Defining Empowerment

Empowerment is a familiar word. Many of us stare at empowering quotes on our mirrors or frig every morning. We post empowering memes to facebook and write empowering affirmations  in journals. We stream empowering podcasts and videos, attend workshops and seminars. We are quick to offer words of empowerment to friends struggling with a bad work situation.

We Are Empowered!

But what does that actually mean? You can’t take empowerment to the bank. You can’t pay your bills with empowerment. Does empowerment result in a better career or promotions? Does empowerment produce success? Is the result of empowerment power?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines empowerment as:  Authority or power given to someone to do something. The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.

Merriam Webster defines empowerment as the state of being empowered to do something :  the granting of the power, right, or authority to perform various acts or duties.

To be empowered do we need to first be in a position of disempowerment?

Merriam Webster defines disempowerment as: to deprive of power, authority, or influence : make weak, ineffectual, or unimportant.

Deprive of power, authority, or influence. There is no freedom in those words. They are cold and cruel. Make weak, ineffectual, or unimportant. The words of emotional and physical abuse.There is no respect any of the words.

So, does empowerment give us power, authority, or influence? Does empowerment make us strong, effectual, and important?

Power is controlling and benefiting from our resources, assets, income and time. Power is the ability to manage risk and improve our economic and personal well being. Power is having a voice.

Empowerment is a process not a solution. To move from empowerment into power, actions must be taken.

Replace the empowerment quotes on your mirror and frig with your goals and a “to do list” of the steps you think you need to accomplish your goals. Develop a timeline, and develop the discipline to adhere to it.

Seek out associations and groups of like minded people for support, information and resources. Our greatest resource is the people we meet. They can provide valuable advice based upon their business experiences or a fresh way of looking at a concept. The next person you meet may own a product or service that is beneficial to your business. Networking is about forming business relationships and commoradiere

As women we’ve been empowered long enough it's. It’s time to focus the self confidence and courage of empowerment into action. Be the Power in your own life!