THE IMPORTANCE OF ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF
Advocating for yourself is something I’ve really had to get comfortable with over the years — especially working in male-dominated industries. If I’m being honest, it’s something I think we all need to do more of. At the end of the day, if you don’t speak up for yourself, who will? You’ve got to have your own back, and that’s how you show you know your worth.
When I say advocating for yourself, I mean speaking up confidently, setting boundaries, and communicating your needs clearly — but it’s never about being rude or aggressive. It’s about being assertive in a respectful way, knowing when to say “no” or ask for what you need, and showing up with conviction. The key to really making this work? You’ve got to get clear on what you want and pursue it with confidence. Knowing who you are — your strengths, your limitations, and what you truly need — is the foundation of self-advocacy.
In the workplace, self-advocacy might look like:
Asking for what you want — whether it’s a raise, support from your manager, or a new project.
Speaking up in meetings — share your new ideas and show you trust your voice.
Owning up to mistakes - When things don’t go as planned, take responsibility. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being accountable, learning, and growing. By admitting your mistakes confidently and taking steps to correct them, you advocate for yourself by showing integrity, responsibility, and a growth mindset — all of which make you a stronger, more reliable team member.
Negotiating for the salary you deserve — Of course, it has to be realistic and based on your experience; you want to advocate for yourself, but also stay grounded in what’s fair and in line with the industry standard.
Setting boundaries at work — learn to say no to things that don’t align with your values or priorities.
Knowing your skills and knowledge — understand what you bring to the table and confidently stand behind it.
I totally get it — speaking up can feel intimidating at first. But the more you practice, the more confident and in control you’ll feel. Advocating for yourself shows others that you value your time, your boundaries, and your values. Plus, it helps you build stronger, more authentic relationships with those around you. Remember, your voice matters. When you speak up for yourself, you’re not only showing others your worth, but most importantly, you’re reminding yourself too.