You Actually Don't Need Permission
I was on a call this week with a client who shared she's having a hard time making a BIG career decision. She kept referencing what her friends were saying, what her parents were telling her to do, and what her boyfriend believed was best for her. We paused for a moment, and I asked, "If you COULDN'T make a 'wrong' decision or disappoint anyone, what would you choose?"
And suddenly, poof, the answer became crystal clear to her!
This moment made me realize how often, as high achievers, we simply give our power away. We often seek advice, validation, and approval from people around us, many times without even realizing it!
And if you hand over the reigns to others to make your decisions, especially when it matters most, there's a little part of you that actually loses trust in yourself and in what you truly want.
It’s a pattern I see time and time again with high achievers. When you give your power away, you're actually subconsciously saying that you're not deserving of making that decision for yourself. You start operating from a place of fear or control instead of confidence. You begin relying on others to guide your personal decisions.
This can lead to feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your truest desires!
So, where does this leave you?
On the flip side, when you own your power, that creates the true win/wins and you realize what strengthens you also strengthens those around you.
Here’s the good news: recognizing this pattern is the first step in reclaiming your power. Here are a few ways this might show up:
Seeking External Validation: Relying on others to define your worth or tell you what's absolutely right for you.
Over-Accommodating: Shrinking yourself to make others comfortable.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Not speaking your truth to avoid conflict or fear of disappointing someone.
Over Committing: Saying yes to too many requests to avoid feeling guilty.
Here’s an invitation to reclaim your power:
Today take one decision that you’ve been putting off. Just one! And commit to making that decision differently today, from your power center!
Ask yourself, "If I COULDN'T make a 'wrong' decision or disappoint anyone, what would I choose?" No external validation. No seeking approval. Simply choose what aligns with your heart, and your truth, and notice how empowering it feels.
Remember, your power is yours to claim! And when you stand in your truth and lead from that place, you not only strengthen yourself, but you also elevate everyone around you...all ships rise.
Let's own our power more together this year!
With ♡ and gratitude,
Jennifer
P.S. With much care, I want to acknowledge that this does not apply to situations of abuse, this is never about placing that responsibility on you. Your safety, well-being, and right to support always come first. What we're exploring here are unconscious patterns we may carry in everyday life, where we have the ability to shift and reclaim our power.