Tall poppy syndrome: Why being “Too Much” might just be perfectly enough

Have you ever felt like the moment you started shining, someone tried to dim your light?
That’s Tall Poppy Syndrome in action.

It’s a quiet, subtle thing here in New Zealand and Australia. I was shocked when I found it because I always thought New Zealand to be, generally, a place where people don’t care how successful you are. Apparently, that’s not the case for some people.

While it’s often associated with New Zealand and Australia, this mindset exists all over the world. The moment you stand out—whether you’re smashing goals, dressing differently, growing your brand, or just being unapologetically you—someone, somewhere, feels the need to “cut you down.”

But here’s the truth:
You weren’t born to blend in. You were born to bloom.

So how do you navigate Tall Poppy Syndrome?

1. Don’t shrink yourself
Dimmed lights don’t spark change. If you’ve earned it, own it. Shrinking to make others comfortable only holds everyone back.

2. Find your people
Community is everything. Surround yourself with people who clap when you win—they’re your mirror and your fuel.

3. Stay humble—but NOT silent
You can celebrate your growth without being boastful. Being proud of how far you’ve come is powerful, not cocky.

4. Reflect, don’t Internalize
Sometimes people’s negativity is about their insecurities, not your confidence. Don’t take it personally—just keep moving.

5. Speak up when needed
If someone is always trying to bring you down, call it out with kindness. Silence isn’t always strength—it can also be suppression.

So to all the tall poppies—wherever you are in the world:
Keep growing. Even if it makes others uncomfortable.

You’re not too much. You’re just not meant to be small.

Ever been made to feel bad for being too good at something? Drop your story in the comments—let’s bloom through it together.