What is zapping your personal power?

The 6 P's That Zap Your Personal Power: How to Recognise and Reclaim Your Strength

As leaders, professionals, and human beings, we’re all striving for a sense of balance, fulfilment and impact. I hear this quest every day in the leadership programmes I facilitate. Yet, many of us feel drained, disempowered or unable to fully tap into our potential. What if I told you that there are six common, yet often hidden, habits that silently erode your personal power? Recognising and addressing them is key to reclaiming your personal power. Let’s take a deep dive into what I call “The 6 P’s that Zap Personal Power” and take Key Steps to make a shift and… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

1. Perfectionism: The Illusion of ‘Not Good Enough’

Perfectionism often hides behind the guise of high standards, but it’s a trap. When we aim for flawlessness, we place impossible expectations on ourselves, creating anxiety, stress and a sense of never quite measuring up. This erodes our confidence and robs us of joy in the process of learning and growing. Perfectionism keeps you locked in a cycle of dissatisfaction, preventing progress and celebrating your wins.

Shift: Embrace progress over perfection. Perfection doesn’t exist, but progress and persistence can move mountains and enable you to be excellent.

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2. Procrastination: The Thief of Time and Opportunity

We all procrastinate from time to time. But chronic procrastination steals our most valuable resource – time – and with it, our opportunity to grow and achieve our goals. It keeps us stuck in indecision or avoidance, leading to frustration, missed deadlines, and unmet potential.

Shift: Ask yourself, “What’s holding me back?” Often, procrastination is driven by a sense overwhelm. Taking even a small step toward action breaks the cycle and returns power to where it belongs: in your hands. Check if perhaps perfectionism might not be at the root if your procrastination too.

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3. People-Pleasing: Losing Yourself to Gain Approval

It’s natural to want to be liked, but when we prioritise others’ opinions and needs over our own, we lose sight of who we are and what truly matters to us. People-pleasing depletes our emotional energy and fosters resentment. It also compromises authenticity, as we bend ourselves – in unhealthy ways – to fit others’ expectations.

Shift: It’s time to get comfortable with setting boundaries and embracing the fact that you cannot please everyone all the time. Reclaim your energy by focusing on what aligns with your values and priorities.

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4. Purging Emotions: Bottling Anger Until It Erupts

Many of us have been taught that certain emotions – like anger – are negative or inappropriate. So, we suppress them, bottle them up, and continue like they don’t exist. However, buried emotions have a way of resurfacing in unhealthy ways, often through outbursts or passive-aggressive behaviour.

Shift: Acknowledge and process your emotions. Healthy expression of anger or frustration is not a sign of weakness but a path to understanding and resolution. Let yourself feel to deal and heal.

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5. Projection: Blaming Others for What’s Within

Projection is when we attribute our own fears, insecurities or unresolved emotions to others. This can create conflict in our relationships and prevent us from facing the true source of our discomfort – ourselves. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward, but it leaves us feeling powerless and disconnected.

Shift: When you notice yourself judging others, take a step back and ask, “What is this really about?” Often, our frustrations with others are mirrors of what’s happening inside. Own your feelings and take responsibility for your part in the dynamic.

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6. Punishment: The Cycle of Self-Criticism

We are often our own harshest critics. Negative self-talk and internal punishment erode self-esteem, creating a cycle of guilt, shame and self-doubt. This inner voice can become an obstacle to success, preventing you from embracing challenges or accepting yourself fully.

Shift: Challenge the inner critic by replacing it with self-compassion. Start small – notice the way you talk to yourself and shift from criticism to encouragement and challenge. You are deserving of the same kindness you show others.

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Reclaiming Your Personal Power

The good news is that once we become aware of these power-draining habits, we can consciously choose to change. Reclaiming your personal power isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being aware, taking responsibility and making healthier choices. When you let go of the 6 P’s, you free yourself to lead with confidence, clarity and compassion – not only for others but for yourself.

What Key Steps are you taking today to break free from these patterns and zap the 6 P’s instead of them zapping you? Take action and watch how your energy, resilience and joy begin to rise as you choose to.… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

Namaste

Sharon