How to Keep Your Personality While Asking for Workplace Support

If you're the person who brings energy and warmth to your workplace, it can be tempting to accept smiles and compliments instead of the real support you need. But here's the truth: your sparkle doesn't replace your needs. You're allowed to keep your vibrant personality whilst also asking for the clarity, structure, and workplace support that help your brain do its best work.

Recognise When Your Sparkle is Covering Your Needs

Being the 'fun one' at work can feel like a gift, but it can also become a mask. When you're known for your charisma and energy, colleagues might assume you've got everything under control. The reality? You might be working twice as hard behind the scenes just to keep up appearances.

Think of it like being the lead actor without a script. Yes, you're charismatic and engaging, but without clear support, your performance becomes guesswork. Many neurodivergent people find themselves in this position—celebrated for their personality but struggling because their actual needs aren't understood or met. That doesn't make you less capable. It just means you need conditions where you can thrive, not just survive on charm alone.

• Notice when you're masking stress with humour or enthusiasm
• Pay attention to tasks that feel harder than they should
• Recognise when you're compensating with personality instead of asking for help

Name What Helps Your Brain Work Best

The first step to getting support is understanding what you actually need. Start by observing your own patterns. When do tasks go smoothly? Perhaps it's when expectations are clearer, when you've had time to prepare, or when you've got a visual system to track your progress.

Before you agree to new responsibilities, give yourself permission to ask questions. Check whether the work fits your capacity and energy levels. You're not being difficult—you're being realistic about what you can deliver whilst maintaining your wellbeing.

• Keep notes on what conditions help you focus best
• Identify the type of structure that works for your brain (visual planners, clear deadlines, regular check-ins)
• Practice asking 'Can I have a day to think about this?' before committing to new tasks

Your Vibrant Energy and Support Work Together

Here's the transformative part: keeping your spark isn't the opposite of getting support. Your personality is actually the foundation. When your needs are understood and met, your energy stops being a performance and becomes a genuine strength.

Try making one small ask at a time. Perhaps it's requesting written instructions instead of verbal ones, or asking for a quiet space to work during intense focus periods. Watch how your workday shifts from feeling like a tightrope walk to standing on solid ground. You can be both the person who lights up the room and the person whose needs are fully respected.

If your unofficial job title could be 'Chief Vibes Officer', that's genuinely wonderful—just remember that the CEO of You still gets to sign off on what you can realistically take on. Your boundaries and your sparkle can coexist beautifully.

Supporting your brain's unique needs doesn't dim your light; it helps you shine more sustainably. At Brainzyme, we understand that neurodivergent brains often need extra support to maintain focus and clarity throughout the workday. Our scientifically proven plant-powered focus supplements are designed to work with your brain, not against it, helping you show up as your best self—vibrant, capable, and supported.

Ready to discover how natural support can complement your workplace strategies? Visit www.brainzyme.com to explore how Brainzyme works and find the formula that's right for you.