Wendy Gladney (File photo)

Why does it take some of us a lifetime to learn our value?  Why do we so willingly, consciously or unconsciously, give up our power, especially to those who do not even deserve it.

I have seen this in my own life as well as other women who have not learned to value their worth. Well, it is time we stop waiting to empower, engage, and equip ourselves to be who we were called to be. When we know who we are and what we want, we have the framework to become our best self.

But knowing who and what we are is only the first step to being truly empowered.  We must also engage with others and equip ourselves with the knowledge and information necessary to succeed and be the best in what we have been called to do.

There are several things we can do to empower ourselves.  We can start by setting the right goals and pursuing them with all our passion. Clarity is very important if you are planning to be all in.  It is also critical to get the right education and skillset necessary to be the best you can be.  Surround yourself with the right people that can sow into your life in a positive way.  Take care of yourself and be mindful of your health, especially the older you get.

Engagement is also important.  To achieve true engagement, you must have the right heart and be sincere in your actions.  Listen to others to hear what they have to say because after all, most people just want to be heard.  Do your best to make relationships interactive where you give as you receive. This will make you memorable.

Finally, to equip yourself, you must know your strengths and weaknesses and then be willing to learn what you do not know. Stay in motion of learning and educating yourself to new things. Put together your own kitchen cabinet (advisors) that will be honest with you and help you grow. Not just yes people, but people that will give you true feedback.

The dawning of each new day brings the opportunity for us to get excited about the possibilities God gives us to pursue.  The turn of the new year also allows us to clean our slates and start anew. Ask yourself, have you been procrastinating because you do not feel like you have what it really takes to be powerful and a game changer?  Sometimes, it is all about just getting up and getting started.

If you need help, let me know.  I am here for you, but you must be willing to do what it takes to achieve your goals. In today’s world, we have everything we need to help us succeed at our fingertips. There are no excuses.

Life passes quickly.  A community colleague, Bobbie Jean Anderson, recently passed away, and she truly empowered, engaged, and equipped herself to serve others. We can take a page from her life and make sure we give all we have until the end.

If you have someone in your life that you feel is a good example of showing up and being their best self, do not be afraid to ask them to help you and to share with you where they feel you could improve. Most of all, believe in yourself and share knowledge with others as you grow and learn.

We must not be scared to live our lives out loud and go after all our dreams.  There is nothing holding you back except your own self-doubt.

Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.

 

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.