Rev up Your Success with Self-Advocacy

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Hi there, my friend!

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Today's newsletter is part 2 in a 3-part mini-series?

on empowering yourself to empower others.

(If you missed part 1 on Self-Awareness, you can check it out here .)

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In this second newsletter, let's dive into Self-Advocacy.

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Speaking up for what you want and need can be a game-changer,?

but it can also feel very uncomfortable –

especially right now when the automotive and tech industries?

are experiencing so many uncertainties and challenges.

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So, bear with me for a moment!

I'm not asking you (yet) to go ask for what you want.

We'll start with something safer:

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What do you really want?

And what is holding you back from asking for it?

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These questions are so elemental you may think it's ridiculous?

I'm putting them out there for you to actually answer.

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But in my experience, many of us – and women in particular –

have a hard time expressing what they really want.

The keyword in my question is YOU.

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This is not about what your parents or society expect from you,

not about what's reasonable and safe,

and not about what serves your partners and kids best.

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And please be honest about the second question too:

What's holding you back from asking is not only

supply chain issues, mass layoffs, inflation or other external factors.

(All valid and impactful, for sure!)

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I am pretty sure there are others reasons too, such as:

• “I want people to like me.”
• “I don't want to look pushy.”
• “This is such a selfish wish, I feel embarrassed to ask for it!”

There are a gazillion versions of these thoughts that keep us back.

And knowing yours is the best starting point to overcome them.

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Now here's what's next:

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1) Get clear on what you really want

Be super-honest with yourself about your wishes.

This often involves many layers, and I invite you to play the Why-game?

to get to the core of your desires.

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It's simple:

You start by writing down, for instance, “I want a promotion.”

Then you ask yourself, “Why do I want a promotion?”?

Write down what comes to mind first, maybe “I deserve it.”

Next is, “Why do I deserve it?” … and you go from there.

The usual guideline is to ask Why five times,

but if you feel you've reached your root desire in four times?

or need more than five rounds, go for it!?

It's your life, your career – your rules!

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2) Practice asking

Start asking for what you want in situations with lower stakes.?

If self-advocacy is hard for you,?

please don't start by asking your boss for a raise.

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Maybe you'll ask for help from a coworker when you need it,

or you tell your group lead that you'd love to present your data

in the next team meeting – something that feels uncomfortable but doable.

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This builds confidence and reduces the fear of hearing “no.”

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3) Take “NO” for what it really is

For most of us, any 'no' immediately feels like a personal rejection,

but in our professional life, that is rarely the case.

There are a ton of reasons why people reject your ask ?

– from budget constraints and hiring freezes to them having a bad day –

and most of them have zero to do with you.

(Ask a friend who works in Sales. I bet they'll tell you the same thing!)

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Even if the ‘no’ truly is a setback, it still offers an opportunity to pivot and grow –

which is way better than being stuck in the Land of Maybe.

Not knowing for sure is about the worst energy drain,?

while a ‘no’ sets you free to apply your energy in new ways.

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I strongly believe that empowering yourself?

is the first step to empowering others.?

Because it makes you a driving force.

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When you learn to ask for what you want,

you create the space for everybody

to speak up on their own behalf.

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Next time, we will look into Self-Advancement

and how appreciating your progress can help you grow?

in today's challenging business environment.

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I'd love to hear about your wishes and what's keeping you from asking!

Feel free to comment and/or send me a message.

?And if I need some support to work through this, let's chat!

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Love, Micha

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Book Me as Your Keynote Speaker

Are you inspired by these insights? I'd love to bring this energy and expertise to your next event. Book me as a speaker to empower your audience with actionable strategies for personal and professional growth. Whether it's a conference, workshop, or corporate event, let's work together to inspire and uplift women in the automotive and tech industries.

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Feel free to reach out at [email protected] or book your call at bit.ly/CallGoBig .?

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