The permission you’ve been waiting for…
Read time: 5 minutes
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The permission you’ve been waiting for…
There’s a pattern I see quite often.
A woman sitting on an idea…A decision…A desire to take up more space.
She’s capable. She’s already done the work.
And yet… she waits.
For the right time.
For someone to notice.
For someone to say, “You’re ready.”
For permission.
And if I’m being honest, this is not accidental.
For years, we have been quietly conditioned to seek approval before we act.
To be certain before we speak.
To be validated before we believe in ourselves.
But here’s the truth that shifts everything:
You don’t need anyone’s permission.
You don’t need anyone’s validation, but your own.
And learning to live this truth is a practice.
One that asks you to turn inward, especially when your instinct is to look outward.
Here’s how you begin:
1. Remember your own evidence
Before you look outward for approval, look inward for proof.
You’ve already overcome, achieved, and led through more than you give yourself credit for.
Create a confidence file – a personal record of your wins, growth, and courage (This one thing has helped hundreds of my mentees strengthen their self trust).
2. Anchor in your values
When you act from what you deeply believe, you stop needing others to agree.
Clarity has a quiet way of dissolving self-doubt.
Anchoring in my values allowed me to move from a misaligned career path to creating Shenomics – a career path grounded in my values and my belief system.
3. Reframe rejection
A “no” is rarely a final judgment.
More often, it simply means: not now, not this way, or not from this person.
Don’t hand your power to someone else’s timeline.
4. Take imperfect action
Waiting for validation delays your evolution.
Start where you are.
Move before you feel ready.
Confidence grows through movement – not permission.
5. Practice daily self-affirmation
Remind yourself who you are becoming.
“I’m not here to fit in. I’m here to make a difference.”
Write it. Say it. Return to it – especially on the days you doubt yourself.
Because as Ayn Rand once wrote:
“The question isn’t who is going to let me?
But who is going to stop me?”
And that question lands differently when you truly begin to believe it.
This Women’s Day month, I want to gently invite you to let go of the need for external validation.
Not in a loud, performative way…
but in a quiet, grounded, deeply personal way.
To trust that the conviction you are seeking… already exists within you.
You are not waiting to become ready.
You are remembering that you already are.
So I’ll leave you with this:
What is one area of your life or career where you’re ready to stop waiting for approval, and start moving with conviction?
IWD “Give to Gain” Month
In the spirit of the International Women’s Day this month, we’ve been inviting senior women leaders to reflect on why #GiveToGain matters to them – and how they are actively creating opportunities, access, and support for other women to rise.
Here’s what some of them have to say:
“I support #GivetoGain by amplifying women’s voices, visibility, and leadership for inclusive progress of the world – a world that includes me too :).”
– Lata Daswani, Partner – KPMG India
“I support #GiveToGain by helping women discover and acknowledge the value of their contributions and be unapologetic about claiming their rightful share.”
– Roli Sanghi, Advisor, PE/VC Vertical
“I support #GiveToGain by actively cheering on my peers. Visibility can also be co-created and that is the tribe I wish to be a part of, where collective gain supersedes insecurity.”
– Amrita Ganguly, Chief Diversity Officer & Head – Internal Communications, TATA MOTORS
Across these conversations, one thing is clear: creating thriving workplaces requires us to actively offer women greater support, opportunities, and visibility. What is your GivetoGain commitment?
Reply to this email and let me know (I read every single email).
Wishing you a beautiful International Women’s Day Month – may you continue to lead, grow, and shine in your own powerful way.
With warmth,
Bhavna