Dear Her,
This comes from a place you are still working toward; a place you’ll get to soon enough.
When it comes to your ambitions, dream big, and then break that big dream into smaller steps you can complete this week. Show up early. Stay to ask one extra question. Volunteer for the task that scares you a little. People will remember how reliable you were long before they remember your title. Ambition without discipline will tire you out, so pair it with rest and planning.
At work, learn the skill and learn the people. Do the job well, and also learn how to explain what you do in one clear sentence. Write your emails with care. Meet deadlines before they are due. When you make a mistake, own it quickly and fix it. That is how trust is built.
Confidence will not feel like confidence at the start. It will feel like nervous hands and a fast heart. Speak anyway. Prepare your three points before every meeting. Breathe before you answer. Look people in the eye. Each time you speak up, it becomes easier the next time. Your voice is needed in rooms where decisions are made, so do not remove yourself from those rooms.
Now, about people. Network with genuine curiosity. Ask, “What are you working on?” and listen to the answer. Follow up with a message that references what they said. Keep a list of names and check in with them without asking for anything.
Be strategic with friendships, and be good with them too. Keep close the women who tell you the truth, who celebrate your wins, and who call you when you are slacking. Pour into those friendships. Send the voice note. Remember the important dates. Introduce people to each other. The right relationships will open doors, and the right relationships will also keep you grounded when the doors get heavy.
Take wellness seriously. Sleep eight hours when you can. Drink water. Move your body in a way that makes you feel strong, not punished. Eat food that gives you energy for long days. See a doctor for check-ups. Your health is the foundation for everything else you want to build, so protect it.
Beauty and fashion are part of how you show up. Learn what fits your body and makes you feel capable. Invest in a blazer that tailors well, shoes you can walk in, and a lip colour that makes you smile in the mirror. Take care of your skin. Dress for the meeting, for the event, and for yourself. Style is not vanity. It is communication. It tells people you respect yourself and the room you are entering.
You will have days when you doubt everything. On those days, return to your why. Read the goals you wrote down. Call the friend who reminds you who you are. Do the next small task anyway. Progress is built from small, consistent actions.
Be kind to yourself while you are becoming. You are allowed to learn in public. You are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to say no.
I am proud of the woman you are becoming. Keep going.
With love,
Every Woman
Read more stories on ambition, style, and growth every week in Exquisite Magazine. Check the website for more editorials, tips, and inspiration to help you show up fully in work and in life.
Written by Aliyah O.
