It's April Already - How to Stay Empowered

Opportunities are always around us – some we may miss because we are looking in the other direction, and some we just choose to ignore. Why not make yourself a promise that this year, you will be consciously alert to new opportunities heading your way? Make your year a powerful and empowered year where you are in control of your own outcomes.

Being in tune with our surroundings and growth potential is one way to make things happen, and now is a great time to change your focus. The only thing that can hold you back is YOU, especially when fear and negativity creep into your thoughts. More often than not, we are our own worst enemy when that happens, because we stop and pay attention to them.

I remember having those negative thoughts just before I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. “You aren’t good enough.” “What if you fail?” “I can’t do it.” But you know what I did? I took a deep breath and dug deep into the well of courage. I took pride in the supporters and believers around me and most importantly, I stayed true to my passion and dreams. I started my own business and have never looked back.

From starting my own leadership business to being named one of the top influential leaders across the globe in 2015, I fought against those automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and came out on top. And you can too!

Make opportunities for yourself

Not every chance will fall directly into your lap; some you will have to manifest for yourself. Don’t let the ANTs stop you from moving out of your comfort zone and seeking out people or growth opportunities that will benefit you. You will have heard the saying, ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ – this is the perfect situation to apply that. Take a risk. It’s exciting!

Don’t take no for an answer

It is easy to walk away at the first sign of disapproval or uncertainty. But this is where you need to stand your ground and fight for what you believe in. Of course there are some situations that will be out of your control; however those which aren’t, and need you to proceed ahead with determination, are worth the commitment. If you believe in it, fight for it. You are as entitled as anyone else to get what you want or need.

Thoughts have power so choose them wisely

Ever noticed that when you are feeling negative you are attracted by negative events? The power of positivity can work wonders and attract situations that you never thought possible. Fire up the neurons; it’s all about the mindset. Our brains are adaptable and changing our thoughts can actually alter the structure of the brain. Focus on the positives, look for the good in every situation, and you’ll be surprised at how soon this becomes your natural thought process.

Target new potential goals as they present themselves

Not every goal will come to fruition, and many obstacles will cross your path. But out of these circumstances will come more occasions to grow and learn. Regret is a much worse than experiencing the feeling of failure. You are yet to achieve your true potential – today is a great day to be the best you can be.

How do you like those ideas? They are pretty manageable, aren’t they? Some conscious thought and some focus is all you need to achieve each of those things.

So how about we take it up a level? Are you ready for that?

You can become empowered by changing your thoughts and actions, but you can also become empowered by helping others do the same thing. Supporting others as they find their power is an incredibly exciting and empowering thing to do, and we all benefit when we work together.

Pass on what you’ve leant

Tap into your leadership skills and share what you’ve learnt, which is the importance of recognising and seizing opportunities without worrying about failure. It’s much easier to spot hesitation in others than it is in yourself, and when you see it, you need to be prepared to deal with it. You aren’t just a teacher here, sharing you learning. You’re a cheerleader and a supporter, especially for women who hold themselves back by worrying about what others might think. You’re role is to encourage them to ‘give it a go’, and to be there when they do, whether or not they get the result they want. No-one should have to feel alone while you’re around. And you know – by sharing your own empowerment, you are actually strengthening it. So pass on what you’ve learnt and be there when other people take that leap of faith.

Share opportunities

Not all the opportunities you see are right for you but they may be right for others in your team. If your skill lies in spotting opportunities, learn to bring them to the attention of the people around you. You aren’t just opening their eyes, you are opening their minds to possibility. You are building receptivity in their brains and changing the though patterns of a lifetime. How empowered do you feel now?

Speak up

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” 
― Coco Chanel

One of the biggest challenges to empowerment is choosing to speak up when you need to, instead of letting things slide by. You’ve learnt to speak up for yourself and not take no for an answer, so now you can apply the same technique when it comes to calling out bias, injustice or even ignorance. When you know something’s not right, speak up! I can’t tell you how invigorating it is to fight on behalf of others to right a wrong or make a situation better. And remember – you’re setting an example that others will follow, and helping them practice using their own power.

Make it a way of life

Empowerment should be a way of life.

How can you make it a way of life for others? Simple. Share your excitement at the possibilities you can see, because neuroscience has shown us that a positive attitude is contagious. Our brains have mirror neurons which are wired to detect and mirror emotion of others. That’s awesome because it means you can infect people with enthusiasm simply by showing yours.

Every day – not just now and again – you have the power to make a positive difference to your own life and to the lives of others. That’s one of the biggest opportunities you will ever have so don’t let it pass you by. Empower yourself by taking action and empower others by letting them see you do it.

Not all the opportunities you see are right for you but they may be right for others in your team. If your skill lies in spotting opportunities, learn to bring them to the attention of the people around you. You aren’t just opening their eyes, you are opening their minds to possibility. You are building receptivity in their brains and changing the though patterns of a lifetime.

How empowered do you feel now?

Sonia McDonald CEO & Founder of LeadershipHQ who was recently named in the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe is offering 15 places for her Leadership Accelerator One On One Coaching Program. This program is an intensive 12 month executive leadership coaching program and we limited spaces available to work with Sonia McDonald DIRECTLY. If you would love to find out more contact us at [email protected] This program will change your Leadership mindset, confidence, courage and capability to reach the top for true success!