Breaking Free: My Journey to Leading Without Limits

Have you ever felt trapped by expectations that aren't yours?

Recently,

I looked out my office window as the city lights turned on.

Despite all I'd achieved, I felt like I was living inside walls I didn't build.

I remembered people telling me to "know my place" or "wait my turn." As a single mother in law school, juggling late-night studies with early mornings, I beat the odds. Finishing in the top 1% on the bar exam was supposed to be my big break. Yet I still felt boxed in by invisible barriers.

One evening, after a tough meeting, I took a walk to clear my head. Suddenly, it hit me:

"I was living by rules I didn't make."

Why was I following guidelines that didn't match who I truly was?

Why was I letting others decide my path?

That night changed everything.

I went home and wrote down all my frustrations, dreams, and fears.

I decided to throw out that unwritten rulebook.

I began to embrace my journey, seeing every challenge as proof of my strength.

I started sharing my story openly, hoping to inspire others and boost my own confidence.

I stopped playing small. I let myself dream big, setting goals that excited and scared me.

I wrote down bold aims and broke them into steps I could start right away.

The voice that doubted me didn't disappear overnight, but I learned to challenge it.

For every negative thought, I reminded myself of a past success, building a habit of self-belief.

I realized the importance of being around people who lift me up.

I attended events, joined groups, and started a circle with like-minded women.

Instead of fearing failure, I saw it as a part of growth.

I viewed setbacks as learning opportunities, figuring out what went wrong and how to improve.

I decided not to hide my ideas anymore.

I shared my thoughts in meetings and wrote articles in my field.

I knew that growth never stops.

I enrolled in courses that interested me and read books to expand my knowledge.

Protecting my time and energy became a priority.

I identified draining tasks and either delegated or dropped them,

scheduling downtime that I honored.

I aimed to both learn and teach.

I sought out mentors and offered guidance to new leaders.

Recognizing achievements kept me motivated.

I kept a journal of victories, celebrating each one, big or small.

As I adopted this limitless mindset, everything began to change.

New opportunities appeared.

Let's be honest.

Breaking free isn't easy. It brings up old feelings and makes us face things we've avoided. But to welcome the new, we must let go of the old.        

You're not alone. The barriers are real but can be overcome.

Leading without limits isn't a luxury - it's necessary.

Don't wait for the perfect time. The time is now.

- Raquel