GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION
- ishikalatwal
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
Societal norms have conditioned many women to seek permission for decisions big and small, whether it’s signing up for a course, attending a networking event, or pursuing a passion. Despite living in a time when women’s empowerment is widely discussed, the habit of approval-seeking persists. From childhood, we are taught to depend on others’ consent—starting with parents and teachers, and later transitioning to husbands, in-laws, and bosses. This dependency stifles growth and limits potential, keeping women from truly stepping into their greatness. While men often assert their ideas with confidence and take proactive steps, women are more likely to second-guess themselves or hesitate, allowing opportunities to slip away.
This mindset of seeking permission often comes with a heavy cost. A close friend of mine, a gifted poet, never pursued her passion because her husband didn’t value her talent. Tragically, she passed away with her dreams unrealized, and it was only after her death that her work was published as a tribute. Stories like this are a reminder of how waiting for approval can rob us of fulfilling our potential. Whether it’s pursuing leadership roles, starting a business, or making life-changing decisions, we must recognize that the power to unlock our future lies within us. No policy or initiative can truly help us break the glass ceiling if we don’t first break free from the habit of asking for permission.
To overcome this, start by removing self-imposed limits and rewriting the story you tell yourself. Believe in your worth and take action without waiting for validation. Challenge societal norms by questioning the status quo, trusting your intuition, and making decisions for your own growth. Begin small—take one step each day toward independence and build confidence through experience. Let mistakes become lessons rather than obstacles. The day you stop asking for permission is the day you start unlocking your full potential. Time waits for no one, and every moment spent waiting for approval is a moment lost. Give yourself the permission to lead, create, and thrive. You are capable of achieving greatness—don’t let anyone, including yourself, hold you back.
Your Good Friend and Mentor
Payal Nanjiani
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