Stop Acting Stupid.

I'm pretty sure this post is going to piss off some of you, but I'm okay with that.

Because I have to say this.

I think there are a lot of women out there who are much smarter than they appear.

I think they are playing down their intelligence in order to (a) fit in, (b) make their husbands or boyfriends feel important, and/or (c) avoid having to do the work that would be required to fulfill their potential. And I can't stand it.

I understand it, but I can't stand it.

When I was a kid I got teased a lot for using "big words" and just generally being nerdy. I skipped first grade, so I was always a year younger than everyone else. I loved learning, so people thought I was a "teacher's pet." I was always reading, always thinking, always looking for the next interesting thing. I couldn't help it.  

I didn't really fit in, and for a while, it bothered me. So I understand trying to play down your intelligence.

But eventually I realized (as most of us do) that "fitting in" is not worth the sacrifice. Especially when you're trying to fit in with a bunch of idiots.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago at the gym, the song "Stupid Girls" began to play and I heard these lyrics:

I'm so glad that I'll never fit in

That will never be me

Outcasts and girls with ambition

That's what I wanna see 

I thought to myself then and I'll say it again: "Well said, Pink."

So where are all the "girls with ambition" these days?

I've met a lot of you (and you're awesome), but I think there are more of you.

I think you're playing with your hair and saying stuff like "I just can't get the hang of this marketing stuff," even though you are perfectly capable of learning anything you set your mind to.

I think you're the same women who sat next to me in math class and didn't raise your hand because you wanted the cute guy across the room to "tutor" you. 

I think you could be a huge success right now if only you weren't so afraid to own up to your own intelligence. 

So, please...

Stop acting stupid.

I dedicate this message to the following people:

• the woman who says she really would sign up for that thing you're selling, if only her husband would "let" her, but we all know she's just using him as an excuse and doesn't want to say "no" to your face.
• the woman on Twitter who constantly puts herself down in a supposedly funny way and then complains that she doesn't get the "good" clients.
• the woman who describes herself as "confused" about everything in the comments of "big name" blogs to get the bloggers to respond to her, and then directs people to her booming membership site.
• the woman I recently met who is providing free marketing help to a guy who should be her client because she "isn't really an expert yet and he has an M.B.A."

And, of course, to all of the women out there who don't even want to try to learn something new because they might fail, and it's easier to remain "confused" and get everyone to laugh about how "silly" they are.

If this rings true for you, and you know for a fact that you're smarter than everyone thinks, please make a decision. Today. Right now:

Are you a silly little girl, or are you a powerful and brilliant woman?

Have you decided? Good.

Now BRING IT.

Because the world needs you.

What do you think? Am I totally off base? Share your thoughts in the comments.

And don't forget to subscribe (enter your e-mail address in the box to your right) to be notified as soon as new posts are published.

Previous Posts in "The Bad Girls' Guide to Business" Series:

Prologue - You Are Not A Work-At-Home Mom (Even If You Are) (Video)

Day 1 - Stop Being Such A Good Girl. Seriously.

Day 2 - Wanting to Make A Lot of Money Does Not Make You A Bitch.

Day 3 - Why Bad Girls Get More Buyers (Reason #1)

Day 4 - You Are Powerful. Deal With It.

Day 5 - Stop Being So Emotional. Then Be More Emotional.

Day 6 - No Risk = (Almost) No Money

Day 7 - What To Do When You're Tired

Comments

[Lisa Robbin Young]

Love this powerful voice you're sharing, Traci. And you're dead on about this. I have clients galore that don't value themselves near enough to bring their gifts to the world in a powerful way. In fact, I'd probably have to start a new business if they'd all take you up on your advice. :-)

[Lori Paquette]

I'm brilliant and powerful acting like a silly fool because I am stupid enough to listen to other people who tell me they're afraid of my "energy" ... please kick my butt ... I'm bending over. Thanks Traci! Great post. and I'm bringing it ... as soon as I'm a butterfly. I'm currently goo.

[Traci Feit Love]

Lisa,

I think your business is safe - this kind of advice is much easier to give than to take (even for the person giving it) :)

Thanks for coming by and commenting!

Traci

[Traci Feit Love]

Hi Lori,

Consider your butt kicked ;)

Sounds like it won't be too much longer before you emerge from the goo. Looking forward to it!

Traci

[Shelly]

Well said sister!

2words from me: HELL YEAH!

[Traci Feit Love]

Thanks Shelly!

[Natalie]

Hi Traci

Hear frickin hear. I have a lot of women in my life, heck I write a blog dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs. But I must admit I've met too many women recently who undervalue themselves, their skill set and their abilities.

It's frustrating and so sad, what is the point? Why not flaunt it, unleash your amazingness tot he world so everyone can benefit.

I'm over humbleness. Be proud - not arrogant and act your worth.

Natalie

[Traci Feit Love]

Thanks Natalie! We're totally on the same page :)