WHY I'M NO LONGER USING THE WORD 'EMPOWERED' WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN

For years, the concept of being "empowered" has been a cornerstone in discussions about women’s growth, confidence, and strength. We've been told to seek empowerment through external sources—by acquiring more knowledge, gaining recognition, or earning positions of authority. While these pursuits are valuable, they often leave us feeling like something is still missing, like true empowerment remains just out of reach.

But what if the power we seek isn't something we need to find or earn? What if it's something we already possess, waiting to be discovered and nurtured? This is the essence of shifting from being "empowered" to becoming "In-Powered."

The Traditional Notion of Empowerment

Empowerment has long been associated with gaining power, authority, or confidence through external means. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, earning accolades, or receiving validation from others, the conventional idea of empowerment suggests that power is something given to us by the outside world. This mindset can be incredibly motivating, but it also comes with significant limitations.

When we rely on external sources for our sense of power, we become dependent on factors beyond our control. What happens when the recognition doesn’t come, when promotions are delayed, or when validation is nowhere to be found? We can be left feeling inadequate, frustrated, and powerless—despite our best efforts.

The Myth of External Power

The belief that power comes from outside ourselves is not only misleading but also disempowering. It sets us on a never-ending quest for something that cannot truly fulfil us. We chase after titles, roles, and accolades, thinking they will bring us the confidence and strength we desire. But this pursuit often leaves us feeling empty and disconnected from our true selves.

The truth is, no external achievement can fully satisfy our need for power and confidence because these qualities are not external at all—they are internal. They are not found in what we achieve or what others think of us; they are found within us, in our hearts and minds, in our inherent worth and unique strengths.

The Shift to In-Powerment: Discovering Your Inner Strengths

In-Powerment is about recognising that everything you need to be strong, confident, and fulfilled already exists within you. It's about tapping into your inner resources—your self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-management—to cultivate the power that lies dormant inside.

Self-Awareness: This is the foundation of In-Powerment. Understanding who you are, what drives you, and where your strengths lie is crucial. Self-awareness allows you to lead with authenticity, make decisions that align with your values, and connect more deeply with others.

Self-Esteem: In-Powerment is also about embracing your worth. It’s recognising that you don’t need external validation to know you’re valuable. Self-esteem is the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you’re capable of.

Self-Management: Finally, In-Powerment involves taking control of your actions and emotions. It’s about managing your responses to challenges and setbacks, staying resilient in the face of adversity, and maintaining balance in your life. When you master self-management, you become the author of your own story.

Tapping Into Your Internal Resources

Once you acknowledge that power is an internal force, the next step is learning how to access and amplify it. This involves practical techniques and strategies that help you connect with your inner resources:

1. Mindfulness and Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Mindfulness practices like meditation can help you tune into your inner world and strengthen your self-awareness.
2. Positive Affirmations: Reinforce your self-esteem by affirming your strengths and accomplishments. Positive self-talk can reshape your mindset and help you internalise your worth.
3. Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage your emotions through techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or mentor. Emotional regulation is key to maintaining resilience and self-management.
4. Goal Setting: Set goals that align with your values and vision for your life. Break them down into actionable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way. This not only builds confidence but also keeps you focused and motivated.

The Community of In-Powered Women

In-Powerment isn’t just an individual journey; it’s also about connecting with others who are on the same path. By joining a community of like-minded women, you can share your experiences, offer and receive support, and collectively grow stronger. A community provides the strength, encouragement, and accountability needed to stay true to your journey.

From Understanding to Action: Embrace In-Powerment

The shift from empowerment to In-Powerment is profound. It’s not about giving you power from the outside; it’s about helping you discover the power you’ve always had within. It’s a journey that starts with self-awareness, builds with self-esteem, and thrives with self-management.

My mission is to guide you on this journey, helping you tap into these internal resources and bring them to the surface, where they can truly shine. The strength, wisdom, and resilience you've been searching for aren’t out there somewhere—they’re inside you, waiting to be unlocked.

So, I invite you to join our community, engage with our content, and participate in our events as we redefine what it means to be truly In-Powered. Together, we can create a world where women don’t just seek power—they embody it from within. For more information go here: https://bit.ly/TCLearnMore