We know how easy it is to get caught up in the expectations placed on you—whether as a multipotentialite woman navigating different passions or as a first daughter shouldering responsibilities that were never really yours to begin with. But today, let’s shift the focus. Let’s talk about doing, not just talking.
Therefore, Girl, today is about you.
Not just in a “you’re amazing, you deserve the best” kind of way (because you absolutely do). But in a real, tangible, “let’s make things happen” way.
We see it every year, International Women’s Day rolls around, and our feeds fill up with beautifully worded captions, inspiring quotes, and well-meaning messages about women’s empowerment. But beyond the hashtags and the corporate campaigns, real change happens when we take action—when we prioritize ourselves, set boundaries, and actively work toward the life we deserve.
- How do you live it, not just talk about it?
- How do you take care of yourself without feeling guilty?
- How do you set boundaries when everyone expects you to be everything to everyone?
- How do you show up for other women in ways that actually matter?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, How can I actually do something rather than just talk about it?
1. Put Yourself First Without Apology
You’ve been told over and over that being selfless is a virtue. That your worth is measured by how much you give, how much you sacrifice, and how well you meet expectations.
But let’s be real—how many times have you put yourself last?
As first daughters, as multipotentialites, and as ambitious women navigating life’s complexities, we are constantly pulled in different directions. The demands don’t stop, and somewhere along the way, our own needs get buried under the weight of everything else.
It’s time to unlearn the guilt.
- Take up space in your own life. Block out time for yourself and respect it the way you would respect a work deadline.
- Start listening to yourself. If you feel drained, rest. If something doesn’t sit right with you, question it. If you want more from life, go after it.
- Remember: “No” is a full sentence. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your well-being.
Self-care is more than bubble baths and skincare routines. It’s the act of choosing yourself over and over, even when the world tells you otherwise.
2. Stop Shrinking, Start Owning Your Power
You know that feeling when you’re in a room and you have something valuable to say, but you hesitate? When you second-guess your qualifications, your ideas, your place at the table?
That hesitation? It’s not instinct. It’s conditioning.
We’ve been taught to make ourselves smaller, to downplay our achievements, to wait for permission before stepping forward. But here’s the thing:
No one is going to permit you. You have to take it.
- Speak up, even when your voice shakes. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in your community—your thoughts matter. Say them.
- Own your achievements. Stop brushing them off as “luck” or “just doing my job.” You worked for it. Claim it.
- Take bold actions. Apply for the role, pitch the idea, launch the project, and ask for the raise. What is the worst that can happen? You hear no. And you’ll survive that.
You belong in every space you want to be in. Act like it.
3. Show Up for Other Women in Meaningful Ways
It’s easy to say “women supporting women,” but what does that actually look like?
It looks like being intentional.
- Pay women for their labor. Exposure doesn’t pay bills. If you value a woman’s work, compensate her accordingly.
- Hold the door open for others. If you’ve climbed a ladder, don’t pull it up behind you. Offer guidance, mentorship, and real support.
Sisterhood isn’t just a cute concept—it’s a responsibility.
4. Challenge the Norms That Hold Us Back
We’ve come a long way, but let’s not pretend we’re where we need to be. There’s still a long list of things that need to change—pay gaps, gender bias, workplace discrimination, societal expectations, and so much more.
And here’s the truth: These things won’t change on their own.
- Call out bias when you see it. In the office, in the media, in your own home—silence is complicity.
- Educate yourself and others. Read books, listen to diverse perspectives, and have uncomfortable conversations. Growth requires discomfort.
- Advocate for fair policies. Push for paid parental leave, better workplace protections, and safer environments for women.
Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It starts with you.
5. Take Action on Your Own Dreams
How many times have you talked about that thing you want to do but haven’t started?
Starting a business. Writing a book. Going back to school. Learning a new skill.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, here’s your sign: The right time is now.
- Start where you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just begin.
- Seek out the right spaces. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
- Let go of perfection. You will make mistakes. You will face setbacks. Do it anyway.
You are capable of more than you think. Stop waiting.
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6. Celebrate Yourself Every Damn Day
You don’t have to wait for International Women’s Day to acknowledge your strength, your resilience, and your brilliance.
- Reflect on your wins. Big or small, every step forward matters.
- Speak kindly to yourself. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
- Make space for joy. You are not just here to survive. You deserve to thrive.
Take a moment right now—yes, right now—to appreciate yourself. You are doing so much better than you give yourself credit for.
It’s Time to Do, Not Just Talk
Talking about empowerment is easy. Living it? That’s the real work.
This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond the surface. Let’s take action—no matter how small. Let’s commit to putting ourselves first, lifting each other up, and pushing for change in the ways that truly matter.
At Novellisteer, we’re here to make life less complicated for multipotentialite women and first daughters. That means reminding you, every chance we get, that you don’t have to play by outdated rules. You get to define your path.
So tell us—what’s one action you’re taking today to show up for yourself or another woman? Drop it in the comments, and let’s keep this conversation going.
Happy International Women’s Day. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.
Let Chat
- What is one way you can start putting yourself first without feeling guilty?
- Have you ever caught yourself shrinking in a space where you belong? How will you show up differently moving forward?