My husband Ernie and I rented the DVD of the Michael Jackson documentary “This is It” a couple nights ago. We watched in awe his amazing talent. His passing a year ago was like the passing of an era.

I was inspired by what Jackson was creating – by thinking it up and moving energy. You can argue Whacko Jacko was un-balanced. Watching this film you see his brilliance. He was in control of everything. He was energetic, engaged and happy.

I thought, “Who told Michael Jackson he could do this? Who gave him permission to become King of Pop?”

Many of us have great ideas, amazing visions. Our excellent adventures live in our mind. We hold captive ideas that could make everyone better off. Big, hairy, audacious ideas for round-the world travels, businesses, inventions, books and charities to help the under-privileged. Unfortunately, many hold off because they’re waiting for someone to give them permission.

Jackson didn’t wait.

Many people hold back when it comes to making their excellent adventure reality because it all seems too “out there.” After all, “What would people say? What would people think?”

In business and in life, no one gives you permission to take the lead. No one gives you permission to step out. “A leader is someone who goes first,” says author John Maxwell. You must believe in the power of your vision and step out on faith. Faith without works – it’s not worth much. Jackson had works. Jackson had skills – and he used ‘em.

When I dreamed up the idea for my book, “Testosterone-Free Marketing,” nobody gave me permission to say I’m, “The foremost expert in marketing for women.” But I say it every time I’m interviewed. How can I say it? I created the niche because I kept thinking I didn’t want to be a “me too.” I didn’t want to be an also-ran, compared to all the other business experts.

Once I was called on it. A male radio interviewer asked, “How can you say you’re the expert in marketing to women?”

I replied, “I’m not an expert in marketing to women. I’m the expert in marketing for women.” That was that.

You don’t have to have permission. You do have to be a leader and go for it. Sometimes the only thing you have to break through are the limitations in your mind.

Remember hearing growing up:
* Don’t toot your own horn
* Be a nice girl (and everything THAT implies)
* Let others make the first gesture
* It’s better to give than receive
* Don’t call the boy

We live in a different world. Things are changing faster and faster. Yet, subconsciously many women still struggle with limiting beliefs. Time to let it go. That ol’ programming doesn’t serve you anymore.

Consider the amazing things that can happen in your life when you stop asking for permission and just believe in yourself, the power of your vision and step out on faith.