Personal Power Isn’t Given, It’s Claimed

There’s a myth we’ve been sold.

That if you just work hard enough, keep your head down, and don’t make waves — someone will eventually notice. They’ll tap you on the shoulder. They’ll offer you the promotion. They’ll finally say what you’ve known all along: “You’re ready.”

But if you’re a woman in aviation, aerospace, or any male-dominated field, you already know how that story actually goes.

You can be overqualified, over prepared, and outperforming your peers — And still be underpaid, underestimated, and overlooked.

The truth? Power — personal, professional, and positional — is almost never handed to you. It’s earned. It’s cultivated. And most importantly — It’s claimed.

The Waiting Trap

Many of us are taught to believe that if we just wait our turn, play by the rules, and stay agreeable, the system will eventually reward us.

But what if the system wasn’t designed with us in mind?

• You followed the path.
• You did what they said would work.
• You got the degrees, the certifications, the extra projects.

And yet…

• Your ideas get repeated in meetings — by someone else.
• Your leadership gets praised — but not promoted.
• Your presence gets tolerated — not respected.

So you start to wonder:

What more do I have to prove?

The better question might be:

What am I still waiting for — that I could claim for myself instead?

What It Means to Claim Your Power

Claiming your personal power isn’t loud. It’s not a dramatic resignation letter. It doesn’t require a new job title or a corner office (though those are nice, too).

Claiming your power is quiet at first. It’s an internal shift.

It looks like:

• Saying no to things that drain you, even when saying yes would make you “likeable.”
• Speaking up in meetings, not just to contribute — but to be heard.
• Advocating for your own development, instead of waiting for someone to offer it.
• Leaving behind roles, relationships, or routines that shrink you.
• Trusting your own instincts more than anyone else’s doubts.

It’s the moment you decide: I belong here — because I say I do.

Why This Is Harder Than It Sounds

Let’s be honest: if claiming power were easy, every brilliant, capable woman would already be doing it.

But we’ve all been conditioned — by systems, stories, and subtle expectations — to be grateful just to be in the room. To not take up too much space. To wait our turn.

Some of us learned to work twice as hard for half the credit. Some of us learned to shape-shift — to fit in, stay safe, or simply survive. Some of us internalized the idea that ambition is unattractive. That confidence is arrogance. That power is for them — not us.

But here’s the truth:

Your voice, your vision, your leadership — are not threats to be managed. They’re strengths to be unleashed.

What Claiming Your Power Can Look Like This Week

Start small. Start real.

• Rewrite your email signature to reflect your full title and accomplishments.
• Set a boundary around your time — and keep it.
• Ask the uncomfortable question in the meeting.
• Say no without apologizing.
• Reach out for the opportunity — even if you’re only 80% ready.

Remember: confidence isn’t a prerequisite. It’s a result.

You don’t have to wait until you feel powerful to act powerfully. You just have to start acting in alignment with who you really are — and what you really want.

Beyond the Flight Deck

You didn’t come this far to play small.

You’ve spent years proving you can do the work. Now it’s time to do the work that matters to you — with a voice that’s clear, a presence that’s grounded, and a path that you choose.

Power isn’t given. It’s claimed. And it’s yours for the taking.

Ready to Claim It?

Start here:

Download the free guide: “Breaking the Cycle: 7 Hidden Signs It’s Time to Level Up — and Lead”If you’ve been stuck in proving mode, this guide is your wake-up call. Learn how to spot the invisible patterns holding you back — and what to do about them.

Get "Breaking the Cycle"

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Until next week,

Dana