The International Women’s Day always gives us a chance to revisit our history as women and our journey to this point. It is a time of empowering and strengthening women.
When I read stories of women like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Jane Austen, and even Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, I am humbled by how these courageous women went against the norm to chart a course for their lives.
Sojourner Truth freed countless slaves and gave them dignity.
Susan B Anthony was instrumental in women getting a chance to vote.
Jane Austen’s masterpiece “Pride and Prejudice” continues to inspire and promote literary excellence and authorship.
And Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’s many firsts reminded Nigerian and African women that they are worthy and can achieve what they set their minds to.
What’s even better is that these feats paved the way for so many incredible rights and privileges you and I enjoy today.
Imagine if they had not tried?
Imagine if they had talked themselves out of it?
Most of these women suffered through threats and intimidation, through poverty and extreme lack, through gender biases and restriction yet they kept going.
They kept pushing the envelope of conventional and expected paths.
And here we are barely living a quarter of our potential.
What’s our excuse?
Why Empowerment must first be Personal.
Every year, March 8th is filled with countless empowering and positive quotes and messages about femininity and womanhood. Some real and others superficial.
Some organisations even go as far as creating programs and awards to honour women’s achievements, and I think this is great.
But one of the biggest things I’ve learnt as a woman in my late 30’s is that empowerment must first be personal to have any real impact.
Until I believe, acknowledge, and live out these truths, these supposed calls to action will be of little effect.
I may get into the usual excitement for a week or month, but soon I’m back to my own reality.
Perhaps, you can also relate.
There is the popular saying that “empowered women empower women”. It’s hard to give what you don’t have or haven’t experienced.
And here’s the thing: one of the best ways to live an empowered life is to pursue our dreams. It’s to transform our lives and live out our potential.
Anything else will never really measure up.
Why Your Dreams can no longer be Deferred.
For many of us, the joy and fulfilment that often eludes us is on the other side of pursuing our dreams.
And this is not just about achieving a bunch of things but also about the journey.
The journey is what shapes and refine us.
It is what builds up our character and capability, so that when we finally achieve that dream or goal, we have the capacity to sustain it.
Perhaps, your dream is to write a book.
This will likely require you create a schedule or pockets of time to write. This simple act will push you to learn time management skills and how to work under pressure. The same goes for other projects including starting a side business, learning a new skill, or going back to school.
Do you know something else?
There are generations of women (and men) who are waiting on you to do what you were created to do.
Generations waiting on you to live your life boldly.
The Late Dr Myles Munroe once said that the richest place on earth was the cemetery.
Why?
Because this is the place with the largest deposit of unrealised dreams.
In an earlier post, I mentioned that the biggest regret people often have on their death bed is of not ‘…living a life true to themselves.’
Here’s a quote that captures this perfectly:
“Never underestimate the power of living a life of authenticity and integrity. The courage to live your life can be the very motivation the next person needs. “
Your courage to pursue your dream is the very thing that will inspire that young woman who looks up to you to pursue hers.
Perhaps you feel that’s a lot of pressure and responsibility, but that would be you focusing on the wrong thing.
The young girl is first you.
Do you think your younger self would be proud to see what you’ve done with your life?
Would she think you have maximised the resources and skills God blessed you with?
If I’m being honest, I don’t even think my younger self would be happy with me.
And this is one of the things that spurs me on to do more.
Not just to rack up a number of achievements and awards ( though that will be nice too, if you’re sharing any), but to fully live a life that is true and authentic. A life with little regrets and many courageous feats.
Empowerment is a Daily Practice
True empowerment cannot be a one-off activity. It cannot be something you remember every March 8th.
It must be a daily practice of instilling the right habits and actions to achieve your desired outcome.
Here are a few things you can start doing today:
- Have a list of your main goals (no more than 5). Create your biggest goals. You can use the Inverse Goal Setting Method.
- Write out at least 3 things you need to do to achieve each one. Read this out every day. This acts as a powerful reminder and forces your mind to think up ways to achieve them. I call this the Daily Declarations
- Keep a gratitude journal. Journaling helps you process your thoughts and gratitude journaling helps you highlight the amazing things that happen each day. This also builds a positive mindset and makes room for creativity and joy.
- Get Accountability – reach out to a trusted friend or partner or get professional accountability. This is often the missing piece for most of us.
Your Dream Life starts Now.
Are you ready to implement a simple yet powerful strategy to achieve your dreams?
Do you need help in creating your Daily Declarations and need support and accountability?
Then you should sign up to join “My Dream Life Accountability Program”. I will send you details when the program opens.
Leave a Reply