Last week I stumbled across the Victoria’s Secret PINK GRL PWR event at Grafton-Stovall Theatre. It featured a panel of strong likeminded women with the common goal to celebrate, support, and inspire girls everywhere. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into before walking through those huge movie theatre doors, but let me tell you, those ladies lit a flame in me when I thought I had used my last match.
Here are four things they got me thinking about.
- We ALL have a voice so use it.
When it comes to putting our ideas out there our first inclination is to question ourselves. I see it every day.
Who am I to do this? Why would anyone want to hear me speak? I have nothing worth saying right now.
I am totally guilty of this. In every Socratic style class I have ever taken, I’ve approached with a “I am so excited to learn more about this topic and get a few more ideas under my belt . . . but I’m just going to sit back and listen. Everyone else has more insightful things to say” mentality. I have no doubt that you could get by in life by always chilling in the backseat, but that life is way less fulfilling.
We all have special things to offer. There is already a world of things trying to kick us down. Whether it is sexism, racism, favoritism, or any other type of prejudice DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT add yourself to that list. Don’t silence yourself. Make yourself useful and use that voice of yours to empower yourself and others who need it.
- Own your life.
I know it gets super hard being in full throttle 24/7. Sometimes you just have to pull that last drop of motivation out of your ass and KEEP GOING! You’re not going to believe what amazing opportunities you find when you continue to put yourself out there.
As the great Michael Scott – and a thousand tinder profiles – once said, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So, you might as well take some chances. I like to think that the things with higher risks are worth taking because they lead to greater rewards.
- We’ll show ‘em.
Don’t let anyone talk down to you or try to take advantage of you. Look for it even outside the workplace.
The question is not if people will try to take advantage of you. It is when. People will say all kinds of things to downplay your efforts so when they do, rise above and work hard to perfect your skills. As women, when we speak up for ourselves, some will call it BOSSY to belittle us. You turn around and you call it CONFIDENCE.
Sometimes you won’t even realize when you’re being discriminated against. It can be hard to tell but as long as you know your standards, know how far you can go, love what you do, and radiate confidence then they’ll know you mean business and see that you are good at what you do.
So step to the challenge. PUT OTHERS to the challenge and refuse to care about anything counterproductive that anyone has to say about you.
- “Because I’m afraid” is never a good excuse.
I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. Don’t let the fear of “what if” stop you from amounting to your full potential. Accept the fact that you have a talent that is worth sharing. Once you break down this wall you will be able to learn from people and experience incredible places that will inspire you and push you to grow.
Before I leave you, there’s one last thing you should know. You are a Girl Boss. Maybe you haven’t grown into the title yet, but you will. Figure out what you want and make it happen for yourself because no one will care about you more than you do.
Featured Photo by Nina Uhlíkováon Pexels
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