Marching Forward into Your Personal Power
In Honor of Harriet Tubman and Women's History Month | March 2025 - Pamela Meredith Hamilton
March is a month of renewal—the earth wakes from its winter slumber, bursting into new life. It is a season of movement, transformation, and awakening. Just as nature reclaims its strength, we, too, have the opportunity to step into our own personal power—the inner force that fuels our courage, resilience, and purpose.
Fittingly, March is also the birth month of the great leader Harriet Tubman. Her unwavering bravery, fierce determination, and relentless pursuit of freedom embody the very essence of personal power.
Inspired by Tubman’s legacy, this article explores how we, too, can march forward—stepping into our personal power with confidence, resilience, and intention as we navigate challenge and change.
Defining Personal Power
Personal power is the ability to trust ourselves, make empowered decisions, and stand firm in our values. It is rooted in self-confidence, self-advocacy, and self-awareness—the understanding that we have agency over our lives and the ability to shape our futures. Indeed, Harriet Tubman embodied personal power; despite the obstacles before her, she refused to let fear dictate her path. Instead, she trusted her instincts, took bold action, and ensured no one was left behind.
For us, stepping into personal power means silencing self-doubt, believing in our abilities, and having the courage to take action even when the path is uncertain. It means recognizing that growth is not a passive process but an active choice to pursue what we deserve.
I learned this lesson early on from my late father, whose unwavering mindset shaped my own approach to challenges. He never said "no" or "I can't." Instead, he always said, "I will see what I can do." That perspective has reminded me to explore my options instead of resigning to perceived limitations. This mindset has helped me navigate challenges with a sense of possibility rather than defeat.
Resilience and Mindset: The Fuel for Forward Movement
Harriet Tubman did not let fear, failure, or adversity deter her mission. Her resilience was unshakable, and her mindset was one of unwavering determination. Likewise, resilience is the foundation of personal empowerment. It allows us to rise after setbacks, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward.
One powerful tool in building resilience is cultivating a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. A growth mindset allows us to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning rather than seeing them as roadblocks. When we shift our mindset from "I can't" to "I will find a way," we unlock new possibilities for ourselves.
Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Internal & External Challenges
Personal power is not just about external actions—it also requires overcoming the internal barriers that hold us back. Self-limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome can convince us that we are not capable or deserving of success. Harriet Tubman had every reason to believe she could not succeed, yet she rejected those limitations and proved them wrong.
We, too, can challenge the narratives that tell us we are not enough. This requires:
Identifying negative self-talk and reframing it into self-empowering beliefs.
Acknowledging fears but not allowing them to dictate our choices.
Seeking mentors, allies, and communities that uplift and support our growth.
Externally, societal and workplace challenges can test our ability to step into our power. Whether it is navigating bias, advocating for fair treatment, or challenging outdated norms, we must learn to assert ourselves with conviction. Just as Tubman defied the status quo to create a better future, we can break through barriers to claim our rightful place in our spaces.
Actionable Steps: Marching Forward with Intention
Personal power is built through action. To start marching forward, consider these steps:
Set Clear Goals – Define what stepping into your power looks like. What do you want to achieve? What changes do you want to make in your life?
Make Empowered Choices – Align your decisions with your values and goals. Be intentional about where you invest your time and energy.
Advocate for Yourself – Speak up for what you need, whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Use your voice with confidence.
Take Small, Intentional Actions – Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent steps lead to lasting transformation. Identify one thing you can do today to move forward.
Embrace Support & Resources – Seeking help is a sign of strength. Whether through mentorship, professional networks, or resources like FEAP, surround yourself with guidance that fuels your growth.
A Season of Renewal: The Time to Step Forward is Now
As March signals the arrival of spring, it invites us to shed the weight of past limitations and embrace new beginnings. Harriet Tubman’s journey reminds us that stepping into our power is not just about personal success—it is about lifting others along the way. Her footsteps paved the way for countless others, and now, it is our turn to march forward.
What does stepping into your personal power look like for you? How will you move forward with confidence and intention? Reflect on these questions, embrace the strength within you, and take that first step toward the empowered life you deserve.