Stop Asking for Permission: How to Overcome Your Biggest Obstacle—Yourself
Have you ever felt like you’re just waiting for someone to give you a thumbs up to chase your dreams? Today, I stumbled upon this quote while flipping through a book: “If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.” It felt like a cosmic slap—one I sorely needed on a day when I was feeling stuck and cranky.
Because, let’s be honest, the biggest obstacle most of us face isn’t a lack of resources or support. It’s not even the naysayers outside our heads. It’s the inner gatekeeper—the one that says we’re not ready, not qualified, or not good enough. It’s the part of us that insists we need someone else to tell us it’s okay to go for it.
The Truth About Permission
Here’s the hard truth: greatness doesn’t come with a permission slip. Nobody is going to hand it to you, and the world isn’t going to stop and say, “Oh, you’re ready now. Go ahead!” If you wait for that green light, you’ll be waiting forever.
Greatness is self-claimed. It’s an act of saying, “I choose to show up, even if I’m scared.” And if you’re anything like me, that’s easier said than done—especially on the cranky days when doubt is loud.
Meet Oliver Widger: A Real-Life Reminder
If you need proof that you don’t need permission to chase your dreams, look no further than Oliver Widger. Oliver is a young guy who sold everything he had to sail around the world—despite never having sailed before. Yes, you read that right: never.
He set off from Oregon and has already made it to Hawaii, sharing the ups, downs, and open ocean along the way. Millions of people are following his journey on social media, cheering him on—not because he’s the most experienced sailor, but because he’s the most determined.
Oliver’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to be ready to start. You just have to start.
Three Ways to Get Past Yourself
1. Name the Gatekeeper
I’ve found it’s helpful to actually give that inner obstacle a name. Mine’s called The Committee—a group of voices in my head that argue about why I’m not good enough. Once I name it, I can see it for what it is: an overprotective inner boardroom, not the final judge of my abilities.
2. Take Imperfect Action
Perfectionism is just another way of asking for permission. You don’t need perfect; you need progress. Take one small action that feels uncomfortable but exciting. Post the blog. Start the project. Make the call. Once you move, you break the cycle of waiting.
3. Rewrite the Story
My default story used to be: “I’m not ready.” I decided to rewrite it: “I’m learning as I go.” The story you tell yourself shapes what you believe you’re allowed to do. If you’re stuck on the story that you’re unqualified or unworthy, flip the script—because that’s the permission you’ve been waiting for.
Micro-Permissions for Today
If you’re feeling stuck or cranky like I was, give yourself these small but mighty permissions:
- I have permission to be seen and heard.
- I have permission to start before I feel ready.
- I have permission to rest and recharge.
- I have permission to change my mind.
- I have permission to trust my instincts.
- I have permission to take up space in the world.
Final Thoughts: No One Else’s Approval Needed
Let me leave you with this final thought: “What would you do today if you didn’t need anyone’s approval?”
The answer to that question is your true north—your own kind of greatness waiting to be claimed.
