Empowerment and Deliberate Practice

Redefining Power and Autonomy

Empowerment should not be understood as the exercise of power over others, but as the ability to act freely, control one's own resources, and make independent decisions.

In the context of equality, empowerment implies giving marginalized groups (women, minorities) the tools to challenge the structures that limit them.

True empowerment seeks "power to": power to nurture, to grow internally, to exercise justice and to control one's impulses.

Education plays a central role here, but not just any education; it requires learning that fosters critical thinking, self-esteem and the ability to question the status quo.

Becoming empowered is an ongoing process, a round-trip journey where by strengthening our autonomy, we are better equipped to empower others.

The Neuroscience of Mastery

To consolidate any new skill, whether it is inclusive leadership or a technical competency, it takes practice.

At the brain level, repetitive practice affects the white matter, specifically through myelination of axons.

Myelin acts like the insulation of an electrical wire; the more layers that form through repetition, the faster and more efficient the transmission of the nerve signal.

What we call "muscle memory" is actually the optimization of these neural highways. However, mechanical repetition is not enough.

Deliberate practice" is needed: conscious, focused and targeted to improve specific weaknesses.

Practical tips include minimizing digital distractions (it takes time for the brain to refocus) and practicing "in slow motion" to ensure accuracy before increasing speed. In addition, detailed mental visualization is a powerful tool.

Studies, such as those conducted with musicians or athletes, show that imagining the perfect execution of a task activates neural circuits similar to physical execution, reinforcing learning without moving a muscle.