You can’t step up until you step in.

Eager to see women leading the change, I have spent many years guiding as many women to first fully step into their lives as I have guiding women to step up.

Stepping into your life is about being accountable, being responsible, and holding your power. It is about putting yourself in the way of opportunity (and sometimes risk) and owning a sense of duty and obligation. 

So why do some wander through life as an opportunity taker rather than an opportunity maker? Maybe they haven’t felt they had time to act on something they care about. Perhaps, they didn’t realize it was up to them. They’re fearful.

As a friend, and a leader I admire, once said to me “Leadership isn’t meant to be safe.”

Stepping in is risky for those not willing to make mistakes or be accountable. But for leaders and future leaders, it is imperative. 

To be successful, you will acknowledge what you can bring to the table, recognize the value of your success, and commit to lifelong learning and improvement. You will actively seek new skills, and practice healthy habits to help you achieve your dreams. 

To truly step into yourself, you need to pay at least as much attention to how you are being as to what you are doing. With this canvas as your foundation, you can adapt the picture as life changes, at times painting over what has come before.

Once we step into our lives, we become ready to step up. From here we can make the biggest difference to others and use our influence and power to challenge the status quo, to make important decisions, and to care for people who are voiceless.

Stepping in requires fulfilling a commitment to yourself so that later you can step up and care for others.