Don’t Be Afraid to Be Seen Trying
- Krystal Chigbu Maka
- May 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Let’s be honest.
In today’s world, where “effortless” is glorified and cool detachment is the vibe, one of the most rebellious things you can do is to care deeply. To want something openly. To try so hard it’s almost embarrassing.
But let me tell you something that’s changed my life:
I am not afraid to be seen trying.
Not trying “a little.” Not trying when it’s easy. I mean really going for it—boldly, publicly, sometimes awkwardly—and still trusting that what’s meant for me won’t miss me.
I know for a fact that this mindset is a huge reason why I get the things I desire.
My Secret Ingredient? Desire + Preparation + Permission
Now let’s be clear. I don’t move on emotion alone. I believe in alignment.Before I run toward anything—an opportunity, a person, a project—I take it to God.
I ask:
Is this Your will for my life?- Is this Your timing?
If I get peace in my spirit and clarity in my heart, then guess what?
I’m all in.
And when I’m in? Oh, you’re going to see me trying! Not because I’m desperate. But because I believe in co-laboring with God. I do my part. He does His.
Real Talk: I’ve Always Been This Way
When I wanted to get into LSU? I wanted it so bad I even wrote a letter to the admissions office (yup, there’s a story there for another time 👀). And guess what? I got in.
When I wanted to become an AKA in college? Everyone knew. I was at every campus event, making connections, showing up authentically. I didn’t try to play it cool—I tried to play it real. And I got chosen.
When I wanted to get into LSU? I wanted it so bad I even wrote a letter to the admissions office (yup, there’s a story there for another time 👀). And guess what? I got in.
When I dreamed of law school? I told anyone who would listen. I interned at a law firm while still in undergrad. I studied hard, aligned my life with that dream—and it happened.
When I started my hair braiding company? Before it got booked around the country, I applied to countless festivals and pop-ups. I told everyone about it. Tagged myself in locations. Put myself out there. And doors started flying open.
Wanting Something Deeply Isn’t a Flaw — It’s Fuel
There’s this unspoken pressure to be low-key about our dreams. To wait until things are already successful before we talk about them. To act like we don’t really care—just in case it doesn’t work out.
But I call B.S.!!!!
You can want something deeply and still be okay if it doesn’t happen.
You can go after a goal with everything in you and still trust that if it’s not meant to be, something better is coming. It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.
So if you need to hear this.... let me say it. Trying Isn’t Cringe — It’s Courage!!
I’m not saying you need to put a sticky note on your forehead saying “I hope this happens”…But I’m also saying… if you’re in a room of people who you believe can help unlock your next level? Why wouldn’t you let them know who you are and what you carry?
Trying doesn’t mean begging. It means believing. It means building. It means becoming. Even if the whole world is watching.
It's okay to want it really bad. I do too!
5 Takeaways to Help You Try Loudly and Live Boldly
Check in with God first. Don’t just chase every shiny thing. Make sure your desire aligns with God’s will and timing.
Prepare like it’s coming. Want the job? Start dressing for it. Want the opportunity? Build the skill set now.
Talk about it. Don’t be afraid to speak your dreams out loud. Closed mouths don’t get fed—or favored.
Don’t fear failure. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not a loss—it’s redirection. Your worth doesn’t hinge on the outcome.
Be you, fully. Whether you’re laidback and goofy or polished and poised, show up as your full self. That’s the most powerful thing you can do.
Okay, so... here are my final final thoughts...
You don’t have to do it my way. I’m silly, blunt, sometimes loud, I do every single thing with passion or I don't do it at all—and thank God, He uses all of it. He uses all of me to lead me where I need to go, to walk in my purpose and to glorify His name. But you don’t have to be me. Just be you—boldly, unashamedly, and with all your heart.
And please—don’t be afraid to be seen wanting it. Don’t be afraid to be seen trying. That hunger? That willingness to show up even when it’s uncomfortable? That’s what separates those who dream from those who do!!
YOUR Next Step
Take Action: What’s one thing you’ve been secretly wanting but haven’t had the courage to go all-in on?
Name it.
Write it down.
Tell someone you trust.
Better yet—tell yourself in the mirror that it’s time.
Start.
Go hard.
Win!
Your dreams aren’t too big. Your effort isn’t embarrassing. Your desires are valid.
Go after it.
With So Much Love,
Krystal Chigbu Maka
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