I whole heartedly agree with the Dalai Lama’s opinion, “The world will be saved by the western woman”. However, it cannot be saved from the same energy that has created the current culture, mores and structure.

Over the next few weeks I will share insight and recommendations that I have used to help clients transform and lead from an authentic place of power.

Before we can fully LEAD (ourselves, our teams, our companies), there are two key areas that must be addressed.

It may come in the form of healing old wounds for ourselves, our teams, our communities.

It may look like skill development, refining tools, reinforcing policy – whether personal or business.

It may look like letting go of unhealthy relationships, purging unworkable habits or changing course altogether.

Make no mistake, we don’t need to be in suits, nor grandstanding in politics to make the impact we are here to make. We can fully step into leading the lives and businesses we are meant to lead – from right where we are and in each role we have.

No matter your position or situation, the first step in the process of becoming a great leader is to find and cultivate: Unwavering Courage.

When we decide to take a stand, many times we will be targets. Held accountable in ways that men usually are not. This is readily seen in our personal relationships and in business. Just think of the women who choose not to have children and focus on career and calling instead. Judged and ridiculed by men and women alike. Or like powerhouse CEO, Therese Tucker who defied the odds, going all out with her billion dollar tech company and then gets attacked for taking a stand with her hair color. (She just happens to be one of my heroes)

Those are just a couple of the myriad of examples, and I don’t need to go on. The fact is, we as women MUST have UNWAVERING COURAGE.

And what does that really mean?

Courage: noun, the ability to meet danger and difficulties with firmness : the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous

Derived from Old French corage, from Latin cor ‘heart.’

Now this has a lot more meaning to me as a long time Yogi, but it’s not necessary for the work we are doing this week.

You see, the HEART is a key Energy vessel, not just the organ but the essence of our Unity and communion and it is where we need to lead from FIRST.

This piece must be in place.

How do we get unwavering courage? I am going to venture to say that each one of us has expressed in our lives at one time or another that UNWAVERING Courage.

Can you think of a time or two? I can. Just remembering those moments will be a powerful action step this week! When you recall those past moments of unwavering courage – recall every nuance, the smell, the textures, the sounds. Feel into that moment and use that to bring you strength for something you need to find courage in today.

This unwavering courage is something we must each continuously cultivate for ourselves, as well as each other – to build fortitude in order to fulfill our Dreams.

The second piece that we need to focus on is Self Confidence.

The confidence to BE fully oneself without having to tear another down in order to show up. The confidence to support another without forfeiting your own needs. The confidence to take the time you need to restore and reset if you don’t know your exact next steps.

These are just a few examples of how I define SELF CONFIDENCE.

This week, set aside your SELF CARE time with a focus on your HEART. Your hearts desire. Your compassion for self, esif you have been more focused outwardly. Your compassion for other’s if you have been more focused inward. Come in to a balance with this energy.

Take one action that you know you want to complete this week and make a promise to yourself that by the end of the week you will complete that. Whether it is telling someone NO, you will not be attending that party, NO you won’t be volunteering for that fundraiser, or YES, I will take on that role and I’m excited to do so.

Whatever that piece is for you, do it from a place of PURE HEART.

When you have completed that, take the time to honor and acknowledge your hearts choice.

When you need reinforcement, connect to your body’s POWER HOUSE, use your “power stance” and shout, even if silently (but it’s better out loud!)

“I AM COURAGEOUS!! “I CAN DO THIS!”

Here’s to an awesome week!

Go Lead a Life YOU LOVE – Courageously!

Stephana Johnson helps leaders get more results with less BS, for themselves, their team and their bottom line. She is the Founder of Yogilachi® and CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) of Powerhouse Leaders and speaks globally on leadership, innovation and resiliency. For more information visit www.powerhouseleaders.com, call 360-210-2160 or email Stephana directly at stephana@stephana.net