Find your path to power: Ditch the hammer and be a light bulb
I recently took a week off and unplugged and spent most of my time and energy at the ocean—my favorite place to regroup and refresh.
Not just taking in all the vibes from the sun and sand but literally IN the water as much as I could to just get that cleansing and reinvigoration that only that salt water can give me.
As professionals, we may think that going on vacation and unplugging entirely is selfish. It is not at all!
What it is:
-Self-care
-A way to refresh and recharge
-An opportunity to get inspired or enlightened
-Undistracted time to spend alone or with family and friends
I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING except relax and read a very enjoyable fiction (The Last Word—so good) and listen to my fav tunes for most of my time away.
I wasn’t stressed or worried. Wasn’t doing or planning or strategizing or coaching/mentoring. I was being with myself, reflecting and pausing, which is exactly what I needed.
Of course I had a few issues with the overly rough surf and rip tide that was not the norm (because I can’t swim!) but once I got over that, I was able to find my Zen.
Seeing those waves sometimes at 10 feet high made me think about power and how it can look like so many different things. I cannot fight with waves that strong, I have to either avoid them entirely or surrender to them.
But my response dictates the power I have in those moments—to fight or go with the flow?
We can only control what is within our control. I do not control the ocean. I had to remind myself of that reality. But I do control my response to the ocean.
And when my response came from a place of humility and flow, I had a better outcome.
We can wield our power like a hammer or like a light bulb. We get to choose.
You know, the old-school idea of power—think rigid rules, barking orders, and a whole lot of "my way or the highway"—is getting pretty stale.
Those traditional, hierarchical, and often masculine views of power are a bit outdated and can be pretty unfair to women and other marginalized groups.
If power is employed not as a hammer, but as a light bulb, the ability to influence, inspire, and create positive change is more evident.
This new definition fits more with collaborative, inclusive, and transformational leadership styles, which, spoiler alert, are often associated with feminine traits. 🌟
Here are some ways to tap into your innate power effectively yet harmoniously and strut your stuff with confidence:
1. Crack the Power Code: Understand how power works in your workplace or industry. Think of it like learning the secret menu at your favorite café. By knowing the dynamics, you can spot the perfect moment to order your "influence latte" and make things happen. This savvy approach helps you navigate the landscape and position yourself for leadership roles.
2. Assemble Your "Success Squad": Like I talk about in my book, It’s Your Time to Shine Girl, form a dream team of supportive peers, mentors, and allies who’ve got your back. It's like having a personal cheerleading squad that offers advice, encouragement, and a bit of tough love when needed. This "power of the pack" approach is all about sharing experiences and strategies, and it's way more fun than going it alone.
3. Master the Art of Assertiveness: Channel your inner Beyoncé and practice some assertive, self-advocacy moves. Speak up in meetings, share your brilliant ideas, and make requests without feeling the need to apologize for existing. Use those "I" statements like a boss: "I think," "I feel," "I propose." And remember, there’s no perfect moment—if you’ve got something valuable to say, go ahead and say it!
4. Embrace Vulnerability: Guess what? Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness; it’s a superpower! Admitting you don’t have all the answers, asking for help, and being open to learning shows true strength. Plus, it fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. So, go ahead and own those moments of uncertainty—they’re your stepping stones to growth.
And if you want consistent support, guidance, and objectivity, consider working with a guide like me to get you right on your purpose path where you harness your innate power and influence for the good!
My rates are rising in June so schedule a clarity call with me ASAP to explore whether a partnership with me makes sense.😉
By challenging the old power dynamics and smashing stereotypes, women like you can redefine what leadership looks like. So, go out there, shine bright like the star you are and show the world how it's done!
In the meantime, here's to your continued unveiling!
Natalie
The Brilliance Unveiler
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As "The Brilliance Unveiler," Natalie Jobity leverages more than fifteen years of experience empowering hundreds of women as an image consultant and now as a leadership elevation coach & personal brand strategist of The Unveiled Way. She empowers heart-centered, high-achieving women seeking to make their divinely designed impact, to operate in their brilliance so they are positioned to lead authentically and unapologetically in their arena.
Natalie Jobity is an ICF-certified coach, bestselling author, mentor, speaker, and facilitator who recently published her second book titled, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. This leadership development and empowerment book and her She Shines Affirmation card deck, will inspire women the world over to step into their purpose, and also give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as a woman of influence.
Visit Natalie’s website to learn more about how she partners with purpose-driven women to propel them forward so their impact and influence increase. Discover your leadership posture and style by taking Natalie’s popular assessment, LeadHer Way Brand Identity Assessment.