“When we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” ~ Marianne Williamson
One of the things that pains me is when I see successful women, confident in their sense of achievement, having to apologise to family and friends for being who they are. They might say, “Yes, I won that award, but it was my family support that helped me win it.”
As a successful woman, this attitude as prevents you from acknowledging the fact that it was YOU who made it happen. It’s an attitude is not just prevalent in a country like India, but even abroad.
Even though they are successful and have achieved a lot, women think they need to play it down for fear of seeming immodest. Men, on the other hand, have no such qualms and don’t hesitate to take credit for their accomplishments.
One of the things I advocate in my book, Step Into Your Feminine Power, is that women achievers stop apologising for their success. That is the only way you can own your achievements in the fullest way, and be an expression of everything that is wonderful about you.
Take pride in the fact that YOU are responsible for your achievements. Even if your family and friends are not always supportive of your goals and plans, learn to draw strong boundaries with those you cannot avoid.
Never put yourself down or underplay your achievements just to make the other person feel better. Explain to those who offer ‘well-meaning’ advice that, while you appreciate their input, you would like the freedom to experience life the way you choose.
As you grow in success, you will face resistance from those who are threatened by change or are fearful that they will lose you if you become successful. This is where many of us women self-sabotage and choose to stay small – when we fear the loss of our significant relationships.
But I’ve learned that the people who have your best interest at heart will support your growth anyway. And the ones who don’t? Well, you could explain it to them gently, but understand that you are not responsible for their fears. So don’t hold yourself back because of them.
Successful people become easy targets of those who are afraid to let their own light shine. You need to stop taking their criticism, jealousy or envy personally. Know that their fears are a reflection on who THEY are – it’s all about them, not you. They’re just projecting their own fears and limiting beliefs on to you.
Stay focused on your goals and your vision, and you will attract more people who think like you. You may lose some friends, but you will gain many new ones who are more supportive of the New You.
“How does one become a butterfly?” she asked. “You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” ~ Anonymous
This is based on an excerpt from the book, Step Into Your Feminine Power And Rule Your World: 24 Empowering Ideas for the Modern Indian Woman, authored by Priya Florence Shah.
