How empowerment works

The concept of empowerment has its origins in psychology and the social sciences (Julian Rappaport 1981).

Empowerment is best described as self-competence or self-empowerment.

It encompasses strategies and measures that support us in leading our lives with self-esteem, determination and independence.

There are different ways to get there, it is always a process first and not a technique that works automatically.

I would describe it as a return to ‘autostima’, to recognising and appreciating our own qualities.

We are living in a time in which critical judgement and doubt have become an everyday phenomenon. This ultimately leads us to feelings of powerlessness, weakness, passivity and also to anger, annoyance and fear.

Let us rather return to our personal and social skills that actually define us.

The month of October is an ideal re-start for this.

When we look at nature, we see ripe fruit, the harvest and a great abundance. And we observe how nature is slowly retreating and focussing inwards.

If we learn from nature, we can honour what we have initiated, projected and created this year right now.

What do you want to honour yourself for?

This is how you start your process of empowerment, which you strengthen even further by asking yourself what you want to focus on now, what inspires you, takes you further and what you want to let go of.

Sharing with others is a boost for your own empowerment. Just as nature shares its treasures with us, you can share your success, your progress and your knowledge.

Sharing and giving thanks empowers you because it has a positive influence on your view of yourself and others.