What do Malala Yousafzai, Keanu Reeves, and Marcus Rashford have in common?
Sure, one is a Nobel laureate, another is a Hollywood icon, and the third is a football superstar. But they’re all textbook examples of self-empowerment.
Malala refused to be silenced, even after facing violence for her beliefs. Keanu rebuilt his life after unimaginable personal losses. Marcus used his platform to fight childhood hunger, proving that influence means little without action.
You see, self-empowerment is what turns challenges into stepping stones and setbacks into comebacks. And it’s not reserved for the elite or extraordinary. It’s something you can claim, too.
What is self-empowerment?
Empowerment is about having the tools, confidence, and freedom to make your own choices and shape your life. Self-empowerment? Same deal—but with an extra twist. It’s knowing your strengths, setting boundaries like a boss, and trusting yourself to take charge.
A study published in PLOS ONE shows that personal resources like optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy—core elements of self-empowerment—can significantly boost engagement and effectiveness in both life and work.
But without it, you’re more likely to get stuck in patterns that keep you from making progress—essentially the meaning of self-doubt. According to Shadé Zahrai, a leadership alchemist and the trainer of Mindvalley’s UNSHAKEABLE: From Self-Doubt to Self-Determination program, these mental habits—called rumination—are the ultimate fuel for the inner dilemma.
She explains that the more you doubt yourself, the more you overthink, and the more you overthink, the less action you take. It’s a vicious cycle that keeps you stuck in your head instead of making real progress.
So, if claiming your power is the key to progress, maybe it’s time to stop overthinking and start owning it.
The empowerment theory
The empowerment theory is essentially the science behind self-empowerment. It’s a framework used by psychologists and social workers to figure out how people can take control of their lives.
The idea? When you have the right tools, support, and confidence, you can break through barriers and create real change.
This theory doesn’t just look at individuals—it also tackles the bigger picture, like breaking down systemic issues that hold people back. It’s about making sure everyone has the resources to succeed, whether that’s emotional support, education, or opportunities.
Scientists have studied it for decades, and here’s the takeaway: when you’re empowered, the possibilities are endless.
3 key reasons you don’t feel empowered
Left unchecked, self-doubt can really control your life
Fayçal Sekkouah, the director at Influenceo Global and co-trainer of UNSHAKEABLE: From Self-Doubt to Self-Determination, shares the common traps that keep you from stepping into your power and how they quietly hold you back.
- You’re trapped in endless “what if” scenarios, scrolling social media for answers but only finding more reasons to doubt yourself. Overthinking paralyzes you, leaving you with low self-esteem and unprepared to move forward, no matter how much you plan.
- You’re busy but going nowhere. Without a clear purpose or direction, self-doubt creeps in and stops you from finishing what you started.
- You’re chasing perfection but never satisfied. Perfectionism, limiting beliefs, and fear of failure keep pushing you to do more, leaving you exhausted and unfulfilled.
Your ability to redefine and rewrite your life story—these stories that you tell yourself—ultimately impacts the quality of your life and what you’re able to achieve.
— Shadé Zahrai, trainer of Mindvalley’s UNSHAKEABLE: From Self-Doubt to Self-Determination program
Recognizing these patterns is the first step to breaking free, but awareness alone isn’t enough. Empowerment isn’t waiting for you on the other side of perfection, busyness, or overthinking; it’s built the moment you stop getting in your own way.
Examples of self-empowered people
Owning your vibe is a mindset anyone can develop. Let these stories inspire you to empower yourself and take charge of your own journey.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey grew up in poverty and faced some seriously tough challenges—abuse, discrimination, you name it. But instead of letting her circumstances call the shots, she took control through sheer resilience and hustle—all of which culminated in her talk show.
The real game changer here was her owning it, which is why it’s a platform that inspires millions. Talk about taking charge.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne Johnson’s dream of going pro in football didn’t work out. Most people would’ve called it quits, but Dwayne isn’t most people. He turned the setback into his next big move.
Wrestling became his launchpad, and with pure grit and charisma, he skyrocketed to fame. Then came Hollywood, where he built a brand around hard work and staying true to himself. If self-empowerment had a poster boy, it’d be The Rock.
3. Tasneem Goheer
Tasneem Goheer, a life coach from London, found her power through Shadé and Fayçal’s Mindvalley program. Her words say it all: “I felt a profound sense of empowerment and clarity.”
By diving deep into reflection, using practical tools, and identifying her strengths, she transformed her mindset and took control of her life. Now, she’s helping others do the same—and that’s the ultimate ripple effect of standing in your power.
How to achieve self-empowerment: 7 tips from Mindvalley’s success mindset expert
Personal empowerment won’t just drop into your lap like some magic gift. It shows up when you step up and decide to take charge of your life.
When you believe that you are inherently worthy, you believe that you’re worthy of success. You believe that you’re worthy of happiness. You deserve that and so you’ll seek that.
— Shadé Zahrai, trainer of Mindvalley’s UNSHAKEABLE: From Self-Doubt to Self-Determination program
And how do you do that? With these Shadé-backed tips, of course:
1. Take a hard look at how you see yourself
How you see yourself shapes how you show up in life. Shadé calls it your “self-concept”—the beliefs you hold about who you are and what you’re capable of.
“How do you view yourself?” she poses in an interview with Vishen, the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, on the Mindvalley Talks. “Not how you want other people to see you, but how do you actually see yourself?”
Tough questions, right? But answering them honestly is the first step to understanding what’s holding you back. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- How do you see yourself—positively or negatively?
- Is inherent value something you believe you have?
- Are you confident in your ability to achieve your goals?
- Do you feel in control of your life, or does it seem out of your hands?
- Are struggles with self-worth stopping you from stepping into your power?
Start by getting clear on your strengths, your blind spots, and what really matters to you. When you truly know yourself, you’re no longer stuck reacting to life; instead, you’re deciding how to live it.
2. Rewrite your story, your way
The stories you tell yourself about your past can shape your entire life. Most of them are on repeat, locked in by negativity bias and overthinking. But you’re not stuck with them forever.
According to Shadé, “Your ability to redefine and rewrite your life story—these stories that you tell yourself—ultimately impacts the quality of your life and what you’re able to achieve.” The key isn’t pretending the bad stuff never happened, but deciding what those events mean to you now.
That job you didn’t get? A nudge toward something better suited to your skills.
That failed relationship? A lesson in recognizing your worth.
That time you were told “no”? Proof of your resilience to keep trying.
You’re the author here, and every “edit” you make to your story can change the entire plotline.
3. Put your inner critic in its place
That voice in your head? The one that whispers, “You’re going to fail,” or yells, “You’re not good enough”? That’s your ego—your inner critic—running scared.
“When your ego is taking over and it acts solely in self-interest,” says Shadé. It convinces you that you’re not ready or don’t have what it takes, so you don’t take action.
Here’s where self-awareness comes in: when your inner critic pipes up, ask yourself, “What’s this voice trying to protect me from?” It’s probably fear of failure or rejection. Then, call it out for what it is: an overprotective safety mechanism that’s keeping you stuck.
And instead of listening to it, reframe its message. See challenges as opportunities and focus on what you can learn.
Your inner critic may not disappear overnight, but it doesn’t get the final word—you do.
4. Use imposter syndrome to push forward
Imposter syndrome hits when you’re growing into a bigger, bolder version of yourself. It’s a sign that you’re stepping into something new, and as Shadé Zahrai says, that’s a “beautiful opportunity to learn and grow.”
Instead of treating those self-sabotage vibes like a roadblock, see it as proof that you’re in uncharted territory—and that’s exactly where growth happens. The thing is, discomfort is part of the process, but taking action is how you move through it.
So the next time that “What if I’m not good enough?” thought creeps in, hit it back with “What if this is the moment I prove to myself that I am?” instead.
Every step forward, no matter how small, reinforces that you’re capable of far more than you think.
5. Get a handle on your emotions
Emotions are here to clue you in, not to mess you up. The trick? Learn to recognize them instead of letting them call the shots. And yes, emotional agility is self-care—because mastering your mind is just as crucial as taking care of your body.
According to Shadé, it’s what psychologist Dan Siegel coined: “Name it to tame it.” That means naming what you’re feeling—whether it’s frustration, doubt, or full-on rage—so you can take the edge off and get your focus back.
Research found that the lack of emotional regulation skills is linked to significant psychological challenges, such as non-suicidal self-injury. So when you sharpen your ability to manage emotions, you’re doing more than handling day-to-day frustrations; you’re actively protecting your mental health.
6. Focus on what you can control
Life loves to throw curveballs, but you don’t have to catch every single one. Your power lies in choosing what to focus on—and hint: it’s not the stuff outside your control.
“Living your life, being successful, being happy requires you to believe that you have control over things in your life,” Shadé highlights. “It requires you to believe that you have control over at least what’s going on in your mind, your thoughts, your behaviors, your actions.”
In other words, the magic is in managing what’s in your hands, not stressing over what isn’t.
Stuck in traffic? Use the time to dive into that podcast you’ve bookmarked. Deadline moved up? Break the task into chunks and tackle it step by step. Plans canceled last minute? Take yourself out for a solo coffee date or enjoy some unexpected downtime.
When you zero in on your thoughts, actions, and reactions, you stop wasting energy on the uncontrollable and start creating real change where it counts.
7. Celebrate the wins that matter to you
If you don’t celebrate your wins, who will? Whether it’s crushing a big goal like landing your dream job or finally cleaning out that junk drawer, every victory deserves its moment.
“When you believe that you are inherently worthy, you believe that you’re worthy of success,” Shadé explains. “You believe that you’re worthy of happiness. You deserve that and so you’ll seek that.”
The key, also, is to acknowledge them. Maybe it’s a victory dance, treating yourself to your favorite coffee, or just saying, “Damn, I did that.”
When you make space for your own wins, you’re training your brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) to spot success and celebrate it—no need to wait for someone else to hand you a gold star. So go ahead, be your own cheerleader. The confetti cannon’s in your hands.
Resources to support your self-empowerment journey
The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to claiming your power. Here are some go-to resources to keep your mojo intact.
Books
Insights from self-empowerment books can challenge your mindset, spark a breakthrough, or just give you the nudge you need to keep going. Add these to your shelf (or Kindle):
- The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani. Why live by society’s rules when you can rewrite the whole playbook? Vishen gives you the tools to ditch the “brules” (short for bullshit rules) and craft a life that’s 100% yours.
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Want to unlock your potential? Carol’s breakdown of the growth mindset will have you rethinking challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks.
- Radical Confidence by Lisa Bilyeu. Lisa serves up no-fluff advice on owning your insecurities and smashing through fear to build the life you want. Think of it as a pep talk from your badass bestie.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Permission to stop caring about what doesn’t matter: granted. Mark’s book is the ultimate guide to focusing on what actually makes you happy.
- Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani. Perfection is overrated. Kristina shows you how to embrace your quirks, flaws, and all, while finding freedom in your messy, brilliant self.
Meditations and affirmations
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is hit pause and reset your mind. Whether you’re diving deep into meditation or giving yourself a pep talk with affirmations, these practices are your ticket to inner calm and clarity.
Meditations
Meditation clears the mental noise and brings you back to the present. Ready to find your zen? Check these out:
To connect deeply with yourself
Let Nathan Williams take you on a shimmering stairway of self-discovery—where peace meets empowerment and clarity feels like home.
To discover yourself and boost your confidence
Step into calm with Agapi Stassinopoulos as she helps you shed the chaos and embrace your inner stillness.
To flow into your best self
Reconnect with yourself as McStravick guides you to release tension, rediscover balance, and invite positivity into your day.
Affirmations
Self-empowerment affirmations are like power-ups for your mindset—fueling positivity and resilience with every word. Try these:
- “I am in charge of my own happiness and success.”
- “I have the strength to overcome challenges and grow from them.”
- “Every day, I become more confident and capable.”
- “I trust myself to make decisions that align with my values and dreams.”
- “My potential is limitless, and I am worthy of every opportunity.”
Quotes
Shadé isn’t the only one who has words of wisdom. When it comes to empowerment quotes by Mindvalley female authors, specifically, the right words can hit you like a double shot of your favorite espresso—instant energy and clarity.
Keep these self-empowerment quotes in your back pocket for when you need a quick boost.
- “It’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not.” — Shadé Zahrai
- “When you believe in you, everyone else believes in you.” — Marisa Peer
- “Only when you know what you are, you are capable of moving towards what you want to become.” — Kristina Mӓnd-Lakhiani
- “However much you bring, you get.” — Missy Butcher
- “Our beliefs create our thoughts, and our thoughts create our feelings. And our feelings manifest our reality.” — Dr. Laura Berman
Turn “I want” into “I can”
You deserve to walk into every room with confidence, own your achievements without question, and silence that inner critic once and for all. The truth? The power to do so has always been within you—sometimes, you just need the right tools to unlock it.
With a free Mindvalley account, you’ll gain access to transformative resources, like the first lessons of UNSHAKEABLE: From Self-Doubt to Self-Determination with Shadé Zahrai and Fayçal Sekkouah. This groundbreaking program is your step-by-step guide to turning self-doubt into unshakable self-belief—rooted in science and designed to create lasting change.
That’s not all. There are also premium daily meditations for clarity and focus and a community of people to build more meaningful connections with.
And the best part is, it’s completely free to get started. No credit card. No fine print. Just you, reclaiming your confidence and stepping into the unstoppable version of yourself.
Welcome in.
