[Article] Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes: 5 Power Moves Every Woman Should Make This Year

by Chanelle Coleman Wesley

Author of “She Said Yes to Herself Unapologetically”

My heart was racing, my hands were sweating, and butterflies swirled in the pit of my stomach.

I wanted to make the move. I needed to.

This could be the moment that changed everything — a chance to finally develop myself as a speaker.

But as the invitation to join the course from a notable transformational speaker lingered in the atmosphere… I hesitated.

“What if I wasn’t good enough?” “What if I wasn't really called to do the thing that made me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt?”

My moment of courage passed.

Once again, I realigned with my fears and convinced myself that “next time” would be better.

But “next time” never came.

Instead, I kept hitting the same brick wall until I became sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever made bold declarations like “new year, new me” or whispered to yourself, “this time will be different,” only to shrink when it’s time to show up for your next level — this article is for you.

Here’s the truth: Nothing changes if nothing changes.

And if you’re ready to stop playing small and start moving with clarity and power — here are 5 moves you must make this year.

1. Say Yes to Yourself Unapologetically

Sis, someone’s been denied the benefit of your yes — and that someone is you.

You’ve shown up for everyone else. You’ve clapped, supported, encouraged, and challenged the limiting beliefs of others. Now it’s time to do the same for yourself. You are deserving of greatness. You are worthy of more. You are capable of more.

Practical Power Move:

You are worthy of your yes. So instead of talking yourself out of something this week- talk yourself into something amazing this week.

2. Set boundaries in your relationships.

A boundary a day keeps insanity away.

— She Said Yes to Herself Unapologetically

If you would’ve asked me a few years ago what  boundaries were, who they were for, and how they were used - I would’ve given a long worn out answer that wouldn’t’ve made much sense. Why? I knew what they were- but I wasn’t sure how they applied to me. I felt like they worked well in nature but not in closest relationships. I couldn’t’ve been more wrong.

“A boundary is a defined area of respect. In order for a boundary to be respected it must first be established. The boundaries you set aren’t for others — they are for you. Your boundaries teach you how to treat you.” They tell what you will and won’t accept. How can you hold someone to a standard you have yet to ascribe to? If you don’t respect your boundaries- no one else will.

3. Release What No Longer Aligns

We’ve all had a favorite pair of jeans. The ones we feel like go with everything. But what happens when our treasured jeans no longer fit? Do we try to turn ourselves into a gymnast- jumping, twisting, and turning, trying to force it to fit?  What once served you for a time may no longer suit you. And that’s okay.

There’s no need to hold on to outdated commitments based on a sense of misplaced loyalty. Release what no longer has the capacity to sustain you — emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or professionally. There are attitudes, principles, routines, and mindsets that served us at one point- but now that time is over and the season has ended.

Practical Power Move:

What’s something you’ve continued to do out of habit? The practice doesn’t really provide any benefit- you just do it because you’ve “always” done it. Sis— Maybe it’s time to let it go.

4. Stop Shrinking

You were not created to fit in anyone’s box.

It’s time to step out of the shadows and into the space you were born to occupy. You don’t have to dim your light or adjust your brilliance because you’re afraid you may shine too bright. Show up boldly. Speak loudly. Live fully. You were made to take up space. One of my favorite movies growing up—and although the film was a mature for a young girl my age- and despite the fact that I know I’m going to date myself with this but—it was “Dirty Dancing”. toward the end of the movie Johnny (Patrick Swayze) and Frances were scheduled to perform the last dance, During the movie the secret love of the two characters was revealed, and Swayze’s character was ousted. 

With the relationship exposed and his less than sanctimonious departure, the annual dance was canceled and instead they opted for a safe musical performance. But Swayze returns and sees Baby (Frances) sitting in the corner with her family. Patrick walks up to the family and says “No one puts Baby in a corner. “The dancers put on a stellar performance, and it sparks a fire and everyone begins “dirty dancing”. Now your shrinking may have nothing to do with hitting the dance floor. 

But don’t allow anyone to put you in the corner—-including you.

Practical Power Move:

Do one thing every day that stretches you. Advocate for yourself. Speak up. Apply for that opportunity. Be seen. Be heard.

5. Launch the Thing You’ve Been Sitting On

You’ve talked yourself into and out of that thing long enough. The idea you keep putting off — the product, service,  book, the business, the course — is the very thing that could unlock someone else’s freedom.

Someone is waiting on you to show up so they can get to the other side, so show up!

Practical Power Move:

Create a SMART goal. In order for goals to be smart they must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound. When you’ve written it down hang it somewhere where you can see it daily. Out of sight = out of momentum.

Final Word:

This is your moment to stop waiting on it — and start walking in it.

You don’t need another permission slip.

You’ve been equipped. You’ve been called. You’ve been prepared.

It’s your time. It’s your turn.

And nothing changes… if nothing changes.