I’ll be honest—self-reliance is something I used to think meant “doing everything on my own.” No help, no handouts, just pure hustle. But after reading 7 Rules of Self-Reliance by Maha Abouelenein, I realized I had it all wrong. Self-reliance isn’t about isolation—it’s about being so rooted in your own abilities, your mindset, and your vision that you don’t need external validation to take action.
For us as women founders, this is huge. We often wait for permission. Permission to scale, to pivot, to step fully into the role of CEO without second-guessing ourselves. But Maha’s book makes it clear: No one is coming to save us. The future belongs to those who take ownership of their skills, reputation, and mindset—without hesitation.
One of the most powerful takeaways? Investing in yourself is non-negotiable. Whether that’s upskilling, building a personal brand, or creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear—Maha’s framework is a wake-up call to stop playing small. And her lessons on reputation management? A must-read in today’s digital-first world, where how you show up online is just as important as what you build behind the scenes.
This book isn’t just about business—it’s about taking back control of your future. If you’re feeling stuck, doubting your next move, or simply need a reminder of your own power, 7 Rules of Self-Reliance will shake you out of that mindset. Consider it the blueprint for becoming the unstoppable force you were meant to be.
