Many people believe that their ideas and dreams are impossible, so why even begin to pursue them? Women, in particular, believe that they lack the skills, confidence, resources and time to make things happen (Thanks, patriarchy).
When you’re frustrated, it’s better to look at the possibilities: what if success looks a little different for me? Success is more likely to be within your grasp than you probably realise. Stop chasing what you think other people think success looks like or what you think other people want you to think it looks like.
Women are redefining success based on their own terms
It’s getting a much-needed overhaul. A woman’s identity, sense of accomplishment and entire acceptance of her success are all influenced by well-defined success characteristics or keys to success:
- Feeling more courageous than yesterday
- Taking a relaxing stroll across the park without being distracted by thoughts of tasks or responsibilities
- Feeling stunning in a stunning gown
- Making their first sale in their new company
- Developing their first online course
- Getting the confidence to speak up in a workplace meeting about their proposal
- Giving an awesome presentation at work
Does success mean the same thing to you it does to these women? Well, if your answer is no then, just remember it doesn’t always have to look like everyone else’s success for it to feel like your success.
Get over “I’m not sure what I want.”
You don’t have to know what your dream or goal looks like to improve your life. In the future, would you desire to be more courageous or have more time for yourself? We all have the ability to improve our lives, but the journey must begin now. It’s much worse to be stuck than to do something (anything!) about it.
You don’t have to know everything
Many people are so used to proving to others that they are strong and can make it on their own that they have confused perseverance with success. Sleepless nights and exhaustion aren’t likely to make you happy. Many others have figured out some of the more difficult aspects of establishing a “larger life” and meaningful achievement. Make use of their knowledge! Make the most of every opportunity to save time and avoid mistakes.
Don’t wait for the stars to align before taking action
Many are sure that they WILL begin working on their ideas and goals, but that something must first occur. “When I quit my job, I’m going to create my own company” or “I’ll start writing my book when I finish my degree.”
They believe there will come a time when it “makes sense” to start something they’ve always wanted to do. Regrettably, that special date will never arrive. Days will develop into weeks and weeks will turn into months, so forth and so on. You must begin the new chapter before you are entirely prepared to welcome it.
Concentrate on the things that could go Right
Many people are so preoccupied with what could go wrong that they would rather remain stuck and overwhelmed than make any changes in their lives. It’s a solitary confinement!
Learn to recognise when you’re holding yourself back and making decisions based on fear rather than focusing on the opportunity at hand. In fact, when you surround yourself with women who are learning to embrace the unknown and loving it, you too begin to believe in a brighter future that can materialise much faster than you think.
It’s not enough to “consider” embarking on a journey
When was the last time you read one of your favorite articles? Have you been “trying to figure things out” for a long time? Put time and money behind it if you want to start living a “larger life” or if you want to start showing up fully and discovering who you truly are. Decide to begin the adventure right now.
What if you changed your definition of success to something a little more gentle? What if your success resembled you? Would it make embarking on a quest for something bigger a little less difficult? Think about these questions and go out there to conquer your life the way you want to!
Until the next time:)