Are you willing to be empowered?

There is a great quote by Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most.”

Are you willing to be empowered?

This may seem like an odd question to ask. Who wouldn’t want to be Great? Perhaps it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

It is my life’s purpose and focus to ignite, energize and empower people. In fact, it’s my job, and most of it takes place in the workplace. In my work I get so many opportunities to empower people; remind them of who they are and how great and able they can be. When people are empowered in the workplace, it spills over into other areas of their life – work, marriage, parenthood, family, and social circles.

But I have noticed that often people are not that eager to become empowered; Despite what they say they don’t seem to be interested in experiencing themselves as powerful, great, resourceful, and larger than their circumstances.

The logic is clear: if you accept yourself as enabled and unstoppable, you are admitting that you have the capability to create and produce much more than you do today. If you are unempowered you have less opportunity in front of you, and more excuses for why you can’t do things. You experience yourself as smaller than your problems, so you always have a way out.  You do not challenge yourself to change or think beyond your comfort zone. This is an easier and safer way to live.

However, if you become empowered, if you begin living courageously, you have to bring innovation and resourcefulness to all aspects of your life. This could be scary.

However, the cost of staying unempowered is dear.  Self expression and confidence are eroded. And there is a constant feeling that “maybe I am missing out on something. Maybe I’m not living to my full potential.”

By simply confronting the benefits and costs of living unempowered, you regain your ability to choose. You begin to see that it is possible to choose courageous living, and to stand confidently in your self-expression.

Being great and empowered will always require boldness, it will always be an endeavor full of risk and uncertainty. However, living out loud also comes with tremendous sense of fulfillment and self-actualization.

You should ask yourself: “How powerful am I willing to be?”

Gershon Mader

Founder and President of Quantum Performance Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in generating total alignment and engagement in organizations.

His work has encompassed a broad range of industries including banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, entertainment, real estate, retail, startups and non-profits.