Women Rising: The Power of Process

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." — Confucius.

There is a flaw that I am very aware of about myself. I tend to lean towards impatience. To be transparent, it’s more like leaning on impatience. Even knowing that God’s ways are higher than my ways and His timing is not my own, my natural tendency when embracing my full humanity is to be impatient. 

No matter how many people remind me that I’m doing the right things, just keep going, in the quiet times of my existence, I am battling with this impatience because the success that I seek does not show up the way that I expect it. I have to require myself to let it go and accept that quitting is not an option. No matter how long it is going to take, I will not quit. 

This week, I want to discuss the concept of the Power of Process. It is in the point-by-point, milestone-by-milestone process of improvements, achievements, and life lessons that we experience levels of success greater than before. This is a reality for all of us. Women who desire to rise need to embrace the process and trust it. Let me share an image I saw on social media this week that speaks to this:

"Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results." — Robin Sharma.

I’m sure we’ve all experienced this in some way. Take pregnancy, for instance. Those 9 months literally happen one day, sometimes one minute or hour at a time. The discomfort, the morning sickness, the cravings, the mood swings, the mental anxieties, etc. All are part of the process, and a mother-to-be has no choice but to accept one day after another to reach the finish line. 

We could say the same about weight loss or completing an academic program or certification. 

A primary example of this is Vice President Kamala Harris. To most, she is an overnight success, busting onto the political scene and becoming well-known for the strengths and qualities that she has long since developed and showcased. People who encountered her brilliance in California during her earlier career are not surprised that she has embarked on the process of a presidential nomination. Her willingness to go from one milestone at a time toward being the “first” at every political level has made her the clear example of that glacier of success above. 

We can all learn from this. 

When we live a life of intention and purpose, every step along the way in a particular direction leads us closer to where we are meant to be. Moving with this confidence and clarity makes the undesirable aspects of the process and journey more bearable and your points of achievement more inevitable. 

Becoming a leader who is influential and impactful, whether in your personal life and/or your professional life, doesn’t just happen. You will not just wake up one day and feel confident in your offerings to the world. You don’t just wake up one day and have all the solutions to everyone’s problems. The obvious course that you need to chart for the upper levels of success that you dream of does not just fall into your mind. There is no ‘rising’ without a process of healing, growth, development, and consistency. 

Now let’s get practical with this. How?

How to Embrace the Power of Process: Practical Steps

- Set Clear, Attainable Goals:

   Start with defining what success looks like for you in both the short and long term. Break these goals down into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, as it brings you one step closer to your ultimate goal.

- Practice Patience Daily:

   Recognize that impatience is natural, but it doesn’t have to control you. When you feel impatience creeping in, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and remind yourself of the bigger picture. Trust the process, knowing that each step is necessary for growth.

- Embrace Small Wins:

   Focus on progress rather than perfection. Each small improvement or success is a testament to your journey. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the small victories, as they build momentum and confidence.

- Stay Consistent:

   Success is often less about big leaps and more about steady, consistent effort. Commit to showing up for yourself every day, even when progress seems slow. Consistency is key to transformation.

- Reflect and Adjust:

   Regularly take time to reflect on your journey. What’s working? What’s not? Be open to adjusting your approach as needed, understanding that flexibility is part of the process.

It took me a long time to accept that the most challenging part of rising beyond mediocrity to higher levels of success is consistency. And consistency is impossible to hold onto without inner healing and personal growth. Let’s kickstart this reality with some questions. You know I love a good question!

- How do you define success in your personal and professional life? What milestones can you set to help you reach that success?

- What is one small, consistent action you can take daily that aligns with your long-term goals?

Remember, self-discovery truly needs to be the foundation of this process. If you are looking for support and guidance join our Global Women’s Transformation Community. The process is a lot more fulfilling when you embark on a journey with a tribe. 

Until next time, my sister, be encouraged, be empowered, and choose to be happy. 

Nikki Cates

Moms & Grams | Wife | Believer | Life Transformation Coach & Strategist | Writer | Army Veteran | Change Agent

Previous
Previous

#BreakthruSeason: Scaling the Wall of Self-Doubt

Next
Next

Unboxing the Truth: Black Women, Stereotypes, and Our Current Society