While contemplating what I could write about on #InternationalWomensDay, and trying to push aside self-doubt as I came across so many lofty, well-researched and socially-impactful articles, Fearless Girl and her standoff with the charging bull struck me.  

That girl exudes power and confidence. She’s standing up to challenges. She’s not worried about others’ opinion about what she thinks. That girl is me. And that girl is you.

Sponsored by State Street, the plaque at her feet reads:

“Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference.”

Amongst the many important ideas in the image and words, Power really stood out for me, especially as so much of it is expressed in that 4-foot bronze sculpture. She’s not standing up to the bull with force, but with her own power. It made me think about how I manage my own power, and reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend a couple weeks ago: we so often apologise when someone does us a favour or pays us a compliment, as if we are in their debt. All that’s called for is a straightforward, confident “thank you”, which puts both of us in a more powerful place. A few days ago I explored the impact of saying “thank you” vs. “sorry” in my own experience. 

It’s clear Fearless Girl is not saying “sorry”. 

Mindset impacts us and it impacts those around us, and it’s up to us to know and manage that power.

Know the power…

In this one way, you have power – the power to choose how you come across. The power to impact your next interaction. If we want the world to know we make a difference, the first step is to know and use the power we have as individuals.

This isn’t just an #IWD2017 topic – this is the everyday change we can make as a tiny first step to making greater change – for ourselves and for others. I don’t have to take on the world’s problems myself and fix massive cultural and structural issues in government and society. But I can take a single step towards changing the power dynamics in my own life.

… make a difference.

Find that 4-foot Fearless Girl inside you, and instead of apologising for her cheekiness, stubbornness, passion, confidence, strength and forthrightness, show her some gratitude and say “thank you”.

I’d love to hear about your experience being a fearless girl, not just today, but every day.