Unstoppable women: Lesser known stories that prove belief is everything
photo credit: Hyunwon Jang
Youāve probably heard Henry Fordās quote: āWhether you think you can or think you canāt, youāre right.ā But while history often highlights the usual suspects, there are countless women whose lesser known journeys show just how true this is. Their stories remind us that mindset isnāt just a buzzword, itās the secret ingredient to real change.
From self-doubt to tech champion
Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, began her career as an attorney with Ivy League degrees but struggled with perfectionism and fear of failure. After an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2010, she couldāve let defeat define her. Instead, she reframed her loss as a lesson and embraced the idea that failure is a stepping stone. This mindset led her to create Girls Who Code, empowering tens of thousands of young women to break into tech. Reshmaās story proves that letting go of āI canātā is the first step to changing the world.
From playing small to speaking out
Luvvie Ajayi Jones spent years hiding her voice, convinced she didnāt belong in the spotlight. But her love for writing pushed her to challenge that belief. She published Iām Judging You: The Do-Better Manual in 2016, unsure if anyone would care. It became a New York Times bestseller. Luvvieās TED talk and podcast now inspire millions. Her journey shows that believing in your own voice, no matter how quietly it starts, can lead to extraordinary things.
Redefining wealth in rural South Africa
Growing up in South Africaās Valley of a Thousand Hills, Jabu was raised to believe wealth was measured by land and livestock - things her family didnāt have. Inspired by her grandmotherās resilience, Jabu chose to see abundance in opportunity and self-worth, not just material things. By shifting her mindset, she found ways to thrive and help others do the same, proving that what you believe truly shapes what you achieve.
Breaking free from limiting beliefs
As a child, Girisha Andrea thought wealth was something she could never attain. But questioning that belief changed everything. Through self-reflection and determination, she learned to trust her own path and define success on her own terms. Today, Girisha lives authentically and abundantly, showing that the only limits that matter are the ones we accept.
Real power of āI canā
These women didnāt start with all the answers. They started with a shift in belief. Their stories are proof that Fordās quote is a roadmap. Next time you hit a wall, remember: your mindset might be the most powerful tool you have.
Sources
Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani Official Website
Columbia SIPA Distinguished Fellows - Reshma Saujani
Epic Books - Reshma Saujani: Girls Who Code Founder
Association for Women in Science - Reshma Saujani
USA for UNFPA - Luvvie Ajayi Jones
About Luvvie - Luvvieās Official Website
About Luvvie - Awesomely Luvvie
Why I Love Luvvie Ajayi - Allison Task
