Unlocking Real Power: 7 Ways to Empower Yourself and Others

These days, we cannot help but see power politics being played out in real life. But what is REAL power? Is it about taking agency for one’s life,  and empowering rather than overpowering others?  Do you agree with the quote, "Power over others is weakness disguised as strength." – Eckhart Tolle

How can positive power be incorporated into daily living?

Especially as we get older, and have a greater sense of who we are, real power is deeply rooted in character, personal values, and the wisdom to play the long game. Here are  7 points to empower and encourage the journey:

The Power of Authenticity: There comes a point when we can’t put up with phoniness, and the flip side is that we have more compassion for who we are. Imperfect is perfect. Messy is a normal part of growth. Be more of who you are. Everything you need is already inside of you. "True power comes from standing in your own truth and walking your own path "– Elizabeth Gilbert  

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The Power of Resilience: Life is full of contrast – we have ups and downs. It’s about learning how to surf the waves of change instead of getting sucked under them. Yes, challenges can be frustrating or hard, but we can do hard things. In fact, each challenge adds to our resilience. 

The Power of Relationships: To grow into who we are meant to be, we need to surround ourselves with people who share our values and support our growth. Even if they don’t share every value, they don’t stand in our way. Energy is contagious – be around energy that nurtures instead of numbs or inflames. We rub off each other, so protect your peace.

The Power of Kindness: This power is often underestimated. Being kind is a superpower as it brightens not only the receiver of the kindness but the giver as well. And when one person receives an act of kindness, they are more apt to pay it forward to someone else as well. This causes a chain of positivity beyond what we may imagine.

The Power of Curiosity/Learning:  When we stay curious, we cannot help but expand. New ideas, new hobbies, new activities/experiences, new people…all this leads to keeping our minds sharp and energy expansive. It opens new opportunities, and allows us to be agile, engaged and open to awe. That’s often when we feel in the flow of life itself.

The Power of Self-Support: Taking care of ourselves is a powerful act. There comes a time we inevitably learn that in order to be fully present for others, we MUST take care of ourselves too. Otherwise, the batteries get depleted; there is no fuel. So, put the phone down, and remember to prioritize your own well-being too.

Even if you achieve your outer purpose, it will never satisfy you if you haven't found your inner purpose, which is awakening, being present, being in alignment with life. True power comes out of the presence; it is the presence. - Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Purpose/Values/Legacy: Everyone wants to live a purposeful life. But what if our legacy is not the job title, the toys we possess, the money in the bank, or the educational  or work accomplishments? We don’t take any of those with us. What if it has to do with the values we have chosen to live by, how we walk through life, and how we have inspired others?

Real power is not about dominating others, but about empowering yourself and those around you.  That is a the best definition of legacy I can come up with – do you agree?

Final thought: The word courage comes from the French word ‘coeur’ which means heart. True power proceeds not from force, but from love. – Alan Cohen