There’s a quiet hope many of us carry—a hope that if we work hard enough, stay humble enough, and pour our hearts into what we do, someone will notice. Maybe a leader will praise our effort, a colleague will spotlight our contribution, or the universe will send a sign that says, “I see you.” But what happens when that recognition never comes?

This habit—waiting silently for acknowledgment—is rooted in a belief that visibility should be earned, not claimed. We tell ourselves, “Good work speaks for itself,” or fear that advocating for our contributions risks seeming “needy” or “self-promotional.” But over time, this mindset can leave us feeling overlooked, undervalued, or stuck in roles that no longer reflect our capabilities.

The truth is, in a world overflowing with noise and competing priorities, even exceptional work can go unseen. Recognition isn’t just about validation—it’s about ensuring our efforts align with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a broader impact. When we stay silent, we inadvertently let others define our value.

So how do we shift this? Start by reframing self-advocacy as clarity, not arrogance. Instead of thinking, “I need to prove my worth,” try, “I deserve to share my impact.” Begin small: Mention a recent win in a team meeting, or include a milestone in a project update. Use phrases like, “I’m proud of how [specific action] moved this forward,” to anchor your role in outcomes without overstepping.

Seeking recognition isn’t about vanity—it’s about ownership. When we name our contributions, we honor the effort behind them and invite others to see our potential. And in doing so, we create space for quieter voices to be heard, too.