Do You Want to Be Smart… or Do You Want to Take Action?

We often hear people say “knowledge is power.” But is it really?

Let me challenge that.
Knowledge alone doesn’t have power. If it did, then every person with a degree, a shelf full of books, or an impressive résumé would be wildly successful, confident, and fulfilled. But how many people do you know who have knowledge—and are still stuck, still lost, still playing small?

The truth is, knowledge only has power when you apply it.

What It Really Means to Be Smart

A lot of people want to be seen as “smart.” But being smart isn’t about having a high IQ, speaking perfect English, or always having the right answers.

Being smart means being bold. It means you take risks, you show up for yourself, you make decisions, and you move forward—even when you’re scared, even when the odds are against you. Sometimes, being smart means being a little crazy, especially if you’re building your own business.

It means saying yes to opportunities before you feel ready.
It means learning to say no when your time and energy are at stake.
It means embracing failure and getting up stronger every time.

That’s the kind of smart women need to embrace.

My Story: From Rejection to Reinvention

There was a time in my life when I felt anything but smart. I had just moved to London, and I couldn’t find a job, even my job as a cleaner ended in 5 days. I remember being on the phone with my sister, feeling desperate. I told her, “Even my job as a cleaner didn’t work out.”

We were brainstorming when she said, “Why don’t you open a magazine? You’ve worked in media your whole life.”

I laughed. “My English isn’t good enough,” I told her. “No one would hire a journalist like me.”
But as we kept talking, something clicked.

I thought: How many other people in London are just like me, intelligent, hardworking, full of potential, but judged because their English isn’t ‘good enough’?

And right there, the idea for a magazine for migrant women was born.

I decided I would do it. I didn’t have money. I didn’t have resources. I only had an idea and a deep desire to make it happen.

My sister reminded me: “You’ve mentored so many people over the years. You always had a team around you. You hired them before, you helped them build their careers. Call them, they’ll help you back for sure, at least a few weeks for free.”

So I did. And to my surprise, they didn’t just say yes for a few weeks. They said, “We’ll help you until you’re ready. We believe in you.”

Within two weeks, I had a full team. We created the first edition. The only problem? I had no money to print it. My sister, always the strategist, suggested calling printing companies I’d worked with in the past. She was right again. They agreed to print a few copies for free.

Two weeks later, the magazine was in my hands. And I can’t explain the joy, the excitement and how proud I was.

I went to the Migration Research Centre where I was doing my research and showed them the magazine. They were shocked.
“Who did this?”
“Me.”
“Who’s the publisher?”
“Me.”
“Who owns it?”
“Me.”

They couldn’t believe it.
“You were here just two weeks ago. You didn’t tell us anything!”
I said, “Two weeks ago, this idea didn’t exist.”

They stared in disbelief. “We’ve been working on a similar project for two years. It would have been great to discuss this together”

And I replied with a big smile: “Guys, I am sorry but I’m Albanian. In Albania, we have a saying: While smart people are still thinking, stupid people have already done it.”

So I ask you now:
Do you want to be smart… or do you want to take action?

The Habits That Make a Woman Unstoppable

Being smart isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum. Here are a few truths that have helped me, and I believe they can help any woman become truly unstoppable:

1. Know your worth—deeply.
You don’t need anyone to tell you that you’re enough. You are. Your value doesn’t decrease because someone else doesn’t see it. And it’s not defined by your job title, your relationship status, or your accent. Your worth is in who you are, how you show up, and what you create in the world.

2. Guard your time like gold.
Time is the one thing you can never get back. Be intentional with it. Don’t waste it on people or tasks that don’t align with your vision. Every moment should bring you closer to your purpose or bring joy to your present.

3. Keep learning—but more importantly, keep doing.
Learning never ends. Read, listen, grow. But don’t get stuck in the “research” phase forever. Knowledge without action is just potential wasted. The smart woman doesn’t just know, she moves.

4. Choose your people wisely.
The people you surround yourself with will either elevate you or drain you. Let go of anyone who makes you question your worth or your vision. Build a support system that believes in you just as much as you believe in them.

5. Prioritize yourself without guilt.
Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a foundation. You cannot give your best to others if you are running on empty. Rest. Reflect. Reconnect with yourself. Your wellbeing is your power source.

6. Be brave enough to fail.
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Every time you fall, you gain something. Confidence. Experience. Clarity. Don’t avoid failure. Dance with it. Learn from it.

And here is the truth

You don’t need to wait until you have perfect English, the perfect plan, or the perfect timing.
You just need to start.

Because while “smart” people are overthinking, the ones who dare, who leap, who try, who risk, are the ones who change the world.

So, tell me:
Do you want to be smart… or do you want to do something?