“The most common way people give up their power is thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
One of the most exciting (and terrifying) lessons you can learn in your life is that you can do anything you want and no one can stop you. It’s even more eye-opening to realize that the only person holding you back is yourself.
Yes, you read that right.
YOU are the only person that can hold you back from making progress on your goals. We choose – whether consciously or subconsciously – who and what we let hold us back. And it’s time to do something about it before it’s too late.
It’s time to stop giving away your power.
If you’ve been struggling to make progress on the big goals you have for your life, these steps can help you tap into the motivation you need to move forward.
Step 1: Stop Repeating Your Tired Excuses
You’ve been using the same excuses for years. At this point, even YOU must be tired of hearing yourself say them over and over! The “buts” are getting old by now. But I’m too busy. But I don’t have the money. But I’m not ready yet. But I don’t know how. You’re actively sabotaging your success every time you use one of these lame excuses. When you continue to make excuses like this, you give away your power to solve your own problems. You push away your innate creative ability to find a way despite the challenges. You also neglect the power of the God in you to MAKE a way out of what looks like a hopeless situation. There is a deep strength within that can only be activated if you believe that you can move forward, no matter what. Don’t let your excuses take that away from you.
Step 2: Stop Listening to People Who Aren’t Doing Anything with Their Lives
If you have friends or family members who have never taken a risk on themselves to do something great, they may not be the best ones to take advice from. Even though they mean well and they love you, they may not know how to encourage you to be your best self. They may not have the capacity to lift you up in a way that motivates you to take those courageous leaps into the unknown. When you take advice from people who are living their own lives in fear, it limits your power to dream big and think outside of the box. Stay rooted in possibility by seeking out those who have done what you aspire to do and are already where you want to be.
Step 3: Stop Taking “No” for an Answer
Just because you asked one person for help and they shut the door in your face, doesn’t mean it’s time for you to abandon your dream. Like my Grama says, “one monkey don’t stop no show!” Meaning, you can’t let one negative experience keep you from moving forward on your big goals. Rejection and disappointment are a part of life. Embrace it as part of the process and you’ll develop a thicker skin every time you hear the word “no.” But if you let one failure knock you down for the count, you give away your power of resilience. You are strong enough to withstand the hurt and pain that comes along with the journey. Use that power when the going gets tough and refuse to give up on your vision!
Remember the truth that you were not born to live in a spirit of fear. You were born to be an amazing person who does amazing things and leaves an amazing legacy in this world. Let today be the day you decide not to let anything stop you from fulfilling your purpose.
If you have been given an inspiring vision for your life, you have also been given the power to make it come true. (click here to tweet this quote!)
Leave a comment: Where in your life have you been giving away your power? What can you do today to start taking it back?
Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.
Hey Rosetta! This isn’t related to the article, but I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate SO MUCH what you are doing! I’ve been following you for a few years now – I don’t even remember how I found you – but I’ve witnessed your growth, downloaded your articles, read your e-books, listened to your webcasts, and refer you to all the Happy Black Women (or wanna-bees lol) at every opportunity! I’ve learned so much from you….you’ve inspired me to step out in faith and grow a little “side hustle” of my own!
You may not remember, but you invited me to send you a brief story of my personal health journey and how it changed my life. I haven’t forgotten….it’s coming! Thank you again! While it is 4 degrees in Chicago, enjoy the beautiful weather in Hawaii!!
Hey Necey! My memory is a little fuzzy but I’m excited that you’re starting your side hustle. Thanks so much for the support and all the best to you!
Thank you so much Rosetta! I’m going to an interview in another state because I need to take risk & get myself out there. We were not given a spirit of fear. Thank you for the reminder!! Much needed.
Congrats on taking that leap, Jessica! Keep us posted on your relocation progress :)
Very inspiring – thank you for sharing. I’m very happy to be a part of a group of successful women – Rosetta, you are truly a blessing!
Thanks so much for being a part of my community Malinda, appreciate you reading!
I love #2 too! I’ve been there! It took me a long time to realize that was why I had a fear of failure. When I surrounded myself with business people who are successful, I saw that they took risks. It takes risk to make things happen. Thanks so much for this blog post!
I love that you mentioned the risk part, Kristen. I’ve had to take huge risks on myself in order to build my business to this point. That’s what it takes to move forward! Thanks so much for stopping by :)
I especially love #2. And those that are closest to us, friends and family, may fall into this category.
That’s so true, Kara. Just because people love and care for us doesn’t automatically mean that they’re going to “get” our dreams and be able to support us in the way we need to be supported.