Written by Jennifer Cox LCPC
Empowerment is the process of helping yourself discover personal strengths and capacities, so that you are able to take control of your life. In counseling, we offer guidance and support as one is figuring out their journey.
When empowered, one tends to:
-Have meaning
-Be more independent
-Have increased confidence
-Be self reliant
-Be more determined in their journey in life
Self-empowerment is an ongoing practice, that requires one to look inward. Here are some steps to help you develop empowerment traits:
- Self-efficacy – Identify your own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Once you have a realistic understanding of them, take a moment to reflect on how they can help you move forward and accomplish goals. When looking at weaknesses consider how they might be barriers, can you use your strengths to overcome?
- Positive self talk – Believing in yourself is one of the first steps to empowerment. Practicing self-affirmations and acknowledging your abilities will help build confidence.
- Identify where you need improvements – Add new skills, learn new perspectives, gain knowledge, and most importantly challenge yourself.
- Mindset – People who believe they control their own destiny are more likely to take charge of their future. Cultivate a positive attitude and outlook by pursuing your passions and trusting in your ability. Utilize a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset.
- Set goals – Ask yourself what you want to achieve, consider various aspects of your life. Create an action plan, a series of small realistic/achievable steps that move you toward your goals. Start small and see success, which in the end helps empower you to continue.
- Decision Making – Take control of your life by identifying the areas you would like to see change. What control do you have these areas? During the decision making process you begin to develop self-esteem and build confidence in your ability to address situations.
- Be assertive – It is protecting your well-being. Assertiveness is clearly communicating your thoughts, emotions, needs, wants, etc. People who strive toward personal empowerment must be comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, and needs. Some ways to start are being open to disagreements, discussions, saying no, or setting boundaries.
- Self-care – Work on letting go of excessive negative thoughts. Self-care includes any activity that you do for yourself to feel happy and healthy, so make sure you take breaks from always striving for your goals. It can include everything from eating right, exercising, or treating yourself to a spa treatment. Scheduling time to relax and rejuvenate will make you more productive. Additionally, being kind to yourself is telling yourself you are worthy.
Remember – No one is immune to mental health issues and it’s okay to reach out for help if you are struggling.
Get in touch with us today to get started, contact us at info@echcounseling.com or 815-363-0864.
