How to Be a Bawse: Unleashing Your Inner Boss

Ever wondered what it truly means to be a “bawse”? It’s not just about bossing people around; it’s about owning your life, your decisions, and your destiny. The term, popularized by the dynamic YouTuber and entrepreneur Lilly Singh, encapsulates a powerful blend of self-confidence, ambition, and a can-do attitude. In this article, we will delve into what the “bawse” philosophy means, breaking down its key components and providing you with actionable steps to become your own “bawse.”

The term “bawse” gained significant traction with the release of Lilly Singh’s book, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life, in 2017. This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a movement. The idea was born from Singh’s experiences as a self-made creator, navigating the often chaotic world of entertainment and entrepreneurship. It resonated with so many because it articulated a desire for empowerment, for taking charge, and for breaking free from the limitations of self-doubt. The book is more than just a guide; it’s a manifesto for anyone eager to seize their potential, build resilience, and ultimately become their own leader. The book promotes the notion that anyone can adopt the principles of a “bawse” regardless of their background or circumstances. It’s less about title or hierarchy, and more about mindset and action. It speaks to the heart of what it means to take charge of your own narrative. Now, let’s explore exactly what that involves.

What Does it Mean to be a “Bawse?”

Being a “bawse” goes beyond mere authority; it’s a holistic approach to life and work. It’s about embodying confidence, not arrogance, and wielding influence, not power. It’s about being authentic, taking calculated risks, and never settling for mediocrity. It’s about being the boss of your own life, which might mean leading others or simply leading yourself through life’s challenges. The “bawse” mentality focuses on personal accountability, resilience, and the constant pursuit of growth.

Confidence vs. Arrogance

A true “bawse” operates with self-assurance that stems from deep-seated belief in their abilities, not a need to put others down. It’s the quiet strength that speaks volumes, rather than the loud bluster that hides insecurities. This type of confidence isn’t something that you are necessarily born with, it is a skill that you hone over time and work on, and it’s a key component of being your own bawse. If you are wanting to learn more about building that type of confidence, you can refer to some of the great ideas in self development books for women which touch on this topic with a range of insightful perspectives.

Influence vs. Power

A “bawse” doesn’t seek to dominate but rather to inspire. They understand the value of collaboration and motivating others to achieve their best. It’s the ability to lead through example, creating a positive impact and driving others to succeed alongside you. This approach is the antithesis of pure power, which often relies on coercion or control.

Authenticity and Vulnerability

Being a “bawse” is not about projecting an image of invulnerability. It’s about being true to yourself, owning your flaws, and leading with genuine authenticity. When you embrace who you are, you are able to connect with other people more easily, and this can enhance your influence. It’s ok to be vulnerable. In fact, it can be a great strength. Embracing vulnerability allows you to relate to others and be a more compassionate leader.

Key Steps to Becoming a Bawse

Now that we have clarified what it means to be a “bawse,” let’s move into actionable ways to achieve this mindset and behavior. This is not a quick fix but rather a continuous journey of self-improvement and leadership development.

1. Define Your Vision and Goals

What do you want to achieve? What is your purpose? This is the starting point of every “bawse’s” journey. Start by identifying both short and long-term goals, write them down, and make a plan to work towards them.

• Be Specific: Avoid vague goals, be as clear and specific as possible
• Set Realistic Timelines: Having a specific timeline can help you stay accountable
• Prioritize: Not all goals are created equal; learn to prioritize the most important ones.

2. Embrace the Hustle

A “bawse” is not afraid of hard work. They understand that success requires consistent effort and a proactive approach. This doesn’t mean you have to work yourself to exhaustion. But it does require a commitment to working smart. There will always be challenges and you may face setbacks and obstacles. However, when you hustle with focus and intent, you will be able to overcome them.

“Don’t be afraid to put in the work. It’s the consistent effort that truly matters,” states Dr. Emily Carter, a leadership expert based out of Chicago.

3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

A “bawse” views challenges as opportunities to grow. They embrace feedback and are always seeking to learn and develop new skills. This is the opposite of a fixed mindset where setbacks are seen as signs of failure. You need to be continually curious and always learning. It is important that you look for opportunities for development and improvement, both professionally and personally.

4. Build Strong Relationships

Being a “bawse” is not a solitary pursuit. It involves cultivating meaningful relationships and building a supportive network. Your support network will serve as a great sounding board when you are facing challenges, and they will also celebrate your successes with you. This is an important part of the journey and should not be overlooked.

5. Master Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is crucial to achieving success. It’s not just about having the drive, but also the ability to maintain focus, especially when motivation wanes. Discipline often comes down to having a specific process in place and setting daily, weekly and monthly routines that you adhere to.

6. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive

A “bawse” knows how to stand up for themselves and their beliefs without being disrespectful or aggressive. Assertiveness requires clear communication, a confidence in your viewpoint and a willingness to negotiate. It is also important to learn when to compromise and how to disagree without being disagreeable.

7. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustainable success. Burnout is the enemy of the “bawse.” You have to learn to balance hustle with recovery and make sure to allow yourself time to recharge and rest. There is no point in working yourself into the ground, as it is counter-productive. Remember that a healthy mind and body are key to success and that you need to protect them.

“Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential to achieving your goals,” emphasizes David Chen, a career strategist based in California.

8. Learn to Delegate

A true “bawse” understands they cannot do it all alone. They know how to delegate tasks effectively to others so they can focus on more important work. Delegating is not about avoiding work, it is about being strategic about what you focus on and utilizing your resources effectively. This is an important skill for a leader to learn.

9. Stay Authentic

The most important aspect of being a “bawse” is staying true to yourself. Don’t try to emulate others; find your own unique style and voice. Your authenticity will be what people connect with. It is what will make you unique and valuable. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your differences and to be unapologetically you.

10. Continuously Evaluate and Adapt

Being a “bawse” is not about reaching a final destination. It is an ongoing process of self-improvement. Regularly evaluate your progress, make adjustments as needed, and stay open to change. You should always be willing to evaluate what is working and what is not, and to make changes accordingly. This adaptability is essential in any aspect of your life, and especially when trying to conquer your goals.

The Bawse Mindset in Action

Adopting the “bawse” mindset isn’t just about career goals, it’s about applying these principles to all areas of your life.

In Your Career

Being a “bawse” in your career means taking ownership of your professional growth, not waiting for someone else to hand you opportunities. It means being proactive, seeking feedback, and constantly working to improve your skills. When your work environment is not optimal you are able to lead in the right direction to make the change that is required.

In Your Personal Life

A “bawse” attitude in your personal life means having the self-assurance to make decisions that align with your values, not being swayed by other peoples’ opinions or expectations. It’s about taking charge of your well-being and creating a life that is both fulfilling and enjoyable, and knowing when to lean on your resources for support.

In Your Relationships

In your relationships, being a “bawse” means being honest and respectful, not allowing others to dictate your worth or happiness. You can stand up for yourself, make sure that your voice is heard and be a positive influence on those around you.

Conclusion

Becoming a “bawse” is a journey, not a destination. It’s about embracing a mindset of self-confidence, resilience, and continuous growth. While the term was popularized by Lilly Singh, its core principles are universal and applicable to anyone seeking to take charge of their life. By focusing on self-awareness, hard work, and a commitment to personal development, you too can become the “bawse” of your own life. Take the leap, embrace the challenge, and unlock your full potential. If you are looking for additional reading material related to this topic, you may find ideas that are helpful in self development books for women.

Related Reading

• Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

FAQ

Q1. Is being a “bawse” only for women?
A. No, absolutely not. The “bawse” mentality is for everyone, regardless of gender. It’s about embracing empowerment and leadership in your own life.

Q2. How can I start being a “bawse” today?
A. Start by identifying one area of your life where you want to take more ownership and set a specific, achievable goal for yourself.

Q3. What’s the difference between being a “bawse” and being a bully?
A. A “bawse” leads through influence and inspires others, while a bully uses power to control and dominate. The key difference is in intent and approach.

Q4. Is it possible to be a “bawse” and still be compassionate?
A. Yes, absolutely. A true “bawse” leads with both strength and empathy, recognizing the importance of connecting with others.

Q5. Does being a “bawse” mean I have to be aggressive?
A. Not at all. It’s about being assertive and confident, which is very different from being aggressive. You can be powerful without being overbearing.

Q6. What if I struggle with self-doubt?
A. Self-doubt is normal. The key is to acknowledge it, not let it control you. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your small wins along the way.

Q7. Is it okay to ask for help as a “bawse”?
A. Absolutely. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A true “bawse” knows their limitations and is not afraid to seek support.