What does this word mean to you?

Does it mean having strength? Power? Positivity? Or a sense of being in control?

Once you can identify your idea of what being empowered means to you, you can then look at ways to empower yourself, your family, friends, staff and customers. Want to learn more?

In my Face Book post entitled “Empowerment part 2” we looked at the link between feeling empowered and being inspired. It read like this:

When you think about it, feeling empowered helps us to do a variety of things from getting out of bed earlier to go to the gym, to keeping up with housework and work projects. It generally comes from feeling or being inspired. Inspiration sparks enthusiasm and interest and then we do something, don’t we? Well, ok, we might think about it, we may even plan to do it, but does it actually get done? Changes like that require a deeper understanding and a rewire from a cellular level, all of which takes time and effort.

This is all about going deeper, having that understanding of who we are and how we see the world. This view then directly impacts on our course of action which is influenced by how we feel and think. This is the ‘under the water stuff’ not the tip of the iceberg that is very visible.

So, let’s look at the first phase to personal empowerment.

Now, listen up – this is important! You cannot expect things to stick, get better and not return to old unwanted habits if there is no firm foundation – so this helps with building that foundation.

An important element to remember when thinking about personal empowerment, is to focus your attention on the things that are WITHIN your control. Just think about it – how much time, energy, head space do you waste dealing with or worrying about what you cannot control?

It’s back to that cellular level, that intrinsic part, a foundation stone. Focus on who you are, what your beliefs are about, what is important to you and be true and authentic. Problems inevitably arise when we trying to be something we’re not. So, stop it. If you don’t feel equal to a task, ask for help, read or get additional training. This will boost your confidence and increase your sense of pride in yourself, your abilities and your achievements.

Empowerment – Step 2.

On the subject of focus – you remember we spoke about focusing on what is within your control? Well you can also use focus in different ways.

Say, for example, you have decided to take the reins on a new, healthier lifestyle. You decide what you are going to do, like sign up for a class, get your bike out of storage, ditch the cakes and sweets, etc, etc, then, seemingly out of nowhere, something comes along that scuppers your plans – an injury or illness, something landing that is important enough to demand your undivided attention and takes you off task. Now, what do you do? The answer may see simple, just focus on what is important, give it your attention, deal with it effectively then – heads up – return to the plan. Use your network. Share things out, learn to delegate. Gather your team to achieve a goal and this not only facilitates your success, but it pays it forward to others, giving them more confidence in themselves and you. Bonds made in this way is empowering, inclusive and extremely powerful.

What gets in your way? Pride maybe? Does asking for help equal weakness in your world? Thinking about things differently, reframing and finding new habits to help with this will provide a new and very valuable foundation stone on which to build a much more successful and less stressful life.

Empowerment Step 3.

Let’s talk about trust.

Think about all the times you have let doubt cloud your judgement and hold you back.

Answer honestly – how do you feel and respond to the things that go wrong?

Many people find dealing with even the smallest of failures completely intolerable and go on to beat themselves up or blame anyone else except admitt8ing fault and therefore taking responsibility.

Learning to laugh at yourself, use mistakes and failures as a learning tool and developing new and stronger habits creates some more of those super powerful and effective foundation stones that assist us day to day by changing that deeper level so that we have a more effective identity who acts in our best interest and views the wider perspective. This, in turn facilitates more learning and personal growth, enriching every aspect of life.

Learn to love who you are and what you do. A passionate outlook will swiftly dismiss unhelpful negative feelings and behaviour to allow you learn what needs to be learned and love on graciously, with compassion and have the self-discipline to keep your composure, drive and energy and stay on track. Hone and perfect your skills and you will enjoy more success and satisfaction with habits that enhance you and encourage you to set those goals and reach for them.