Personal power is key to overall well-being. But many of us let it slip away without even realizing it. When you don’t have personal power, you may feel helpless and dissatisfied.
So, what does it mean to “give away your power?” It means you’re letting other people invalidate your feelings, influence you negatively, and control your life.
But how do you stop? If you want to reclaim your power, you must first recognize when you’re giving it away. This article will explore the subtle ways we don’t give away your power and offer actionable steps to regain control and live a more empowered life.
What Does Giving Away Your Power Mean?
“Giving away your power” means letting outside forces control your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s allowing what’s happening around you, or what other people think, to determine how you feel and what you do.
A big factor is adopting a victim mentality, which basically means you’re refusing to take responsibility for your own life. You feel like things are always happening to you, and that you have no control over your circumstances.
Limiting beliefs also play a role. These are the negative thoughts you have about yourself, like “I’m not good enough,” or “I can’t trust anyone.” These beliefs make you feel powerless.
We give away our power in everyday situations, often without even realizing it. For example, I once spoke to a stay-at-home parent who said their entire day depended on what mood their spouse was in when they woke up. That’s giving away your power.
The Impact of Powerlessness: How Giving Away Your Power Affects You
Giving away your power can have some pretty serious consequences.
Eroded Self-Worth and Confidence
When you feel powerless, it’s easy to start thinking less of yourself. You might start to doubt your decisions and let others walk all over you, which is a telltale sign of a selfish relationship. It can even lead to a “victim mentality,” where you feel like things are always happening to you, instead of feeling like you’re in control.
A big part of this is tying your self-worth to what other people think. But your value shouldn’t depend on external opinions. You’re worthy, regardless.
Unhealthy Boundaries and Relationships
Giving away your power often means you have weak or nonexistent boundaries, something you might see in a relationship with an emotionally immature man. And without those boundaries, you give up some of your self-control.
This can lead to resentment in relationships, codependency (where your happiness depends on someone else), and a general lack of fulfillment. You’re not being true to yourself, and it shows.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
Feeling powerless is a major stressor. When you feel like you’re not in control, anxiety kicks in. It’s hard to manage your emotions when you feel like you’re at the mercy of everyone else.
Reclaiming Your Power: Practical Strategies for Empowerment
Giving away your power can become such a deeply ingrained habit that it’s difficult to recognize that you’re doing it. So how do you stop?
Cultivate self-awareness
The first step is to become aware of when you’re giving your power away. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in different situations. What are the triggers that lead you to feel powerless?
Take responsibility for your emotions
It’s easy to blame others for how you feel, but ultimately, you are responsible for your own emotions. This doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings, but rather acknowledging them and choosing how you will respond. Cognitive regulation techniques can help you manage difficult emotions in a healthy way.
Set and enforce healthy boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your sense of self and preventing others from taking advantage of you. Be clear about what you are and are not willing to do, and communicate those boundaries assertively.
Express your needs and desires
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and need. Express your desires clearly and mindfully, without being aggressive or demanding. Remember, you have a right to have your needs met.
Practice forgiveness
Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Forgiveness is not about condoning the other person’s behavior, but about freeing yourself from the pain and anger that are holding you back. Forgive for yourself, not for them.
Reframe limiting beliefs
Many of us hold negative beliefs about ourselves that limit our potential. Challenge those beliefs and replace them with more empowering ones. Remember, you are capable of more than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some side effects of giving away your power?
Giving away your power can lead to feelings of resentment, anxiety, and low self-esteem. You might find yourself constantly seeking approval from others, neglecting your own needs, and feeling like you’re living someone else’s life. Over time, it can erode your sense of self-worth and leave you feeling helpless and controlled.
How do I take my power back from people?
Taking your power back starts with recognizing how you’re giving it away. Set clear boundaries, learn to say “no” without guilt, and prioritize your own needs and values. Reclaim your voice by expressing your opinions and making decisions that align with your authentic self. It’s about shifting from a reactive stance to a proactive one.
What does it mean to not give your power away?
Not giving your power away means maintaining control over your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s about recognizing that you have agency in your own life and that your worth isn’t dependent on the approval of others. It’s about trusting your intuition and making choices that honor your well-being, even if they’re not what others expect.
How do I not give someone power over me?
Preventing someone from having power over you involves establishing healthy boundaries and refusing to be manipulated or controlled. Don’t be afraid to assert your needs and opinions, even if it means disagreeing with others. Cultivate self-awareness so you can recognize when someone is trying to exert undue influence, and then choose to respond in a way that protects your autonomy.
Conclusion
It is so important to own your life and your choices. Taking back your power means acknowledging your choices, even the ones that are hard to face, and learning how to manage your feelings about them.
I encourage you to embrace what makes you unique and stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you stand out from the crowd.
By building self-awareness, setting boundaries, and taking responsibility for your emotions, you can reclaim your power and start living a richer, more satisfying life.