Stepping into Your Power:
Why Taking Yourself Seriously Unlocks Everything
As entrepreneurs, we often feel the pressure to "fake it till we make it". We might feel low energy, unfocused, and struggle to believe our goals are possible. In an effort to look like a "legit business owner," we avoid asking for help or verbalizing our struggles, isolating ourselves. However, a crucial step in building a thriving, profitable venture is to take yourself seriously. This starts internally – paying attention to what you say to and about yourself and reframing negative self-talk. Setting healthy boundaries is an act of self-respect that reinforces this internal seriousness and allows you to honor your values and priorities. When you consistently value your expertise and time, others are more likely to as well.
Part of building credibility and inspiring others is by telling your personal story. Your journey, lessons learned, and unique experiences are part of the "mountain of value" you stand on. My own story of overcoming extreme poverty, frequent homelessness, attending five different high schools, and navigating life as a divorced single mother is a powerful example. I share this not to dwell on hardship, but to demonstrate that if I can cultivate success and build generational wealth despite immense obstacles, then others, particularly women entrepreneurs facing their own challenges, can do it too. Your history doesn't define your future; every day is a chance to try again, and sharing how you've been "forged in fire" allows you to take back your power.
When you take yourself seriously and recognize the value forged in your unique journey, you can proudly take a seat at the table, any table. This involves believing you have something unique and important to offer. Identifying and leveraging your Personal Zones of Genius—the activities where you naturally excel and feel fulfilled—is key to unlocking your potential and building a business around what you were born to do. Becoming a "Key Person of Influence" in your niche involves promoting your ideas and insights, which requires confidence in what you bring to the table. Whether it's attending networking events, stepping onto a stage, or joining a community, being present and sharing your unique perspective helps the right people find you and enables you to connect with your market. Sometimes, simply changing your physical environment can help you see opportunities and challenges differently and feel more normal pursuing your ambitious goals.
Finally, while the entrepreneurial journey can sometimes feel isolating, know that you are not alone. Connecting with a community of like-minded people is important for growth and support. However, alongside this community, know that you as an individual stand on your own very valid merits. Your unique aptitudes, experiences, and resilience have brought you to where you are today. You have a 100% track record of successfully making it through every single day of your life, even the really, really hard ones. By focusing on your strengths, setting clear goals, and taking consistent action, you can build a profitable, fulfilling business that reflects your unique values and aspirations, contributing to your vision of building generational wealth and a lasting positive impact. You are the only you, and we need you.
