Stages of Self-Empowerment

In last week's column I discussed that we all have it in us to become the very best versions of ourselves.

We do this by making conscious choices that have our thoughts, feelings and actions align with our ultimate desired outcome or goal.

Self-empowerment is not a "one and done" thing. It is an ongoing process.

The stages of self-development are:

1. Self-Awareness - Is when we start being conscious of things we never paid much attention to in the past. We start really being mindful of our strengths, weaknesses, mindset, self-talk, limiting beliefs, habits, and relationships.
2. Self acceptance - Once we are aware of who we are and how and why we operate, we must love and accept ourselves unconditionally. We can always work to grow, but we know that we are ok, just as we are, just because we ARE.
3. Self belief - This is the part of our evolution where we start knowing our intrinsic worth and implementing changes that are in alignment with this. We believe in our value and we make decisions that move us in the direction of self-empowerment.
4. Self realization - This is when the other stages come together and we start seeing results. Our mind, body and spirit are in alignment. There is not offer conflict between the wounded inner-child and the higher self. We feel at peace with ourselves and our place in the world.

Like much of our personal growth work, the goal shouldn't be to "attain" self-empowerment. We should, instead, come from a place of self-acceptance and love. We should remind ourselves to consciously and continuously steer our lives in the direction that represents the very best version and vision of who we are.