But the upside of painful knowledge is so much greater than the downside of blissful ignorance. - Sheryl Sandberg

painful knowledge is better than blissful ignorance

You should also be aware of the internal barriers that we often impose on ourselves. Too many women sit on the side of the room when they should be sitting at the table. Too many women lower their voices when they should be speaking up. This is not our fault. We internalize messages that say it’s wrong for us to be outspoken, aggressive, and as powerful as — or even more powerful than — men.

The reason I don't have a plan is because if I have a plan I'm limited to today's options

Aggressive and hard-charging women violate unwritten rules about acceptable social conduct. Men are continually applauded for being ambitious and powerful and successful, but women who display these same traits often pay a social penalty. Female accomplishments come at a cost.