I was listening to a podcast episode of The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes. His guest was Jojo, a singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. Jojo’s history is well documented on how she signed her first recording contract at six-years-old to becoming a global sensation. Also documented is how she got into a bad contract deal during her teenage years, which resulted in stifling her career. Ultimately, for over a decade, we stopped hearing music from Jojo.
During Lewis’ interview with Jojo, he asked her the lessons she has learned in the past and present when it comes to business. She gave a few responses but what stuck most with me was her statement that she learned that she must “save herself.” Indeed.
You see, most of us are conditioned to believe that others will always save us. If you are a woman, there is simply no dispute that every messaging from personal to society reinforces vulnerability and a need to be saved. There is always a lurking danger that you need to be saved from. If you are a man, you are most likely conditioned to always be in a constant state of saving everyone but yourself.
Yes, there is a role in society for us to seek and receive help when we are in very distressed situations and cannot save ourselves. However, for the most part, we can and should save ourselves. For example, if you are in an unhealthy business, romantic or friendship relationship, you can and should save yourself. If you are in an unhealthy work environment, you can and should save yourself. Stop waiting for someone to save you when the power is right there in your hands to save yourself.
Also, stop running to save others but when it comes every-time to you, you choose yourself last, and in fact refuse to save yourself. There is nothing attractive or noble about that, regardless of what society says.
You have the ability, the intelligence, and wherewital to save yourself. So, do so!
Step into your greatness, start now.
With love,
~Ms. Uduak
Watch the interview with Jojo that inspired this inspirational piece.