My father was the only male in our household growing up; even the dog was a female. Maybe it was because he had all daughters that he treated us not as “girls” but as competent and unique individuals. Each of us had a special activity with my dad. I loved to golf. We would spend an afternoon at the driving range hitting buckets of balls. He would coach me on my technique in hopes that I would earn an athletic scholarship to college. (That didn’t happen.)
My dad expected me to learn how to change the oil in my car, drive a stick shift and be able to afford my own auto insurance before I could get my driver’s license. We were assigned both indoor and outdoor chores. I understood that girls can do everything boys can do.
As a young woman, I knew I could do anything. I worked hard, loved to learn new skills and was always up for a challenge. I worried a lot about all the what ifs…even earning my nickname of “the what-if kid.” This wasn’t a bad thing, more of a way of collecting all the information and trying to work out all the solutions for each equation of possibilities. I thought preparation was the key to success. Yet I was still so unaware of the realities of life and how things worked.
I’m no longer the what-if kid. I’m now the why-not woman. Is there anything you think you can’t do because you’re a girl? Do you ever get caught up in stereotypes? Do you have fears or doubts that are holding you back from your true potential? Are you ready to take yourself to the next level? Here are three steps to help you break through the what if’s and see results fast.
- Ask the hard questions. Tony Robins suggests asking, “What’s the story you’ve been telling yourself for years that you now believe?” Do you find your internal dialog sounds a little like this:
I’ve tried everything, but I can’t lose weight.
I’m not good at anything.
I have nothing to offer.
I’ve failed before and will again.
I’m too busy – there just isn’t enough time.
I’m so stressed.
Become aware of the story you’ve been telling yourself for years. Then rewrite. Just as a negative thought became your truth, so can a positive story. It’s your choice.
- See your hardships as a gift. Everything that happens to you, both good and bad, is a gift. Once you start to see that the greatest struggles are the greatest gifts, you’ll quickly see the beauty in your life. Without struggle we can’t truly enjoy the happiness in our lives or transform into the beautiful person we are to become.
- Let go. We can’t grow without letting go. In order to be stretched, we must ask this question: “What am I going to let go of to move to the next level?” Or you could ask, “What am I holding onto that keeps me from growing?” (Check out The Let Go Formula here to learn 4 simple steps to let go.)
If you can relate to this topic, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and share your new story, your greatest gift, or what you’ve decided to let go.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you found these tips helpful, share it with your friends.
Be well,
