I’m often asked by my patients, how do I take my power back?
First, you must recognize that you have given your power away at some point.
This might not be as easy as it sounds. This is why I’m writing a 2 part blog. This week it’s about giving away your power and next week, it will be about taking it back.
Giving away your power can happen unintentionally or due to certain patterns and behaviours.
Here are some instances where you would have given away your power:
- Seeking External Validation: Relying solely on external validation and approval can diminish your sense of personal power. When you constantly seek validation from others, you give away your ability to validate and affirm yourself. Remember that your worth does not depend on the opinions or approval of others.
- Fear of Conflict and Confrontation: Avoiding conflict and suppressing your true feelings to maintain peace can be a way of giving away your power. By not expressing yourself honestly and assertively, you allow others to dictate the terms of your interactions and compromise your own needs and desires.
- People-Pleasing: Constantly prioritizing the needs and wants of others above your own can be a sign of giving away your power. While it’s important to be compassionate and considerate, neglecting your own well-being and desires in the process can lead to a sense of powerlessness and dissatisfaction.
- Allowing Others to Make Decisions for You: When you consistently let others make decisions on your behalf or defer to their judgment, you relinquish your autonomy and agency. While seeking advice and guidance can be valuable, ultimately, you should trust yourself to make decisions aligned with your values and goals.
- Negative Self-Talk and Self-Doubt: Engaging in negative self-talk, self-doubt, and undermining your abilities diminishes your self-confidence and personal power. When you consistently doubt your capabilities, you give away your power to take risks, pursue opportunities, and achieve your goals.
- Over-Identifying with External Labels: Over-identifying with external labels, such as your job title, social status, or appearance, can lead to a sense of powerlessness. Remember that your true power comes from within and is not solely defined by external factors.
- Holding onto Past Resentments and Grudges: Holding onto past resentments and grudges can drain your energy and keep you stuck in a disempowered state. By forgiving and letting go, you reclaim your power to move forward and create positive change in your life.
Recognizing these patterns and behaviours is the first step towards reclaiming your power.
My next complimentary workshop is about Lessons Learned From Failure. Register here: https://forms.gle/GWheZsxXfhsWn6vx9