10 Steps to Start Stepping Up and Stop Stepping Aside for Women
Too many women are still stepping aside, in both professional and personal spaces. Women need to break the pattern of bowing to not only societal expectations and external pressures, but to our own internalized beliefs. it’s time for women to reclaim their space and step up, not just for themselves but for future generations. Here’s how to start making that shift.
Step 1. Recognize Your Value
One of the most crucial steps in stepping up is recognizing your worth. Women often underestimate their abilities or downplay their achievements. It’s important to acknowledge your skills, experiences, and the unique perspective you bring to the table. Whether in a meeting, a community space, or a social setting, remember that you have a voice and your voice matters! Start your day with an intention to notice the value you bring to situations throughout the day. If journaling is something you enjoy, keep a journal of your accomplishments, big and small, to remind yourself of how valuable you are.
Step 2. Challenge Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a very real challenge for many women (and men) where they feel like frauds despite their qualifications and successes. The feeling that you’re going to be found out any minute can lead to hesitation in taking on new challenges or speaking up. One way to combat this is to reframe your thoughts—focus on facts, not feelings. Surround yourself with a supportive network that affirms your capabilities. Everyone needs a champion! Remember, we all have doubts, but that doesn’t make us any less capable.
Step 3. Learn to Say No
Listen up all you People Pleasers, stepping aside often happens because women feel obligated to say yes to everything. Whether it’s extra tasks at work, social commitments, or even taking on emotional labor – you know, that goal to keep everyone happy, the inability to say no can lead to burnout and a lack of focus on personal goals. Practice setting boundaries and prioritize your time and energy on what truly matters to you. Remember, saying no is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-respect, and you deserve that!
Step 4. Take Up Space
Physically and metaphorically, it’s time to take up space. In meetings, don’t shy away from sitting at the table and voicing your opinions. Remember your value. You have something to say! In your personal life, take up space by pursuing your interests, hobbies, and passions, unapologetically. Women learn from an early age to be accommodating and to avoid being seen as “too much.” That is nonsense. You can and should occupy the space you deserve.
Step 5. Advocate for Yourself and Others
Whether it’s negotiating a salary, asking for a promotion, or speaking up against unfair treatment, advocating for yourself is crucial. This also extends to advocating for others—use your voice to lift up other women, challenge biases, and push for equity. Advocacy doesn’t have to be loud; it can be as simple as ensuring credit is given where it’s due, or supporting policies that promote equality.
Step 6. Embrace Failure and Keep Going
Stepping up often comes with risks, and with risks, there might be failures. But failure is not the end—it’s a part of the process. Embrace your failures as learning experiences. Every setback is an opportunity to grow and become more resilient. The key is to keep moving forward, to keep stepping up even when the path is challenging. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Step 7. Seek and Offer Mentorship
Mentorship is a powerful tool for empowerment. If you’re in a position to mentor, offer guidance to other women. This creates a ripple effect, empowering more women to step up. If you’re looking to step up yourself, seek out mentors who inspire you, who have walked the path before you. They can provide insights, advice, and support as you navigate your journey.
Step 8. Build a Strong Network
Surround yourself with a network of support—peers, mentors, allies—those who believe in your potential and will encourage you to step up. This network can provide opportunities, advice, and a sense of community. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone; a strong network can be a source of strength and inspiration.
Step 9. Celebrate Your Wins
Often, women are quick to move on to the next task without pausing to celebrate their successes. Take the time to acknowledge your achievements, whether it’s finishing a project, overcoming a challenge, or even stepping up in a situation where you would have previously stepped aside. Celebrating these wins reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep going.
Step 10. Pass the Torch
Finally, as you step up, remember to pass the torch. Empower other women to do the same. Share your story, your struggles, and your successes. By doing so, you create a culture of empowerment and help build a future where women stepping up is the norm, not the exception.
Stepping up is not just about advancing in your career or achieving personal goals—it’s about changing the narrative for women everywhere. By recognizing your value, challenging imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself and others, you can start stepping up in every area of your life. And as you do, you pave the way for future generations of women to do the same. Remember, the world needs your voice, your strength, and your leadership. It’s time to step up and take your place.
Eva Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of 3 Springs Coaching, LLC. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a teacher and a mentor.
She is the creator of Badass Up, which focuses on helping people thrive in their lives with an emphasis on empowering women to speak up, step up, and live authentically. Let her help you leverage your hard earned wisdom and support you as you badass up into your next chapter.
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