Alright, here’s the thing—this isn’t a favorite topic for many, but I believe it’s one we need to discuss instead of avoiding. How can we move forward without facing a few hurdles, acknowledging them, and choosing to change or do better?
The person who is unwilling to face their challenges, admit to them, accept constructive suggestions, and take action will remain stuck. Worse still, their discomfort creates an energy that repels others. Think Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants—although, I must admit, I loved him.
So let’s go.
Our Inability to Forget
Develop insomnia—or let it go. Many women fail because they cling to past mistakes. I’ve often wondered why we do this when the future ahead is full of possibilities. Maybe it’s just a human thing, or perhaps it’s a learned way of navigating life. Either way, can we agree that holding on to the past does not support our success?
To achieve our goals, we must push past the limits of the past—both the failures and the highlights. Holding on to even past successes can trap us into thinking we’ve already arrived. But there’s more for us to do.
Lack of Humility
When I was pursuing my MBA and using case studies to support arguments, I came across Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic. His leadership style exemplified humility. It was clear to me—humility is a game-changer in life.
Too often, when we reach a certain level or attain a perceived status, we assume we know it all and no longer need feedback. That mindset is a recipe for collapse. We don’t know everything—and we won’t know everything. Even if we master our own area, there’s always someone with a complementary skill set we’ll need. When we admit what we don’t know and welcome the expertise of others, we open the door to greater success. Success is rarely achieved alone.
The Comparison Game
Call it cliché if you want, but clichés often hold hard truths. Let’s talk about social media, a major breeding ground for comparison. We must learn to use social media intentionally, rather than waste time internalizing false portrayals.
I’m on social media too, and I’ll admit—I post my best moments. Not to make others feel less than, and not to be fake, but to share the highlights. Still, I have struggles—I just may not always share them.
See the point?
Stop comparing. When we exit the comparison game, we free ourselves to focus on things that add real value. We become more grateful for what we do have, and more aware of opportunities we might otherwise overlook.
Know your strengths. Know your limitations. Maximize what you’re good at, and improve where you can. Ultimately, you can only run your race—not someone else’s.
No Woman Is an Island
This one’s personal—I’m a major introvert. Still, if you catch me on a topic I care about, I can out-talk almost anyone. I know many women relate to this, but here’s the truth: if we try to do life alone, we put ourselves at greater risk of failure.
We must build a network, have real conversations, and seek guidance from those who’ve already walked the path. I used to be perceived as exclusive rather than inclusive, but that wasn’t it—I just didn’t know how to ask for help.
The moment I learned to ask for help was the moment I began to grow. Crawl out of your protective shell, embrace others, and see the difference it makes.
Lack of Faith
Recently, I listened to a pastor speak on faith. He explained that faith is tied to what we believe is possible. If we need just enough faith to pay a bill, we might find it. But faith for something bigger—like complete debt freedom? That takes more.
In short: there’s big faith and little faith. For success, our faith must not be conditional. We must believe—without hesitation—that what we’re working toward will succeed.
But faith isn’t passive. Here’s how it works for me: I believe, then act. I trust that God enables my actions and honors my faith. Faith gets me moving when I don’t want to. It accelerates ideas and opens doors. Faith puts me in a posture of expectation—and that brings results.
If you’re not exercising faith, you’re welcoming failure. Live in faith and look for success—it’s on the way.
Let’s Recap—And Succeed
We succeed when we recognize the five points above and make the choice to do the opposite:
Let go of the past. The future is full of opportunities. Don’t let yesterday blind you from seeing what’s ahead.
Embrace humility. Power comes from collaboration and openness to others’ ideas.
Stop comparing. Be yourself. Focus on your path, your strengths, and your growth.
Build connections. We were never meant to do life alone. Support is essential.
Live by faith. Believe in yourself. Believe in your calling. Let faith activate the results you’re seeking.
I recently watched an episode of The Flash where a character saw a glimpse of her future if she chose a certain path. She ended up alone in that world and said, “This is worse than being dead.”
Get the drift?
We need people. And we need purpose.
Success is a choice. Believe in your ability. Believe in God’s Providence. Then walk forward and don’t be surprised when it works out.
To all my beyond women: I desire to see us win in every space we occupy—and we will, once we choose to.
So there you have it. Choose to win. And when you do, all the doors and opportunities you need will swing wide open.
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Talk soon—Jacqueline
