Empower Others and Be Empowered

BY MELANIE BARR

Most days, I wake up ready to take on the day, but on the days when I have to have difficult conversations, when I’m having trouble moving forward with plans or products, or when I feel stuck on a project, I can use a little help to move forward and feel empowered. In these moments, I turn to supporting others. Supporting others helps us to feel empowered in the process. Here are five things I like to do to get myself in a good mind set, feel empowered, and empower others. 

Marinate On the Project or Decision

Our business and creative energy ebbs and flows. Some days, it pours out like rain and other days we can’t force it to come out, no matter how hard we try. On these days, when we are able to, our work product doesn’t turn out as good as it usually is. 

Some days, we have no choice but to power through. But, if we do have the option, I like to do what I call “marinating on decisions or projects,” and waiting a day or two to move forward. 

In these moments, I trust that my mind will think and work through the project or situation over a few hours so that the next time I sit down to make it happen, I’m ready and the work product flows more naturally. 

The next time you feel like work is forced, give yourself permission to marinate on the project or situation and think through it a bit before diving in. If it makes you feel better, set a time in your calendar when you’ll sit down and revisit the project or decision again. It’s so much better when our work flows easily and naturally. 

Call Someone to See How They Are Doing and Offer Support

Do you ever wake up and just feel ‘blah?’ We ALL do — it’s completely normal. On these days, I like to try to make someone else's day by finding a way to support them or their business, with no expectations of anything in return. 

I know how I feel when someone supports me — it feels amazing. Sometimes, when it happens, it’s completely out of the blue. It’s incredible how helping someone else makes us feel better too. The next time you’re not feeling your best, think of someone who has been there for you and repay the favor by purchasing their products or service, inviting them to do something fun, or call or message them and say thank you for something that they have done. It will make their day and the sun will start to shine brighter in yours too.

Create a Team of Five People to Call On for Advice

Sometimes we need advice from people who are not family members or co-workers. I have a few people — women and men — that if I come up against a challenging decision, about to have a conversation I’m not quite sure how to approach, or just want general thoughts on a product or service I’m launching, I can go to them for honest advice that I trust. Having this group of support, can make all of the difference. 

In addition to my group of five people, I also don’t know what I’d do without the support of the She Built It™ community. I created it because I thought if I need it — which I did and do — others probably need to be a part of a community who empower each other daily too. Surrounding yourself with innovative and supportive people who push you to stretch yourself is like gold. It helps you make it in business and life through the not-so-great days and days of celebration. 

Give Yourself Permission to Do Something Else

There are times when we tell ourselves we have to do something. Maybe it’s because it’s something that we started and don’t like to quit. Sometimes, quitting something is the best thing we can do and it helps us to move forward to do what we really want to do. 

Other times, we might not want to say no. I’m big on following through on my commitments to my clients and those around me and, although I’m not perfect by any stretch, if I commit to doing something I’ll do everything in my power to follow and make it happen. 

There is something to be said for being dependable, reliable, and committed. There are other times when it’s okay to say no. Saying no is never fun but there are moments when saying no is really what is best for us. We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves. It’s empowering when we decide to put ourselves first so we can take better care of ourselves and those around us. 

Workout

I can’t say enough about endorphins. There was a time in my life where I was going through a rough period. I had gone through a tough break-up, medical scare, and I wasn’t doing exactly what I wanted in my career. A friend of mine said that I should run a marathon — WHAT?! I was not a runner at all. Sure, I ran small distances, went to the gym, and worked out for an hour on the bike or treadmill. Never did I ever think I would complete a marathon — until I did. 

Running the marathon taught me so many life lessons. One of them being that endorphins are a beautiful thing. Working out even for 30 minutes makes you happier and increases blood flow.

So, on the days when I’m feeling stuck or feeling like I really don’t want to work out, I push myself because I know those are the days that I need it the most. If I’m really not feeling up for it, I do a recovery bike ride or go for a walk. Regardless of the level of difficulty, I do know that once the workout is over, I will feel much better than I did before. If you are ever feeling stuck, move your body. You might not be unstuck immediately, but you will be on your way to feeling better. 

Your ‘what’s next’ is ready to be lived. I’m here, along with the She Built It™ team and community, to support and empower you.  

Until next time! Keep growing and building your business, making the small daily and quantum leaps, and let nothing stop you from living the life that you crave. 

With gratitude, 

Melanie Barr

Founder & CEO, She Built It™