As women, we often hesitate to take opportunities that come our way. We wait for someone to ask us to take on a new project, to apply for a promotion, or to speak up in a meeting. We think we need permission or validation from others before we can take action. But the truth is, we don't need anyone's approval to pursue our goals. We need to stand up, take the initiative, and seize the opportunities that come our way.
Research shows that women are less likely than men to ask for promotions, negotiate salaries, and seek out challenging assignments. This hesitancy can hold us back from advancing in our careers and achieving our goals. We need to be more proactive and assertive in advocating for ourselves.
Here are some tips for how we can take action and stand up:
Know your worth: Before you can advocate for yourself, you need to know your value. Take stock of your skills, accomplishments, and contributions, and use that knowledge to negotiate for what you deserve.
Speak up: Don't be afraid to voice your ideas, opinions, and concerns in meetings and other settings. You have valuable insights to offer, and your voice deserves to be heard.
Seek out challenges: Don't wait for someone to offer you a challenging assignment. Seek out opportunities to stretch yourself and learn new skills.
Take risks: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you fail, it's a learning experience that can help you grow and develop.
Celebrate your successes: When you soar, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. You deserve to feel proud of your hard work and achievements.
As someone who has stepped out of my comfort zone, I know firsthand the power of standing up and taking action. You will never reget it.
I quit my job to run for nomination for politics, started my own company in a pandemic, and started a podcast when I didn't know how. These experiences have taught me that anything is possible if you're willing to take risks and work hard.
When you see women you admire and are leaders, remember the hard work and boldness that got them there. They didn't wait for someone to give them permission or validation; they stood up and took action. If you want it, you need to do the same. So stand up, don't wait for someone to ask you, and go after what you want.