Guide to Self Empowerment: Why Empowerment is Important for Our Wellbeing

If you struggle to speak up for your needs or make decisions that feel right for you, chances are, you might be in need of some self empowerment. Whether through past traumas or low self-esteem, there are many reasons you might feel disempowered in your life. 

Recovering your empowerment can help you to take control of your destiny, improve your wellbeing and reach out for your dreams. Read on to learn how it works and discover self empowerment techniques, including journaling and affirmations, that can help you make a big difference to your life.

What is the meaning of self empowerment?

First, it's helpful to learn the meaning of self empowerment. According to Lexico, one of the major definitions for empowerment is, ‘the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.’ 

So, self empowerment is about gaining more power and control over your life and deciding which path you want to take. A person who is self empowered has control over their choices, speaks up for themselves, and prioritises their life around what makes them feel happy and fulfilled.

Why empowerment is important for our wellbeing

Now you know the meaning of self empowerment, you might want to know exactly why empowerment is important. Self empowerment is vital for your wellbeing, because if you’re in control of your life, you’re more likely to relax and enjoy your time on earth. 

If you speak negatively to yourself and never speak up for what you need, your self esteem will likely be at a low. This can contribute to poor mental wellbeing and hold you back from reaching out for new opportunities. Whilst we obviously can’t control everything that happens in our lives, we can control our own choices. Once you’re comfortable prioritising yourself and making your own choices, then you can feel more confident to try new experiences and truly flourish.

Top self empowerment techniques for wellbeing

Be confident in your decision making 

When you look to others to make decisions for you, or spend hours labouring over simple choices, you’re not placing trust in yourself. Self empowerment means taking responsibility for your life. Especially if people have bullied or belittled you in the past, it can be daunting to make decisions, particularly the big ones. Making informed, decisive choices can give you a stronger sense of control over your life and help you to feel empowered. 

This doesn’t mean rushing your decisions - it means trusting in yourself to make the right choice. If you’re struggling, follow these steps:

• Journal about the decision, writing down the pros and cons of each option.
• Research your options online. 
• Avoid consulting people who could sway your decision.
• Finally, bite the bullet and make a choice that feels right for you.

Remember that even if you make a wrong choice, all is not lost. Every issue can be resolved. Learning to deal with decisions you have made, for right or wrong, is all part of self empowerment, because you know the choice has come from you alone.

Record your empowering journey in a daily journal 

As well as using self empowerment techniques, it helps to keep a daily journal to record your progress. You can record details from your self empowerment journey in the morning, evening, or as and when you need to. Some of the activities you can use your journal for include: 

• Analysing your roadblocks to empowerment
• Recording which techniques work best for you
• Weighing up the pros and cons of upcoming decisions
• Giving thanks in a gratitude journal for your empowerment

Daily journals give you an incentive to keep progressing forward rather than using self empowerment techniques as a one-off fix.

Repeat affirmations for self empowerment

Affirmations for self empowerment are a great way to foster self belief. Affirmations are short, affirming statements that you repeat to yourself for empowerment through challenging times. The more you repeat them, the more their message will sink in. Here are some suggestions for daily affirmations for self empowerment:

• I can make the choices that feel right for me.
• Today, I commit to putting my needs first.
• I am capable of resolving any issues that arise today.

At the start of each morning, record three affirmations in your daily journal to guide you through the day. 

Reading quotes for self empowerment

As well as affirmations for self empowerment, you can also discover inspiration in quotes for self empowerment. Writers, artists and coaches have always written on the importance of self empowerment. Reading their wise words can empower you to make more decisive choices and prioritise your needs. Here are some of our favourites:

“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” - George Eliot

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." - Pablo Picasso

“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” - Stephen King

Write about your favourite quotes for self empowerment in your daily journal. Ask yourself: ‘What inspires me about this particular quote? What methods does it suggest I use to move my life forward?’

Prioritise yourself

One of the most important self empowerment techniques is self care. Putting yourself first doesn’t have to mean selfishness. Recognising that your wants and needs are just as important as other people’s is key to your wellbeing. There are many small ways that you can prioritise yourself and your needs in your daily life.

• Politely say ‘no’ to things you don’t want 
• Respectfully speak up and express your opinion
• Distance yourself from toxic relationships
• Give yourself time out to read a book or watch a film
• Practice mindfulness or exercise to keep healthy
• Speak to yourself kindly, even when you make mistakes

Don’t be tempted to add all of these self empowerment techniques into your life at once. You are far more likely to stick to new habits if you introduce them into your routine gradually.

Now you have an overview of the meaning of self empowerment, why self empowerment is important, and what the key self empowerment techniques are - so, it’s time to get started on your own path. Through asserting yourself in your decision making, prioritising your needs, and listening to affirmations and quotes for self empowerment, you can gain new power over your life. 

Want to record your self empowerment journey? Browse our selection of daily goal setters and dot journals to inspire your path to self empowerment.