Rising above our circumstances, recognizing our limitless potential, and living the life we want
Flashback to July 2022, when I made the courageous decision to quit my full-time job, where I was heading two business groups, reporting to a C-Suite executive. It was not something I decided on a whim or an impulse – there had been growing feelings of being excluded, overlooked, and not taken seriously since I started reporting to this new manager. However, things reached a tipping point during an official meeting when I was blatantly disrespected and devalued in front of my peers. In the past, I would have likely been caught up in self-doubt and misery as I tried to figure out what went wrong; however, this time around, it felt different.
As soon as this happened, I knew that I would give my resignation before the meeting ended. After all, why should anyone have to tolerate such disrespect? We all deserve respect. As somebody passionate about mentoring young women on how to stand up for themselves in any situation confidently, this was an opportunity for me to walk my talk and practice what I preach. Before the start of the next business day, I sent my resignation letter with no regrets whatsoever.
The courage that grew within me due to this experience pushed me further on my journey. Instead of immediately jumping into another full-time job, I decided to take some time off for self-care and reflection. This clarified what kind of impactful work I wanted to do moving forward – something that would help other women reach their unique potential.
During this period of transition, it also became clear how fortunate I was to have such a strong support system backing me up throughout every step of this journey – something which not everyone has access to – especially young women who are still learning how they can fight through challenges confidently while staying true to their values and beliefs. This led me to start my company, Limitless Leaders, an initiative dedicated to helping emerging women leaders become more purposeful, dynamic, and unstoppable and get closer to reaching their full potential.
The insight gained from quitting my old job wasn’t only limited to understanding the power and importance of having a proper support system though – it also made me realize just how significant individual resilience could be at times like these. Everyone has within us an unimaginable capacity for strength, which enables us to reach great heights if utilized correctly – even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way!
It is these newfound realizations that drove me forward towards founding Limitless Leaders: so that every woman out there can access her inner strength while being backed by inspiring people around her who will provide her guidance whenever needed so she can reach her full and unique leadership potential!
When making courageous decisions, women must learn to rise above their circumstances and embrace change. The bold decision I had to take at work required me to push myself beyond my comfort zone and trust my instincts. It was a difficult choice, but I knew it would lead to greater opportunities for me in the long term.
Here is how you can make similar courageous decisions and take control of your lives too.
- Living your values is key when it comes to making courageous decisions. It is important to be true to yourself and prioritize what matters most in life, as this will help align your goals with your core beliefs.
- A strong support system is also essential – seek out people who believe in you, can provide guidance when needed, and make you feel more ready to try new things or take risks. Friends and family members are great resources, as they offer hope, confidence, feedback, and encouragement during challenging times.
- In addition, taking responsibility for self-care is crucial for reducing stress when making difficult decisions. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and taking time out for yourself whenever possible.
- Taking bold risks is also important in making courageous choices. Women may feel anxious when trying something new or leaving their comfort zones; this fear can be an obstacle to achieving success if not addressed properly. To counter this fear, it’s important for women to trust their instincts and remain confident in the face of adversity.
- Commit yourself to your choices, regardless of what others think or say about them. This means standing by your beliefs and not letting external opinions or pressures sway you from what you truly believe is the right path. It can be difficult to ignore others’ opinions, but ultimately, it is important to trust your instincts and have confidence in your decisions.
- Finally, success may come in unexpected forms, so don’t be afraid to explore paths or ideas that look different than what you initially expected. Surround yourself with positive people, keep your confidence up, and don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes on your way to success. Remember that failure is a chance to learn and help you get better. Also, success may not always look the way we think it will. There may be twists and turns along the way, making it more satisfying.
Ultimately, making courageous decisions can help you become the best version of yourself and live your life meaningfully. By focusing on what is most important to you and taking risks that will stretch you beyond your comfort zone, you can grow and achieve incredible things in life. So, remember to push yourself, trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and never give up – the rewards are well worth it!
Best of luck with your courageous decisions! You’re limitless, and I know you will succeed. 🙂
About the author
A true visionary, Uma is on a mission to inspire and empower women to achieve their full leadership potential. As the Founder and CEO of Limitless Leaders, Inc., she has launched a global initiative that provides transformative learning experiences to women in tech and related fields.
With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, Uma has worked for one of the world’s leading tech companies, Microsoft, where she led high-performing teams that drove impactful outcomes. Drawing on her own experiences, she has devoted her life to empowering other women to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.
Uma is a servant leader who is committed to adding value to the lives of others. She is an Executive Director and a certified coach, trainer, and speaker with the John Maxwell Team. She is also a founding member of the Maxwell Leadership Corporate Facilitator Program and a certified DISC Behavioral Analysis Consultant. She enjoys sharing her insights and knowledge about leadership as a leadership speaker and mentor.
In her free time, Uma volunteers as a Leadership Coach with Headwaters Coaching and Training, where she helps key leaders at Compass Housing Alliance improve their communication skills and feel a stronger sense of belonging in the leadership team.
Uma is a true inspiration and a role model for women everywhere. Her passion, drive, and commitment to empowering women are truly limitless. Join us at Limitless Leaders and become part of a community of like-minded women who are committed to creating positive change in the world.