Living Your Dream: How to Follow Your Passion Without Waiting for Permission by Suzanne Peters

Suzanne Peters is a full-time day trader, award-winning speaker, author, and founder of the Woman To Woman Network. She creates time, financial, and location freedom while inspiring women to step into their power, embrace bold reinvention, and live life unapologetically on their own terms.

Let’s get real for a second: you can be “successful” on paper—titles, accolades, even influence—but still feel like something’s missing. That was me. I was a speaker, a business owner, running the Woman To Woman Network, and empowering women every single day. And yet… I felt stuck. Like I was living someone else’s idea of success instead of my own.

I wanted more. I wanted freedom. I wanted to wake up every morning excited, not exhausted. I wanted to live a life that felt like me—not what anyone else said I should do.

Here’s the truth: no one is going to hand you your dream. No one is going to say, “Go ahead, you can live your passion now.” You have to give yourself permission. And yes, it’s scary. It means saying no to comfort, to the predictable, and sometimes to people who don’t get your vision. But let me tell you something—freedom and joy are worth every single risk.

So how do you follow your passion without waiting for anyone’s permission? Let me break it down:

1. Get Crystal Clear on What You Really Want

Stop chasing what looks good on paper or what everyone else expects. Ask yourself: What lights me up? What would I do if money, fear, and judgment weren’t in the way? Say it. Write it. Own it. The clearer you are, the easier it is to make it happen.

2. Take Bold Action—Even If It’s Tiny

You don’t have to quit your job or launch a business overnight. Freedom and passion come one brave step at a time. For me, it was learning options trading while running my business—giving me control of my time and money. For you, it might be a class, a side hustle, or simply speaking your truth louder. Whatever it is, take action.

3. Protect Your Energy Like Your Dream Depends on It

Because it does. Surround yourself with people who push you forward, celebrate your wins, and remind you who you are when you forget. And cut out the voices telling you to “be realistic” or “wait your turn.” Your dream doesn’t need permission—it needs fuel.

4. Use Fear as Your Compass

Fear is not your enemy—it’s proof you’re stepping into something big. Every time I felt fear, I reminded myself: This is exactly where I’m supposed to be. The discomfort is temporary, but regret? Regret lasts a lifetime.

5. Celebrate Every Win

Every step forward counts. Don’t wait until it’s “perfect” to celebrate. A new client, a mindset breakthrough, even a small win you can’t believe you pulled off—these are all signs you’re building a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Following your passion isn’t about luck—it’s about clarity, courage, and commitment. You don’t need permission to start. You just need to decide that your dream matters—and then go get it.

Once you stop waiting and start doing, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

About the Author:
Suzanne Peters is a speaker, author, full-time day trader, and founder of Woman To Woman Network. She empowers women to live boldly, follow their passions, and create the freedom they deserve.

Twitter: @suzanneempowers
Instagram: @suzanneempowers
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