Forge, don’t follow

If you wait until the path is perfectly paved, you won’t be forging your own path – and you’ll likely not even take the first step. Don’t let a small detail like being unable to find someone to show you the way be the reason you don’t step forward and lead. Let it be the reason that you do.

The most courageous and needed leaders are the ones who don’t wait for permission – or until the morning they wake up feeling ready. They take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and figure it out as they go. They don’t wait for someone to lead them: they lead themselves.

You’re here to pave a path that hasn’t been walked before. To go first and lead the way for others who are calling you in. If you feel misrepresented in the media, step forward for all those who also feel misrepresented. If no one’s speaking out on the topics you feel passionate about, share your unique voice.

There’s no one on Earth who comes close to possessing your unique combination of skills, gifts, and life experience. Don’t look to those who’ve come before you to work out your path – leaders must forge their own. Do it for your daughter. Do it for the younger you. Do it for the leaders who’ll follow. When you go first, you make it easier for others to follow your lead. Forge, don’t follow.

How are you being called to forge rather than follow? How can you be the leader you wish you had?