Empowerment is found within. Most people think of it as having power over someone else, but really, it’s about having control over yourself.
When you empower yourself, you have discipline, focus and all of the other characteristics that it takes to become a better version of you. This is an unlimited gift that you are able to give yourself.
Looking for empowerment outside of yourself is counterproductive. Buying cars and big houses and taking extravagant vacations is nice, but that’s not real power.
No More Comparing
Social media has increased our ability to compare ourselves to others. We see endless pics of people who look like they have it all together and it makes us feel some type of way.
It’s easy to think they have the perfect life, but in reality, most of them are just trying to keep up with the others. It becomes an infinite competition where no one wins.
Subconsciously, you compare yourself to those glamorous pics, wishing you were living life on the same level. It looks like an awesome way to live, but everything isn’t what it looks like.
Social media can be used for good, but in most instances, it’s a distraction. It interrupts your personal development because you’re focused on what others are doing or what they have. Instead, concentrate on your plan – prepare and act upon what your life will become. Be intentional with where you allow your attention to go.
Don’t insult your own intelligence by comparing your life to a false social media “lifestyle”. Comparison weakens potential power. You are who you are. As long as you continue to develop and be the best you can be, comparing yourself to someone else should never be an issue. Follow the beat to your own drum – that’s where your power is.
Learning Is Key
What does it take to empower yourself? Is it okay to have a role model? Where do you start?
One of the first things you don’t do, is compare yourself to anyone else. Having a role model is fine, but still understand that you must do the work and follow your own path. No one can reach your goals, but you.
Educating yourself outside of the traditional institutions, is a great way to start your journey to empowerment. Most school systems haven’t changed in decades and still teach to an old standard of learning. Times have changed, but the curriculum has not. There’s more than one way to become successful.
Thinking on your own and creating your own ideas is another way to empower yourself. Just because a thousand people are going in one direction doesn’t mean that’s the best way to go. Do your own research and come to your own conclusion. Have mind-bending conversations with others and challenge your own thoughts.
Educate yourself further by reading books outside of school and live new experiences. Learning doesn’t stop once you leave the school building. Learning occurs when you participate in life, while improving your mindset to reach higher levels. It happens when you take accountability for your situation and decide to change for the better.
It’s safe to go with the crowd, because no one is drawing attention to themselves or “rocking the boat”. When you start to swim against the current, that’s where you’ll find more opportunities. The world is full of copycats and people who stay in their comfort zone, but the real power is leading yourself, not blindly following others.
Give Yourself Permission
There is no set time, place or date as to when you start to empower yourself. All you have to do is make up your mind that you are ready to take responsibility and control of your life.
Don’t wait on anybody to tell you when it’s time to go, or you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life. What holds us back is looking for someone else to take the journey with us. “I’ll do it, if you do it,” will keep you in the same place, ten years from now.
Take your own direction. You don’t need to wait on instructions to empower yourself. One of your greatest powers is the ability to move. There’s no perfect time to do anything, so start now. Procrastinating will only eliminate your empowerment and your chances of becoming great.
Bet on yourself. Be encouraged, motivated and inspired, but most of all, empower yourself. Get your mind right, follow through and be resilient.