We hear a lot about being empowered, being powerful, and taking our power back. But did you ever take a moment to think about this? What does this really all mean, especially if you start to feel like it’s some kind of movement, that you have been “wronged” or even worse–you feel defeated or lost?

What does it mean to “have (the) power”?

First, let’s start with a simple definition of “power.”  Power is the ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something. This is a good starting point for a perspective on power and taking back or not giving up your power–for embracing your power.

Now in thinking about why you feel that you need to take your power back or not give it up, this is where you really need to do some deep soul searching. What’s going on in your life, what are the things that are causing you to feel stuck, bored, frustrated, angry, sad (fill in the blank) and that are making you feel powerless. You need to be really honest with yourself on this one. If you start to blame others, past or current circumstances or events, etc., you need to go deeper.

You need to look inward into yourself. You need to recognize your fears and take responsibility for your actions. You need to make peace with your past and where you are now and who you are now. You need to nurture the belief that anything is possible and that you can take action and make change. You can leave behind the blame and excuses and set intentions and goals and take positive actions everyday to realize those intentions. This is power–the ability to do or act,–and it resides in each and every one of us.

I like to think about power as the ability to create change in your life. Change for the better, where you grow and soar. It’s the ability to understand and accept who you are, what you want and not make any apologies or excuses for any of these things.  Power is knowing your worth and how special you really are.

If you are waiting for directions, have not set clear intentions, are not focused or resisting change, you are giving away your power. If you are having a hard time staying positive or optimistic–and in love with yourself–for more than one day, you are not embracing your power.

“A good intention clothes itself with power.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Throughout the year I have talked about intention—to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind and to aim; to do something with purpose and desire. An intention reframes the way you see a situation so that you can approach it in the best possible way—consciously choosing how to act, think and be. Your intentions have the power to change your perspective, open your mind and shift your experience.

Determining your intentions (thoughts), clearly stating them (words) and putting them in motion (actions) are all connected. For some there is, however, a disconnect. They may have stated intentions and dreams, but are not fully acting on them. And some may wonder why their intentions are not being realized or progressing. This is the time to deeply reflect and be honest about what is at play.

If you want to know what is going on in the deepest levels of your life, look to your results. Your life will always express what is going on deep inside of you. If your results are out of line with your stated intentions it’s time for some self examination. It is time to look more deeply to discover your real intentions and then work on changing those to change the way you experience your life.  

When your actions are aligned with your intentions you will create the world you seek. Remember, your results will always match your truest intentions.

Now let’s talk a bit about attention—the interest or thought that you give to something you are doing, listening to or watching. All of us give attention to something in every waking moment of the day. But most people do not pay attention to where they are putting their attention or they put their attention on things that keep them from dealing with what is going on deep inside them.

For many, their lives become driven out of habit and even an unconsicious stream of thoughts. Their intentions get lost—be it from distraction or underlying unresolved issues (fear, not wanting to let go, uncertainty, lack of confidence or excuses tied to unfounded or even unrealistic expectations). If you find yourself in these shoes, take some time to really think about where you are putting your attention, and be honest with yourself. Ask yourself if you are not dealing with unresolved issues and if you are focusing on negativity or acting (or not acting) because of fear.

Life changes when the object of your attention becomes your conscious choice. Start to put your attention on what you want to manifest and start to develop habits of giving attention to all things that support your intention, and being indifferent to those that do not. Take a first step today—and every day—to do something that demonstates your commitment to your intention. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would, and then take the next step.

What you put your attention on grows strong in your life. In short, develop your intentions carefully, attach to them emotionally and act with bold intent!