In a world often dominated by the pursuit of personal success, the concept of self-empowerment tends to linger in an ether. We have all heard about it in some context – in a presentation from HR, from some friends around the dinner table, from that instagram reel you’ve been sent – but what does it really mean?
Self-empowerment is the process of taking control and responsibility for one’s own life. It involves recognising one’s own strengths, abilities, and potential, and using them to create positive change in oneself and others.
Did you notice that final world? In “others”.
This concept isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s as old as human reflection itself.
1. Confucius: “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”
2. Marcus Aurelius: “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
3. Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
In simpler terms: “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” – Maya Angelou.
Since time immemorial, the greatest leaders and influencers of our world have harped on this: To change the world, one must first empower themselves. And yet, why is it still so difficult to put into practice?
I believe the problem is twofold:
- There’s a tendency to believe that to get to the top of whatever you’re pursuing, you’re required to be self-obsessed, ego-centric and compete with all those around you, dragging them down in the process of your self-interested pursuit.
- It’s hard. Perhaps because embracing self-empowerment means embracing vulnerability. It means acknowledging that we are not perfect and that we have room for improvement. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks. It means facing our fears and insecurities head on.
I get it, life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows – workplaces have obligations to shareholders, to make profit and blah blah blah.
But approach the issue from a different perspective.
Imagine a workplace where each individual feels valued, heard, and empowered. A place where every team member knows their worth and is encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and lead projects. This isn’t just a dream scenario; it’s a blueprint for success in the modern world. Businesses that promote self-empowerment see remarkable improvements in productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Empowered employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, leading to lower turnover rates and higher customer satisfaction.
Beyond the workplace, the ripple effects of self-empowerment in schools, communities, and families are profound. Schools that foster self-empowerment among students cultivate a generation of confident, resilient, and creative thinkers. Communities that empower their residents see higher levels of participation, cooperation, and social progress. In families, self-empowerment nurtures a culture of openness, mutual respect, and shared growth.
The reason is simple yet profound. When individuals feel empowered, they believe in their ability to make a difference. They see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. They inspire others to lift themselves up, creating a virtuous cycle of empowerment and progress.
In a world that’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent, fostering self-empowerment isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary. It’s how we unlock our collective potential to tackle the grand challenges of our time, from climate change to inequality to technological disruption.
By promoting self-empowerment, we’re not just investing in individuals; we’re investing in a brighter, more resilient future for everyone.
I believe it’s well past due that we all commit to championing a culture of lifting oneself and, subsequently, those around us, through positivity and empowerment.
But here’s the thing: Empowerment is not about being perfect or fearless. Empowerment is about acknowledging and accepting our imperfections and fears, but still choosing to move forward and take action towards positive change.
It’s about believing in ourselves, our abilities, and our potential to make a difference in the world. It’s about having the courage to stand up for what we believe in and use our voice for good.. It’s about owning our truth and creating a path that aligns with our values and passions.
When we empower ourselves, we not only create positive change within ourselves, but also radiate that energy outwards to inspire and empower others. We become a force for good in the world, making a lasting impact on those around us.
So, don’t underestimate the power of an empowered you. Embrace self-empowerment and watch as it transforms not only your life but also those within your sphere of influence.
You’ve got this!
LB.