grammy clip? When they announced her name and she looked genuinely shocked she won?
That wasn’t fake humility. That was real. That was a woman who has accomplished more than most of us can imagine, still trying to let it land that she’s worthy of the recognition. It just goes to show that even the best of us can let a bit of doubt creep in.
You know who else inspires my efforts? Me. Yes, I consider myself an inspiration. (See my father’s advice to me above.) I show up every day carrying the weight of stories, deadlines, younger siblings (first daughters understand the struggle), and legacy. And still, I’m kind. Still brilliant. Still standing. That’s not just impressive. That’s sacred.
If you thought it was weird to compliment myself like that, then we have some work to do. I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: “You NEED TO hype yourself up, and stop waiting for someone else to give you flowers.”
I get it, it’s hard to believe in yourself on the days when the impostor syndrome is loud and your spirit is tired. But here’s what I’ve learned: if you don’t stand in your own light, you’ll end up dancing in someone else’s shadow.
Love yourself because the world is quick to tell women, especially Black women, that we’re too much or not enough. Love yourself because your younger self needed someone to show her how. Love yourself because the elder you is watching and whispering, “Thank you for choosing us.”
See It Before They Do
Most people don’t reach their goals, not because they lack talent, but because they’re too worried about how it might look to someone else. Let that go. Other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills or live your life.
You’ve got to have the audacity to dream big and make even bigger moves. Unapologetically. Boldly. Loud if you want. Quiet if you must. But do it anyway.
Because playing small to keep other people comfortable? That’s not your calling.
If you can’t see it for yourself, no one else will.
That’s where visualization comes in. I’m not talking about vision boards with glitter and glue (though if that’s your thing, go off.) I’m talking about closing your eyes and feeling what it would be like to live the life you want.
To walk into rooms that once intimidated you. To publish stories with your name on the byline. To finally, finally breathe.
Manifestation isn’t magic. It’s memory in reverse. You picture it so clearly, your body starts moving toward it, before doubt can catch up.
Speak it. Write it down. Practice walking like the version of you who already has it. Not because it’s easy, but because you’re worthy.
The vision doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. It doesn’t have to be neat. It just has to be yours.
Manifesting for Beginners: Start Here
Every religious or spiritual tradition has its own name for manifestation. Christians call it faith. Buddhists refer to it as aligning thoughts, desires, and actions. Some call it affirmation, others call it intention-setting.
But the root is the same: speaking what you seek, believing before you see it. You’re not being unrealistic. You’re practicing ancient, sacred alignment.
1. Get clear on what you want.
Not just “more money” or “a better job.” How much? Doing what? How do you want to feel when you get it? Clarity is the first form of power.
2. Say it out loud.
Whisper it. Shout it. Pray it. Sing it in the car. Let the universe hear you. Let you hear you. Speaking it turns possibility into presence.
3. Write it down daily.
Your journal is a sacred space. Make a list. Write affirmations. Or just script your life as if it’s already happening: “I am walking into my dream job.” “I am fully loved, fully seen, fully safe.”
4. Visualize it.
Close your eyes and feel it. Picture yourself in that moment. The smile. The peace. The confidence. The room. The outfit. The vibe. Visualization trains your mind to believe it’s already yours.
5. Align your actions.
Manifestation without movement is just wishful thinking. Take the class. Send the email. Say no to what doesn’t align. Say yes to what stretches you. Do the brave thing, even if your voice shakes.
6. Let go of the timeline.
Trust the becoming. The “how” and “when” aren’t your job. Your job is to believe and be ready. And you can’t miss what’s meant for you if you keep showing up
Step by Step Guide to Self Hype
Building self-confidence isn’t about pretending you have it all figured out. It is about trusting yourself to figure it out, even on the days when your voice shakes.
Even billionaire Rihanna said she doesn’t always feel confident; she just acts like she is until it catches up. That’s not being fake. That’s being faithful to the version of you you’re becoming.
I’m not asking you to pretend. I’m asking you to stay positive, even when it’s hard. Because energy moves in cycles, and what you send out comes back.
Walk like you belong, speak like you’re worthy, move like it’s already yours. The confidence will meet you there.
Confidence is a muscle that you have to work every single day. It involves challenging negative thoughts, focusing on strengths, setting realistic goals, fostering supportive relationships, and stepping outside of comfort zones.
Let me break it down for you:
Check your inner critic. That voice in your head that says you’re not ready? Challenge it. Question it. Replace it with truth, not fear. Talk to yourself like someone you love.
Focus on what you do well. Your strengths aren’t accidents. Lean into them. Build on them. Let them remind you who you already are.
Set goals that stretch you, not break you. You don’t need to leap. You just need to move. One small, brave step at a time.
Get uncomfortable on purpose. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. Say yes to the thing that scares you—then do it scared.
Give yourself grace. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Self-compassion is how you keep going when the world tells you to quit.
Learn from Mistakes. View your mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. As the great Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
Surround yourself with people who see you. The ones who reflect your light back to you when you forget. Find your people—and let them pour into you.
Take care of your whole self. Your confidence is tied to your energy. Rest. Move. Breathe. Protect your peace like it’s your paycheck.
Celebrate everything. Every win. Every lesson. Every time you choose yourself. That’s how confidence grows, by keeping receipts.
Why I’m Writing This
I’m writing this because I know what it feels like to doubt yourself. To shrink. To wait for permission. To confuse humility with hiding. But I also know what it feels like to wake up to yourself. To move with purpose. To dream out loud. To finally believe you’re worthy of the life you’ve been imagining.
I’m not here to sell you a fantasy. I’m here to remind you that power lives in your thoughts, your voice, your energy. And you don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to be willing. Willing to try. Willing to speak it. Willing to move like it’s already yours.
You’re not asking for too much. You’re just remembering who you are.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Confidence comes from action, not perfection. It’s built in the doing, the trying, the showing up anyway. Confidence isn’t a costume. It’s an act of rebellion. So hype yourself. Brag a little. Say yes to yourself before anyone else does.
That’s not arrogance. That’s survival. And if you ever forget, don’t worry. I’ll remind you. Again and again. Because your light? It’s too good to waste. Believe in yourself first. Say the thing out loud. Take up space. Own your work. Claim your voice. The rest will follow.
What’s something amazing you’ve done that you don’t give yourself enough credit for? Drop it in the comments. Let’s hype each other up today.
I believe in you sis! And you already know my babies look up to you!
I read the first line and liked this. I have a meeting. I can't wait to dig into this later.