What it Really Means to “Own It”

Celebrating my 100th episode of the podcast  – yay – got me thinking.  About the name. The concept of Owning It.  I think it embodies self-confidence because true power comes from within.  Control is focused out there. On it.  On them.

Owning it is all about taking personal responsibility. Owning what you say, what you feel, owning what you need, and taking responsibility for getting those needs met. Owning it is the essence of empowerment, I think, because you now have the power take control of how you want to live your life. It’s no longer about what other people have done to you or haven’t done for you. It’s not about them making life easier for you. It’s now about you taking ownership of your own happiness.

Often this means getting things straight with yourself that have hurt your self confidence over the years.  Maybe you haven’t been taking care of your physical health and don’t like your appearance.  Or financially you have struggled with budgeting and have not been able to get ahead. Staying in unhealthy relationships or a job that doesn’t pay you well or challenge you are more common examples of letting yourself down.

Making things right means becoming more assertive. First with yourself. It’s time to get honest with you about how you really feel at the end of the day when you acknowledge how you’ve treated yourself.  Next it’s about letting others know you will be doing things differently.  Leaving toxic relationships. Getting a better job.  Taking better care of you in all ways – including physically and financially. Maybe honoring yourself in other ways like returning to school, visiting people you’ve missed, or trying cool things you’ve been holding back on.

Owning your life means owning the risk involved in setting limits, changing, and letting go of outcomes.  Not blaming, outsourcing or punting to others what is your responsibility can seem at once daunting yet liberating – and the only answer to feeling good about yourself.  Healing the ways you’ve hurt yourself, allowed yourself to be treated, or what you tolerated. Each day gives you a new chance to change.

To own it.  Really.