Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
In theory, when it comes to making money doing what you love, asking for permission is one of the quickest ways to get in your own way, stall out, and have the cash deposits dry up.
Except, if you suffer from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, not feeling good enough, or generally worry about getting things right, there’s a good chance all you want is some permission to do the damn thing and hear it’s OK. Am I right?!
Or, you might have a rock-solid mindset, but society has taught you, it’s ‘good’ and ‘right’ to ask for permission first. Even this phrase ‘ask for forgiveness, not permission’ seems to imply giving yourself permission is preferable and will get you ahead, but it can also get you in “trouble” and need to be followed by “asking for forgiveness.”
After all, society teaches you from grade school to ask for permission...raise your hand to go to the bathroom or for permission to speak...and this only gets furthered if you move onto having a 9-5, where as an employee, your ideas have to be ‘signed off’ on before you can move forward and you have to ask permission to take days off.
You’ve likely been taught, asking for permission first gets you the gold star. But as a business owner, it’s your job to make the decisions and give yourself permission - and waiting for that permission will only sabotage your leadership and potential for growth.
Think about how much asking for and waiting for permission slows down progress, gives away your power, and erodes your self-trust as a CEO.
How many brilliant ideas are stalled because someone is waiting for another person to validate the first or next step?
How many important business decisions are being crowdsourced in Facebook groups where permission is determined by people who know nothing about your work?
The problem with outsourcing permission as a business owner is you essentially tell yourself, “I can’t be trusted to make this decision. Someone else knows better.” And, more often than not, you’re met with someone else’s limiting beliefs that mirror and reinforce this thinking. (And we both know, that's not the mindset you want steering the ship!)
Want to stop acting like an employee in your business and show up as the CEO? Be permission giving: give yourself permission first, and then give permission to your team, your clients, and your audience.
Then, only ask for forgiveness if you’ve made a mistake that needs cleaning up.
Lead by giving permission and watch yourself step into the next level as the CEO of your business and make more money to match.
Wishing you your version of success!
P.S. Ready to step into your role as CEO so you can lead, grow, and scale your business on your terms? Let’s talk!
Book a free coaching consultation here to talk about how I can help you with the clarity, mindset, strategy (messaging, marketing, sales, and leadership), and action that goes into making more money doing what you love.
