Boys Are Raised to Be Brave, Girls Are Raised to Be Perfect

Here’s a story I can’t stop thinking about: A job posting lists 10 qualifications.

A woman sees it & checks 9 of 10.

“I’m not qualified. I’ll never get it,” she tells herself.

—She slinks away and doesn’t apply.

A man comes across the same job listing.

He reads the 10 qualifications & checks off 3.

“I have got a real shot at that job!” he tells himself.

—He feels encouraged and applies right away.

⬇️

Boys are raised to be brave.
Girls are raised to be perfect.
That has an impact.

***
I heard the above at a women’s conference last year, and I can’t seem to get it out of my head.

I don’t know that the story perfectly reflects reality, but it helps me to recall it whenever my instinct is shy away from trying something new.

❤️ For the women in my legal LinkedIn network:

Might it help you?

That job posting, that promotion, that high-profile case—they don’t just have to be for someone else.

They could be for YOU.

We can each do our part to bridge the gender gap if we push ourselves a little more outside our comfort zone each day.

And I promise I’ll be here to cheer and root for you when you do.

💌 Amanda

P.S. Challenge time!

Let’s make February a month of pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone.

—I dare you to apply for something you really want but feel you’re not quite qualified for. It could be a job, a speaking engagement, or even a personal goal.

Drop an “I’ll try!” comment below, and let’s hold each other accountable. ⬇️

(And don’t forget to come back & share your success stories here. Your bravery might just inspire someone else to take the leap!)