We all want to feel empowered. That sense that we are in control and can influence our lives in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, many people don’t think that they have that kind of power in their lives. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, there are a few simple and proven steps you can take to nurture your sense of empowerment.

Whether it’s in business or your personal life, you can take these steps and begin to see improvements in your feelings of control. So, let’s get into it and explore the 5 pillars of empowerment in your life. Keep reading to learn more. 

1. Awareness with Agency

Awareness without agency can lead to self-loathing. So often, we’re always so quick to see all the things that are “wrong” about us. If we linger in that awareness alone, it will turn into self-hatred. But when we pair awareness with agency (that sense of capability and competence), all of a sudden, we’re on a different trajectory toward self-actualization. 

2. Attention with Discernment

Here’s the thing… Attention without discernment leads to overwhelm, overthinking, and distraction. Attention with discernment fosters clarity and agency. So, if we want to bring that sense of agency into the conversation, we need to talk about attention. Why? Because where our attention goes, our energy flows. 

So our attention management is really more about energy management. You can determine if an activity is in alignment with your discernment based on how it makes you feel. Is it an energy-giving activity or an energy-draining activity?

3. Intention with Urgency

I had a coaching session with Abe a while back when I was beginning to transition from working for someone else to working for myself. I told him about my anxiety about whether or not I’d be able to replace my income in time. What he said to me was so obvious and so clear, “Whenever you feel that anxiety, make a sales call.”

Of course! I had to move my intention from “I am going to do this…” to “I am going to do this NOW.” We are full of good intentions, but if we don’t “get desperate” as Abe says, our intentions stay in that weird “someday I’ll…” world. 

4. Action with Self-Compassion

This is where we really address the shame. And that’s with compassion. Here’s the thing… Action without compassion drives perfectionism and shame. But when you add that sense of empathy, it promotes acceptance, resilience, and tenacity. The number one thing we do here in Flourishing is create safety. 

5. Vision with Hope

Vision without hope focuses on the outcome. It is wishful thinking without legs. But vision with hope focuses on the process. It plans how to overcome those obstacles. Hope gives you the feeling of a better tomorrow. Without it, we would wilt away and give up. And that’s why hope is so powerful; it keeps us pushing forward every day because we believe in something better. 

Final Thoughts

These are the simple principles that will nurture your empowerment. And the best part is that once you own them, you will naturally start to feel a sense of strength within you that you didn’t even know existed. And we at Certified Flourishing Coach want to help facilitate that. We are a team of coaches and facilitators ready to help guide you through the process. So, if you’re ready to start flourishing in life and business, contact us today to learn more.

 Listen on Spotify 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast

About the Author

Nicki Straza is a workplace culture strategist, speaker, and Certified Flourishing Coach with over 25 years of leadership and organizational development experience across non-profit, corporate, and small business sectors. As the founder of Straza Solutions, she partners with organizations to create inclusive, trust-based workplaces where people can thrive both individually and collectively.

A recognized specialist in generational dynamics, Nicki helps leaders bridge communication gaps, strengthen engagement, and foster collaboration in multi-generational teams. Her work integrates emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and habit-building to drive sustainable cultural transformation. She is guided by the belief that flourishing cultures begin with authentic relationships and mutual respect, she is committed to helping organizations leverage the strengths of every generation.

Nicki is a Certified Flourishing Workplace Coach & Trainer, holds a Diploma in Applied Bookkeeping, and is recognized as a Generational Dynamics Specialist. She lives in Brantford, Ontario, traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabeg First Nations, with her husband and is the proud mother of two adult children.