Reclaim your power: 3 effective ways to empower yourself today

Have you ever felt stuck, disempowered, or unable to make meaningful changes in your life? Many women, especially those in leadership roles, find themselves trapped by limiting beliefs, an overactive inner critic, or frustration over circumstances beyond their control. But here’s the empowering truth: you already possess the tools to transform your life.

This blog article offers three powerful and effective ways that you can start practicing today to reclaim your power, silence self-doubt, and take charge of your growth journey. 

Powermove 1: Focus only on what’s under your control

One of the most liberating shifts you can make is to redirect your energy toward what you can control and let go of what you can’t. While this may sound simple, it requires intentionality and practice.

Your sphere of control

The key to empowerment lies in distinguishing what you can control from what you cannot. Trying to influence or change things outside your control—like other people’s attitudes or the outcomes of uncertain situations—leads to frustration and helplessness. Instead, focus on these three areas where your power truly resides:

1. Your thoughts and emotional responses: While you can’t control the world around you, you can choose how you interpret and react to events. Shifting from negative self-talk to a mindset of possibility is a small but profound act of empowerment. 

2. Your actions and behaviors: You have complete authority over how you respond to challenges. Whether it’s taking initiative or stepping back to reevaluate, your actions shape your path forward. 

3. Your choices: In any situation, you can choose one of three paths—change it, leave it, or accept it. Even in the hardest situations, there’s power in choosing how you engage. 

Why this matters:

Attempting to control others’ emotions, reactions, or attitudes is a common trap. Spending time and energy on things outside your control drains you emotionally and mentally. The belief that we can influence how others behave often leads to frustration and powerlessness. Letting go of this illusion frees you to focus on your own strength.

You can’t change how others react to you, but you can adjust your boundaries and responses to protect your peace. By focusing on your sphere of control, you free yourself from the futile cycle of trying to manage the uncontrollable.

The present moment: Your power point

Power exists in the present moment, not in the past or the future. Here’s why: 

- The past is beyond change. What happened is done. However, you can reflect on past experiences to extract valuable lessons and let go of lingering regrets. 

- The future is unwritten. While planning is essential, it’s also crucial to recognize that worrying about the unknown is unproductive. 

The present moment is where decisions are made and actions are taken. It’s the only space where change and growth occur. Grounding yourself in the present gives you the clarity and focus needed to act effectively. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing or journaling can help bring your attention back to the now.

Practical focus tip:

When your mind wanders to “what could have been” or “what might happen,” take a deep breath and ground yourself in the now. Ask: “What’s one action I can take in this moment to improve my situation?”

The power of attention

Your attention is a powerful resource. You can choose to focus on what’s missing or broken, or shift your gaze to what’s working and what’s possible. This reframing helps you see opportunities instead of obstacles.

Where you focus your attention shapes your reality. Imagine this: two people face the same challenge. One sees opportunity and growth, the other sees failure and risk. Their outlook determines their experience and response.

You have a choice: 

- Focus on what’s missing, broken, or incomplete, and feel stuck. 

- Shift your attention to what’s working, what’s possible, and what can grow.

Practical advice:

Start each morning by writing down three things you can control today and commit to focusing only on those. At the end of the day, reflect on how this practice shifted your perspective. Empowerment comes from deliberately shifting your lens to highlight opportunities and strengths. 

Powermove 2: Dismantle disempowering beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality. The stories you tell yourself about your abilities, worth, or possibilities create the foundation for your actions—or lack thereof. Many of us unknowingly carry limiting beliefs that keep us stuck in self-doubt or inaction. To achieve sustainable change, our actions must be supported by empowering beliefs. If your mindset is rooted in doubt or impossibility, even the best plans can falter.

Beliefs shape behavior

What you believe about yourself influences your actions. If you believe something is impossible, your actions will reflect hesitation and fear. On the other hand, empowering beliefs fuel growth and courage. As the saying goes, “Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right.”

The power of mindset:

Every action begins with a thought. To achieve something you’ve never done before, you need a mindset that supports growth and possibility. If you want to achieve lasting change, your beliefs must align with your goals. This involves unlearning limiting beliefs and replacing them with thoughts that empower you.

For instance, if you aspire to step into a leadership role but tell yourself, "I’m not capable," this belief will hold you back before you even begin. 

Challenging disempowering beliefs

Two of the most damaging and disempowering beliefs - that I was able to find in my life - are: 

1. “I can’t do this.” This thought stifles action and reinforces self-doubt. 

2. “It’s impossible.” This belief blocks creativity and exploration before you even start. 

These thoughts create self-imposed limitations, reinforcing feelings of helplessness and inaction. Recognizing and reframing these beliefs is essential for empowerment.

To dismantle these beliefs, you need to first build awareness around them. Identify the thought; pinpoint limiting beliefs as they arise. Writing them down can provide clarity. 

Once you’ve caught one of these silent saboteurs, you can flip the script and replace them with realistic, empowering thoughts:

 1. “I can’t do this” → “I am learning and improving every day.” 

 2. “This is impossible” → “With effort, I can figure this out.” 

The empowered alternatives:

These thoughts rob you of the confidence to act. Flip them into empowering alternatives that open the door to possibility: 

- “I can learn this.” 

- “I’m capable of figuring this out.” 

- “This is challenging, but not impossible.” 

- “Others have done this, and so can I.” 

- “I can take one step at a time.” 

- “Mistakes are stepping stones, not setbacks.” 

- "Growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone." 

- "I am capable of handling challenges." 

- "I am resourceful and adaptable."  

Strengthen new beliefs with action

Your beliefs grow stronger with evidence. Start small by taking manageable actions that challenge your comfort zone. Each step outside your comfort zone reinforces the belief that growth is possible.  For example:

- If you believe, “I’m not a good speaker,” start by presenting to a supportive group. 

- Celebrate each win, no matter how small— it reinforces your belief in your abilities.

Practical tip:

Choose one limiting belief and write down an empowering alternative. Take one small action today that aligns with your new belief. Over time, these small actions lead to self-confidence and build a mindset rooted in possibility and growth.

Powermove 3: Silence your Inner Critic

Even the most confident women battle an inner critic—a voice of doubt and fear that discourages growth. While its intentions are protective, it often keeps you stuck in old patterns. 

Who is your Inner Critic?

The inner critic is the voice in your head that whispers (or shouts): 

- “You’re not good enough.” 

- “What if you fail?” 

- “Don’t even try—it’s too risky.”

Your inner critic often masquerades as a protective voice, trying to shield you from failure, harm or rejection. Its intentions aren’t malicious, however, it can keep you stuck in your comfort zone by discouraging you from taking risks, keeping you far from growth and opportunity.

Recognizing this voice is the first step in reducing its power. 

Understand its intentions

Your inner critic stems from a part of you that wants to shield you from harm. Rather than battling your inner critic, acknowledge its positive intent. Shaming or silencing it only creates internal conflict.  Instead, the key is to understand its purpose and create a healthy relationship with it. 

Reframing the Critic

Instead of ignoring or battling your inner critic, try befriending it:

- Recognize that this voice is trying to protect you. By understanding its role, you can respond with compassion rather than frustration. Approach the critic with curiosity rather than judgment.

- Give this voice a name and personality, like “Worried Wendy” or “Cautious Claire”. This creates distance and helps you see it as a part of you—not the whole of you.  Treat it kindly but firmly.

- While you can appreciate its intentions, you remain in charge. Think of your inner critic as a backseat passenger—not the driver. When it tries to take over, speak to it kindly and remind it who’s in charge: “Thank you for trying to protect me, but I’ve got this.” 

Why this works:

Acknowledging your inner critic helps integrate it as a part of your psyche, rather than suppressing it. Suppression leads to inner conflict, while acceptance fosters growth.

Take the driver’s seat

While your inner critic may have a seat at the table, it should never hold the steering wheel of your life. Growth requires risk, discomfort, and vulnerability—qualities your inner critic avoids. Stay true to your vision by keeping this voice in check. 

Your inner critic has a role, but it’s not the driver of your life. While it highlights potential risks, it’s still up to you to evaluate those risks and act in alignment with your goals. Gently thank it for its concern, but assert your leadership: “I appreciate your caution, but I’m choosing growth.”

Practical tip:

The next time your critic speaks, write down its concerns. Then counter each one with an empowering statement that aligns with your growth goals.  

Conclusion: Empower yourself today

Empowerment isn’t a lofty ideal; it’s a choice you can make daily. By focusing on what’s within your control, replacing disempowering beliefs, and befriending your inner critic, you can step into your power and lead a life of confidence and growth.

To recap: 

1. Focus on what is within your control: Reclaim your energy by directing it to what you can influence—your mindset, the present moment, and your attention. 

2. Reframe self-limiting beliefs: Identify disempowering thoughts, replace them with empowering ones, and take small, aligned actions. 

3. Silence your Inner Critic: Recognize its positive intent, set boundaries, and remain the leader of your journey. 

Ready to start? Begin today by choosing one area to focus on, whether it’s grounding yourself in the present, reframing a limiting belief, or responding kindly to your inner critic. Each step brings you closer to the empowered, confident leader within. By embracing these practices, you’ll not only reclaim your power but also unlock your potential to lead authentically, live boldly, and create lasting change.