The Three Phases of Empowerment: A Journey to Regaining Control

Many of us, at some point in our lives, have felt trapped in a situation where we lack control and freedom. Perhaps it’s a job that drains your energy, a lifestyle that feels unfulfilling, or a general sense of being stuck in a routine that doesn’t align with your true desires. This feeling of powerlessness can be overwhelming, leading to frustration and a longing for change.

Empowerment is the process of gaining the freedom and power to do what you want or control what happens to you…

Read it again slowly… the thought of it feels good doesn’t it? I bet you didn’t think the dictionary could produce this kind of reaction did you?

You might have an intense yearning to regain your autonomy, but the path forward can seem unclear. This is especially true when you want immediate results; the urgency to change can make any delay feel like a failure, causing you to lose hope before you even begin.

Recognising that empowerment is a process not an instant switch, is crucial.

There are three distinct phases to empowerment: Burnout, Creating Your Personal Mission, and Taking Action. Understanding these phases can help you harness the energy of empowerment effectively and guide you on your path to a more fulfilling life.

With great empowerment comes great reflection

Before transitioning from General Practice to Life Coaching I made a pretty big detour into software engineering. The biggest problem I faced when I burnt out as a GP was that patients were draining the life out of me. They came in full of outrage and indignation fuelled by the GP bashing Daily Mail. I couldn’t help but feel it was a constant assault on my character and it gradually broke me to the point I didn’t want to have any patient contact. To avoid this situation I immediately sought out a career where I could just sit quietly by myself and work with a computer at my own pace.

For nine months, I immersed myself in learning to code, developing simple medical applications. Yet the moment my progress started to plateau I realized I was forcing myself into this field, driven by a desire to flee my current situation rather than by genuine passion.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: making a hasty decision to escape burnout doesn’t guarantee fulfilment.

Understanding your needs, values, and desires is the most important aspect of the empowerment process. Introspection and reflection are the calm needed before the storm. The storm in this case being making and informed choice based on your personal aspirations.

Navigating the Three Phases of Empowerment

Phase 1: Burnout – The Catalyst for Change

People who are having a good time in life don’t tend to dwell on thoughts of having the freedom and control to do whatever they want, because they’re already doing it.

This is why every journey to empowerment has to begin with some degree of burn out.

It might be a slow and gradual burn out or it might be an acute event that makes you realise you’re not where you want to be in life.

Either way the need for change has now surfaced into your consciousness

It’s a wake-up call, signalling that something in your life isn’t aligning with your core values or aspirations. To navigate this phase effectively, take a moment to pause and reflect rather than rushing into drastic decisions.

Exercise for the Burnout Phase:

1. List the aspects of your job that don’t feel right. What tasks drain your energy? What interactions feel negative?
2. Identify your skills and strengths. Consider the expertise you’ve gained and how your personality contributes to your abilities.
3. Note the parts of your job you still love. What aspects bring you joy or fulfilment, even in small doses?
4. List your interests outside of work. What hobbies or activities ignite your passion?

These lists will help you evaluate potential career changes, giving you clarity on what to seek and avoid. Use this self-awareness as a guide when exploring new opportunities.

Score different career options based on your lists and research thoroughly by speaking to professionals in those fields.

Phase 2: Creating Your Personal Mission

Once you’ve gained clarity, it’s time to craft your personal mission. This phase is about setting a clear direction for your life. A personal mission statement serves as a compass, guiding your decisions and aligning your actions with your core values.

Create Your Mission Statement by Answering:

1. Who am I? Define your core values and what matters most to you.
2. What do I want to achieve? Identify your goals or life’s purpose.
3. How will I achieve it? Outline the principles and actions you’ll take.

For example, a mission statement might be: “To inspire and help others reach their full potential by being a positive influence and continuously improving myself.” This statement becomes a powerful tool, providing clarity and motivation to stay focused on what truly matters.

Phase 3: Taking Action with Purpose

In the final phase, you’re ready to take consistent, aligned action. With a clear mission and a vision for your future, each step you take brings you closer to your goals. It’s essential to maintain the mindset that you’re already living your dream, even if the physical results aren’t immediately visible.

Tips for Staying on Track:

• Create a detailed action plan. Outline the steps you need to take and set specific, measurable goals.
• Review and adjust regularly. Life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to adapt your plan as needed.
• Visualize your success. Use tools like vision boards or mind movies to immerse yourself in the emotions of your desired future.

By maintaining this forward-focused energy, you’ll find that even mundane tasks feel purposeful because they’re part of your greater mission.

Conclusion: Trust the Empowerment process

Empowerment is a process of change that requires patience and perseverance. It starts with the discomfort of burnout, which forces you to confront what isn’t working in your life. Instead of making impulsive changes, take time to understand your needs, craft a personal mission, and set a clear vision for your future.

The key is to remain committed to your goals, even when the results aren’t immediate. When your set you mind on your empowered vision of the future– each small step forward will become a reward in its own right.

Are you ready to take the first step towards empowerment? Start by reflecting on your current situation using the exercise above.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, consider checking into ‘The Empowerment Clinic’. This is the virtual coaching room I founded to help you navigate this transformative journey.

Stay Healthy 

Lewis