The Oxford English Dictionary describes 'empower' as the act of giving someone power or authority. This definition might initially imply that empowerment is a hierarchical process, with power being transferred from someone in a position of authority to someone else but in this article, The Lifey Pulse will delve into various ways of "being" that have the remarkable capacity to inspire and enable others to discover and harness their inner strength.

By examining these empowering behaviors and attitudes, we uncover how subtle shifts in the way we choose to be can create ripples of positive change, fostering environments where individuals feel empowered and ready to take on the challenges of their journey.

Creating an Environment where Empowerment Can Occur

The first step to effectively empowering others is to deeply understand them. While this can be achieved in a variety of ways, this typically involves asking insightful questions, actively listening to them, and ultimately fostering an environment where they feel safe, seen, and heard.

By coming from curiosity and seeking to understand first, we essentially model how true, healthy connection works, which lays the foundation for others consider what a healthy connection with all the parts of themselves can do for them and their lives. Empowering others is not about giving others power, it's about leading people back to the power that has always existed within them.

10 Ways to Empower People by Being

Empowerment isn't just about what we do, but instead a conscious choice that we choose to be. While there is truly countless ways to empower others by our way of being, The Lifey Pulse has broken down ten specific ways of being that directly correlate with supporting others in their empowerment journey.

• Being Authentic: Authenticity is a powerful tool for empowerment. When you are being authentic, others will be inspired to embrace their authentic selves and even feel more comfortable expressing their individuality. In addition, being authentic has the power to shift the entire environment around you, breaking down barriers of pretense and encouraging honest communication and self-acceptance amongst all.

• Being Attentive: Attentiveness and active listening are powerful tools that demonstrate your respect for others' perspectives and experiences. Being attentive can be validating for others and not only encourages people to share their thoughts more confidently but also cultivates an environment steeped in understanding and mutual respect. By being attentive, you play a pivotal role in creating community and empowering people to engage actively and confidently in discussions and decision-making processes.

• Being Curious: Curiosity drives exploration and learning. By being curious, you inspire others to be curious and open-minded, allowing them to begin discover new possibilities for their lives, and new solutions and ideas that they might not have previously considered. Being curious is an incredible catalyst to help yourself and others grow.

• Being Empathetic: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Demonstrating empathy creates a supportive and understanding environment that empowers others to feel valued and understood, which can be crucial in helping them build confidence and navigate challenges.

• Being Encouraging: Encouragement plays a vital role in boosting others' self-esteem. When we celebrate our own small achievements, we can motivate others to begin celebrating their own wins. Over time, celebrating the small wins builds our own self-esteem and empowers us to tackle more significant challenges and strive for even greater accomplishments. When others are in proximity to you being encouraging, it can empower them to be encouraging which can directly influence their personal and professional development.

• Being Inclusive: Inclusivity creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and accepted. Being inclusive inspires and empowers others to contribute their ideas freely, which introduces diverse viewpoints, enriching the collective understanding of everyone involved.

• Being Positive: Being positive is an attractive way of being that motivates others to mirror this mindset. It empowers them to find reasons for gratitude in various situations, enhancing their ability to experience the brighter side of life.

• Being Resilient: Being resilient involves recovering from setbacks and persisting through tough situations. When you exhibit resilience, you empower others by setting an example that challenges can be overcome. This inspires them to foster their own resilience, adopting a mindset of perseverance and adaptability.

• Being Supportive: Being supportive empowers others to tackle challenges independently, which is crucial for their own growth journey. By providing support, you reassure others that they are not alone and empower them to trust their own abilities to navigate and overcome obstacles, which boosts their sense of self-competence.

• Being Visionary: When you share your clear and inspiring vision, it motivates others to dream big and develop their own vision. By being visionary in your life, you empower others with the opportunity to imagine an exciting future for themselves.

In conclusion, empowerment is less about imparting power and more about being the guide for individuals to discover the immense power that lies within them. There are countless ways of being that can empower others and each interaction we have is a unique opportunity to inspire someone to connect back to their own inner strength. The journey of empowerment is ongoing, and through our conscious choices, actions, and ways of being, we have the power to transform lives profoundly.