Womens’ Empowerment Month
March is Women’s Empowerment Month, hence this post is directed toward women and girls, and the challenges I see in my work.
Let’s face it: women run up against many obstacles in society. Ladies, let’s not allow one of those obstacles to be ourselves. In my daily work I find that we women and our younger counterparts regularly rip the rug out from under ourselves, tearing away at our own self esteem and confidence. We overly question ourselves, doubt ourselves, defer to others’ opinions, and criticize ourselves in destructive ways. It’s time to stop and reorient.
I’m all for challenging ourselves to be better every single day. However, can we strive for more without being destructive to our self esteem? Can we have confidence in ourselves such that mistakes don’t damage us but rather enlarge us? Can we aim higher from an already elevated place? Definitely, yes. We can, and we must.
Women, girls:
Stop saying sorry when you’re not sorry. Apologies are for when you’ve made a mistake that hurt someone.
Do not diminish yourself or your experiences. Say what you know, and do not be afraid to ask your questions.
Stop being perfectionistic and self punitive. It’s another way of diminishing yourself. Yes, have high standards and strive to be better every day, but do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake. Mistakes are an essential part of growing.
Support, cheer on and advocate for your fellow women colleagues, competitors, friends and family. When we elevate others, we elevate ourselves.
Savor your accomplishments. Be proud of yourself for what you achieve. Too many girls tell me it’s “cocky” to be proud of themselves. Ladies, if we don’t acknowledge our wins, who will?
Listen to yourself first and foremost. You are the supreme expert of you, not anyone else—not your parents, not your trainer, not your friends. If you listen sincerely to yourself, you will know what is right for you.
I realize these tips are easier to apply when you’re older and have the wisdom of experience (and don’t care so much about what others think!) I am personally much more comfortable with myself at my advanced age than I was when I was younger.
Nonetheless, I hope you’ll take my advice to heart, no matter where you are in your development.