When growing up, I was taught to ask permission before doing anything.
If I wanted to play outside, ask permission. If I wanted to get a snack or get up from the table, ask permission. If I wanted to attend a party, ask permission. As an adult, I realized really quickly the same rules applied. At my job when I wanted to take time off, ask permission. Can I test out this idea, ask permission. Is my opinion allowed, ask permission.
I got so used to asking permission that when it was time for me to actually make a choice that didn’t require someone’s permission I WAS STUCK. Who will give me the okay on this idea? Who did I need to ask to make sure that following this dream will be the right choice?
This left me seeking and wanting the permission of someone else to be able to follow through on a decision regarding my life.
I want you to hear that again friend and let it sink in. I was waiting for permission to take action in my own life.
How many times have you sat around waiting for someone to give you permission to do something that you know you want to do or are supposed to do?!?
If this is you, just know that you are not alone. Growing up in a culture where permission is required, it’s hard as heck to shift the mindset.
I’ll be honest with you, this whole concept of not asking permission didn’t hit me until a few weeks ago. There is a dream that I am currently pursuing (and I’m excited to share with you in the upcoming weeks), but as I was getting ready to tell the people I love about this dream of mine, especially my parents, I quickly realized in a way I was waiting to get their permission. The 12-year-old version of me was just sitting there waiting to get the okay that what I desired to do was the right thing.
Then I heard something on a podcast that helped me change my thinking.
“You don’t need someone’s permission to follow your dreams.” Brendon Burchard
Now, this doesn’t mean I don’t want and value the opinion of those I love, because I totally do, and I have great, supportive people in my corner. But it does mean I don’t need their permission. Just like they don’t need mine.
When you are pursuing dreams many times people will not get what you are doing, because it’s not their dream. It’s yours. And that’s okay.
The only person’s permission you need to follow the vision you have inside of you is your own.
Should you seek feedback, mentors, and guidance? Absolutely! But my point is you don’t need to sit around waiting for someone to give you the green light to start.
So friend, if you still need permission, this is me giving you permission to give yourself permission to follow your dreams and heart. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. You owe it to yourself.
BE INSPIRED
What do you need to give yourself permission to do today? Comment below.
