6. Push boundaries, together.
Sometimes we just need a small nudge to take a chance on something that scares us. Women hear the word “No” so often. Some women were raised to believe they weren’t stronger than men or smarter than men. Imagine the endless possibilities if we just said “yes” to the crazy, wonderful and innovative ideas our female goddesses are constantly flowing with? Have you had a friend who has been wanting to make a scary career change? Is a coworker contemplating asking for a raise? Do you have your eye on that promotion? Think about all the times you needed someone around to tell you to go for it. Now become that person for someone else!
7. Choose to be happy for others rather than jealous.
The world of social media has made it incredibly easy to compare ourselves to complete strangers. We are all guilty of it. We might long for what others have going in their personal or professional lives. Does that mean we have to be angry about what others have thought? There are so many moments and experiences in life that can be tainted by jealousy when they could have otherwise been incredibly enjoyable times. Rather than being upset about a co-worker getting a raise, congratulate her and ask about her approach for the next time you’re up for a similar opportunity.
8. Keep a positive state of mind.
Negativity can spread like wildfire. I once shared an office with two women who constantly complained about every little part of their day. After a while, it began to wear me down. Rather than attacking or lashing out at them, I decided to take control of the narrative. I started talking about positive things like our department succeeding despite being severely understaffed. I made it a point to ask about weekend plans and their kids. This kind of conversations make the day and office more enjoyable overall. You have the ability to influence your environment.
9. Be a role model for younger girls.
The political climate of our planet is a little wacky, to say the least. We’ve all questioned the future of our country and the future of this planet in general, but the good thing is, there’s still hope. There is hope because we have the ability to influence a younger generation. We have the ability to teach our daughters, nieces, younger sisters and other girls like that they are just as valued, smart, beautiful, strong and capable of so much. There are a lot of ways to become a mentor. Volunteer at a local youth center, volunteer to coach a sport or contact your local Boys & Girls Club. Become a positive role model for girls who need it.
10. Acknowledge the strong women in your life.
I was lucky enough to grow up with a strong, out-spoken, strong-willed mother who raised my younger sister and I do believe we were capable of just about anything. We never once questioned if we were good enough to compete with our male counterparts. We were taught that crying wasn’t a sign of weakness. These lessons weren’t easy, but necessary. The older I get, the more often I try to let my mother know how grateful I am for her constant guidance and influence. Positive female role models were actually abundant in my life—from my kindergarten teacher to my middle school coach, my younger sister, and my incredible friends. When’s the last time you let the strong women in your life know how much you appreciate them? We all need some words of encouragement and recognition from time to time.