“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” – Sophia Bush

Here’s the thing about stepping into more: by definition, it doesn’t always stand out right away.

Which means you? You’re basically a ninja in everyday life. You’re showing up, doing all the things, moving pieces behind the scenes and yet somehow it feels like no one really sees you.

Here’s the truth no one says out loud but I’m saying it anyway: feeling invisible can really hurt.

Because you know how much you care. You know the hours, the thought, the effort you pour in. You know that there’s more inside of you that could make an even bigger impact. And yet, from the outside, it doesn’t always add up. You might start to wonder: Am I exaggerating my own wisdom? Overstating my own value?

Don’t let that voice win.

What you’re feeling is real. But here’s the truth — before anyone else can validate you, you have to validate yourself. You’ve got to water your own roots first, so that when the time comes, others can recognize the tree.

And just to be clear: when I say “stepping into more,” I don’t only mean titles or job descriptions. You might be leading your kids. Leading your household. Leading your own healing. Or simply leading yourself into the next version of you. It all counts.

So, how do you do that? Here are 5 ways to step into your power wherever you’re growing:

1. Validate What You Want
The first step is simple, but not always easy: name what you want.

It sounds obvious, but most of us skip it. We keep grinding, taking on responsibility, waiting for someone else to tell us what’s next. But if you don’t know what you’re aiming for, it’s like hiking a trail without a compass — draining and disorienting.

So ask yourself: What do I really want out of this season of life? Is it to grow in your career? To be more present at home? To show up with more confidence in your relationships?

Clarity is power. Once you know what you want, you can stop chasing every opportunity and start choosing the ones that align.

2. Get Clear on Your Why
“Why” can feel like a heavy word. It’s tied to purpose, and purpose feels… big. Too big sometimes.

But here’s the reframe: you don’t need to have your life purpose written in stone to move forward. You just need a reason. Something that reminds you why you’re showing up when things get hard.

Maybe your “why” is as simple as wanting to break a negative family pattern. Maybe it’s to prove to yourself that you can. Maybe it’s to create stability for your kids. Or maybe it’s just because you’re curious what you’re capable of.

Your why doesn’t have to impress anyone. It just has to mean something to you. That’s the fuel that keeps you moving when you’d rather quit.

3. Recognize That Every Phase Has Value
Here’s the trap a lot of us fall into: believing that because you’re not “there” yet, where you are now doesn’t count.

Nope.

Every season has value. The confusing seasons, where you feel like you’re swimming upstream. The stretching seasons, where you’re doing things you don’t feel ready for. Even the quiet seasons, where it feels like nothing’s moving.

All of it matters. Every step builds muscle, even when it doesn’t look like progress.

So instead of beating yourself up for not being “further along,” recognize the value of where you are now. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

4. Lead Yourself First
This one is huge. Before you can lead anyone else, you need to lead yourself.

And self-leadership doesn’t just mean hitting goals. It means managing the conversations no one else hears. How do you talk to yourself when you mess up? Do you encourage yourself the way you encourage others, or do you tear yourself down?

Leading yourself looks like practicing discipline when no one’s watching. It looks like resting when you need to instead of pushing yourself to burnout. It looks like holding yourself accountable without shame.

5. Align With the Right People
Last but not least: growth isn’t a solo sport.

No matter how much grit you have, you can’t do it alone. And you shouldn’t. The right people will spot your potential, water your growth, and sharpen your skills.

But here’s the thing — it’s important to choose wisely. Not everyone deserves a seat at your table. Align with the people who truly care about you, see you, challenge you, and cheer for you when you forget to cheer for yourself.

Because when iron sharpens iron, everyone wins.

You’re not invisible. You’re in motion. You’re in the process of becoming.

Which of these 5 steps resonates with you most right now? Drop it in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’re choosing to lead yourself this week.

Written by: Grace Alexis

Timestamp: 3:15pm PDT