Self-Empowerment: How to Increase Self-Empowerment

In this contemporary world, the term empowerment has grown quite popular. Empowerment today represents liberation; the term has taken on a life of its own when it comes to modern communication, whether the term is used in support of a movement, prioritizing oneself, or in order to uplift women within the tech industry. Empowerment has proven to be applicable in multiple domains.

What is self-empowerment?

Self-empowerment is a combination of valuing autonomy and being self-determined. The easiest definition of empowerment has been linked to ideas like strength and confidence, pushing people to take control of their lives and claim their rights and choices.

With self-empowerment as a priority, making strong decisions and finding the right motivation and determination to choose the direction of your life and change the course of your path becomes easier to achieve. 

How to increase self-empowerment?

Self-empowerment in 2023 is more important than it has ever been before; it not only helps in crucial times of decision making but also encourages building new sets of skills, helps you face adversity, and builds your confidence, all while allowing you to empower others in need. The amount you can gain through the simple act of changing your mindset toward self-empowerment is astounding. There are a few simple ways in which one can practice self-empowerment, increasing it with time.

• Being self-aware: It is important to recognize where one stands with their abilities. It takes great power and determination to change circumstances. Decoding where one's strengths and weaknesses lie can ultimately help one understand and reflect on what needs to be worked on.
• Positive Affirmation: A very simple yet proactive way of motivating oneself and increasing self-empowerment is to use positive affirmations on a regular basis. Telling yourself “I am confident” or “I am unstoppable” can ultimately help you absorb it and reach your goals.
• Create goals: Having a set of goals can help you challenge yourself and give you enough determination to achieve said goals. Focusing on a fixed game plan can make empowering oneself real and impactful.
• Have a support system: Having a partner while journeying to become more self-empowered always helps. The people you surround yourself with are a huge aspect of feeling empowered. Whether it is through words of appreciation or praise, surround yourself with the right people.

What are the four stages of self-empowerment?

According to Keiffer (1984), empowerment has four stages. His study is one of the only empirical theories that describe empowerment as a developmental process.

Entry: The first stage is the experience one has had that provokes them to take the step towards empowerment, whether it is through a personal event or through family. Feeling like some part of them is being threatened usually starts the process.

Advancement: This second stage consists of three major points: a mentoring relationship; a strong support system; and a better understanding of socio-political relationships. These three key aspects determine the rest of the journey toward self-empowerment.

Incorporation: As the name suggests, the third stage simply focuses on incorporating new ideas and changes in one’s life, giving importance to the developmental process of growing conscious of one's surroundings.

Commitment: This is the final stage, where one tries to apply what they have learned in a more substantial way, making it a more permanent part of their lives.

Conclusion

It does not matter where or who you are; empowering oneself is always a good decision. The regular practice of self-empowerment can change the entire trajectory of your life in the most positive and fulfilling manner. Self-empowerment is worth it. It can help achieve anything from professional success to improved health.