FIRST THOUGHT: On Being Fearless
What does it mean to be truly fearless as women? Does it mean that we don’t experience the emotion of fear or that we try to ignore its presence? I would argue that true courageousness is displayed when we continue forward, despite feeling that teeth-chattering, leg-shaking type of fear.
There are plenty of emotions we wish we could banish from our lives—some of which include fear, anxiety and trepidation. A truly fearless woman knows to embrace, rather than hide from or be afraid of facing those emotions. We should see fear as a signpost guiding us in the direction of growth.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 10.6 Million
Speaking of embracing emotions, I’m glad women are also being defined by numbers other than weight and dress size. Case in point: today’s number of 10.6 Million. That’s the number of women-owned businesses in the United States. Super inspiring, right? What’s even more impressive is that these bold businesses employ 19.1 million workers and derive $2.5 trillion in sales each year!
Those numbers definitely give me something grandiose to aspire to, and are a reflection of what women can accomplish when they harness their collective courage and refuse to let fear get in their way of greatness.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Amy Cosper, Editor of Entrepreneur Magazine
“When I’m feeling less than inspired, hearing other women’s audacious stories helps to rekindle my spark. One of those audaciously inclined ladies is Amy Cosper. Since 2007, Cosper has served as the vice present of Entrepreneur Media and editor of Entrepreneur Magazine, a publication chock-full of resources, expert advice and tips to assist entrepreneurs on their journey from just scraping by to surviving and thriving.
Needless to say, Cosper knows a thing or two about what’s needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur herself, she truly embodies the “It takes one to know one” concept; she launched her career by founding a media consulting business. From there, Cosper exercised her wanderlust spirit and ventured out into the world — the tech world of journalism, that is. She globetrotted as a reporter on assignment to myriad locations, including Israel, France and Brazil.
Eventually, Cosper’s experience culminated in her landing a position as publisher and editor-in-chief at Primedia, an organization known for advertising and strategic brand management. During her time with the company, she also did a little work for WiesnerMedia, and by “a little work,” I mean she directed five award-winning financial magazines.
I have yet to meet Cosper in person, but I already know one thing’s for certain: She’d surely put my multitasking skills to shame. And that makes me wonder, how does the everyday, albeit amazing, woman optimize her journey toward entrepreneurial success? Cosper believes part of the magic lies in setting a specific goal for the day, and says the best advice she got when starting her career was to “be fearless and innovate.” In her own words, Cosper says, “It’s all about what you do with what you’ve got.”
QUITE THE QUOTE
Those words are a good reminder that at the end of the day, you will always have to answer to one person: yourself. So remember that fear itself is not intrinsically bad. It’s just a temporary, fleeting reminder that it’s time to bust out your inner strength, courage and stamina and show the world what you’re made of. Remember that you’ve got this, girl. Or, to phrase it in a less hipster-like manner, take it from poet G.D. Anderson, who said:
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength."That’s all for now. Be sure to share this so more women can have a voice! Thanks for getting ready with us.
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