To start, lets level-set;
Enable:
- give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something.
Examples of enabling include:
- Giving money to an addict, gambler, or debtor
- Repairing common property that an addict broke
- Lying to an employer to cover up absenteeism for someone who is habitually tardy
- Fulfilling to others instead of allowing someone to own up to their responsibilities
- Making excuses for a person or bailing them out of jail for multiple offenses.
- Accepting part of the blame for an addict’s bad behavior.
- Avoiding issues that need to be addressed out of fear that the person will become angry.
- Basically, taking on the responsibilities of a person.
Empower:
- make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.
Examples of empowering:
- Teaching someone to fish and not providing the fish.
- Helping someone learn a skill to make them more marketable.
- Allowing a person to be held accountable and actually learn from their mistakes.
Simply put, enabling is doing something challenging for another individual, while empowering someone is teaching them to do it for themselves. Personal growth and development is not an occasional thing and must be address accordingly.
You can love, help, assist and be there for whoever, just don’t be an enabler. Learn the difference and put it into action!