Ask for Forgiveness, Not Permission — How to Successfully Stand Out in Your Career by Carving Your Own Path

The 2021 Women’s Confidence Report (womensconfidence.report) is the largest global study on women’s confidence, spanning 11 countries and including 11,176 women. Only 3.4% of participants rated their confidence between 9 and 10 on a scale of 0 to 10. This finding is alarming, and we are committed to helping change it. To better understand how women build confidence, we interviewed 13 women CPAs, attorneys and entrepreneurs about their paths to successful careers. Four common themes consistently emerged.

Don’t Fear Failure

Many professionals struggle with atychiphobia, an intense fear of failure that can significantly impact personal and professional growth. This fear often appears as anxiety about rejection or worry about letting people down, whether colleagues, clients, friends, family or yourself. Each of us sees the world through our own lens, shaped by experiences and expectations over time. The sooner we accept that we cannot please everyone all the time, the more our anxiety about rejection and failure diminishes.

Taking risks and putting yourself out there will always carry the possibility of failure, but those moments are never dead ends. When things don’t work out the first time, see it as an opportunity to pivot, learn, grow and try again. Letting go of the belief that success requires perfection allows us to become stronger leaders, as real success is built on resilience, adaptability and the courage to keep moving forward.

Growth is Part of the Journey

True growth happens at the edge of our comfort zones; this is where transformation begins. How we handle challenges reflects not just our strength, but also our ability to grow. Challenges stretch us, test us and reveal who we are at our core. Whether celebrating a win or facing a setback, owning your choices, actions and outcomes, good or bad, is what matters most. Ownership isn’t about harsh self-judgment; it’s about being honest, reflective and open to growth. Listen with intention, ask questions that challenge assumptions and take time to clarify your purpose and your “why.” Commit to continuous learning and embrace a growth mindset. Difficult times don’t exist to break us; they build resilience, shape character and prepare us for what lies ahead.

Take Bold Action

Taking bold action means moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain or the path is not fully defined. It requires courage, self-belief and the willingness to embrace discomfort as part of growth. Bold action is not reckless, it is intentional and informed, guided by your values, knowledge and judgment. Each step, even if small, builds momentum and confidence, reinforcing your ability to navigate chal­lenges and seize opportunities. When you act boldly, you inspire others, open doors to unexpected possibilities and create a track record of progress that compounds over time. Ultimately, taking bold action transforms potential into achievement and turns aspirations into tangible results.

Trust Yourself and Trust the Process

Clarity often comes after taking the first step, not before. Our instincts and experi­ences serve as powerful guides, giving us the courage to move forward even when the path is unclear. Anchoring yourself in integrity and perspective helps ensure you always act with purpose and character.

You are not expected to navigate everything alone; mentorship plays a critical role in building confidence and accelerating growth. Seek out mentors who understand your goals, challenge your thinking and share honest feedback based on their own experiences. A trusted mentor can help you see opportunities you might overlook, provide guidance when decisions feel daunting and offer encouragement when setbacks arise. By leaning on their wisdom while still trusting your own judgment, you can embrace opportunities that stretch your potential and refine your skills. The most meaningful breakthroughs come when you stop asking for permission, act decisively and start believing in yourself, owning your capacity to lead, grow and succeed.

Through steadfast advocacy and real-world awareness, we can help support the success of each unique career journey in accounting. Approach challenges and opportunities with excitement, embrace growth as part of the journey and take decisive action. By sharing authentic experiences and insights from peers in the profession, we aim to cultivate positivity and build a foundation for lasting confidence, remembering that the only permission you need is your own.