‘See how I come to work? Very demure, very mindful, very cutesy.’ If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve heard it. Jools Lebron’s viral ‘very demure’ trend has already racked up over 48 million views. While often used satirically, being demure could actually benefit you at work.
Since it’s a refreshing alternative to hustle culture, here are 4 tips for showing the strength of quiet confidence and mindfulness.
We sat down for a virtual session to speak with Avery Morgan, productivity expert and Chief Communications Officer at EduBirdie, and she shared her top 4 tips on mastering the trend.
1. Talk less — smile more
Everyone has been at the meeting where everyone is interrupting each other. You know exactly what meeting we’re talking about. In those chaotic moments, embrace the power of not saying anything — at least for a moment. It’s imperative for you to be patient and let the noise settle. Then, when the timing is just right, confidently make your point. A simple silence might be golden, but a well-timed one? That’s straight-up platinum.
2. Share ideas stealth confidence
Got a brilliant idea? Instead of marching in with a cocky attitude that you created the next revolution, slip it into the conversation casually. “Oh, by the way, I had this thought…” You’re not just sharing an idea; you’re practically whispering a secret, making others feel like they’re in on something special. It’s the workplace equivalent of a slow clap — understated but with undeniable impact. You don’t need to make a scene when you know your ideas will speak for themselves.
3. Make your coffee break into a mini-ritual
Step away from the laptop screen, find a peaceful place, and savor your coffee, sip by sip. Inhale the aroma, feel the cup’s warmth, and use this opportunity to reset. It’s more than just a coffee break; it’s a break from the grinding, a tiny rebellion against overworking yourself. You are not rushing, more so, you are recharging. You are being mindful of your mental health. That is the epitome of being demure.
4. Stay cool under pressure
One thing you should be aware of is that there will be countless stressful workdays during which everything appears to fall apart. That’s life. In high-stress situations, take a moment to focus on yourself. Breathe deeply, ground yourself, and handle the work with a calm attitude. Remember that you are saving PDFs, not lives, thus nothing is worth the stress. Being calm during the storm will help you manage the anxiety and also set a tone of peace that others will naturally follow. Moreover, it shows how reliable you are even in chaos.
