Ladies, have you ever felt like you’re constantly seeking someone’s approval before making a decision or taking action? Whether it’s asking your boss for permission to work from home or seeking your partner’s blessing before buying that dress you’ve been eyeing, it’s easy to fall into the habit of seeking validation. But what would happen if you stopped asking for permission?
When you stop asking for permission, you take back control of your life. You start making decisions based on what you truly want and need, rather than waiting for someone else to give you the green light. This shift in mindset can be empowering and liberating, allowing you to confidently pursue your goals and aspirations.
There are many key benefits to not seeking permission, but one of our favourites is that immediately it helps you build self-confidence. When you make decisions and take action without seeking validation, you’re trusting your instincts and abilities. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself, which can boost your self-esteem and help you tackle new challenges with confidence. Remember, asking permission requires you to place the person you ask in a position of authority. This in itself is a form of giving your power away.
“They’ll tell you you’re too loud, that you need to wait your turn and ask the right people for permission. Do it anyway.”
When you stop asking for permission, you also become a role model for those around you. By taking charge of your life and making your own decisions, you inspire others to do the same. This can have a ripple effect, creating a supportive community of women who empower each other to live their best lives.
Here are some steps you can take to stop asking for permission and take control of your life:
Identify your patterns: Take some time to reflect on the situations in which you tend to seek permission. What triggers you to ask for approval? Understanding your patterns can help you recognise when you’re falling into the habit of seeking validation.
Challenge your thoughts: When you feel the urge to ask for permission, challenge the underlying beliefs and thoughts that are driving that behaviour. Ask yourself, “Do I need someone else’s approval to make this decision?” or “Is seeking permission serving me or holding me back?”
Practice self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your wants and needs, write them down in a journal and consider what you truly want without the influence of others. This can help you make decisions that align with your values and goals.
Make small steps: Start small by making decisions and taking action without seeking permission in low-stakes situations. This can help you build confidence and prepare you for more challenging scenarios.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out relationships with people who support and empower you, rather than those who hold you back. Surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people can help you feel more confident in your own abilities.
Learn to say no: Saying no can be a powerful tool for setting boundaries and taking control of your life. The power of saying no lies in taking control of your life and setting boundaries. By saying no, you’re taking a stand for yourself and communicating what you’re willing and not willing to accept. This not only helps you prioritise your own needs and wants, but it also shows others that you respect and value yourself. Start by saying no to small requests, and gradually build up to larger ones.
Of course, it’s not always easy to break free from the habit of seeking permission. But with time and practice, you can develop the confidence and independence you need to make decisions on your own. And once you start making your own choices and taking control of your life, you’ll see just how empowering it can be.
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