One of my favorite quotes by Brené Brown is: "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."
I've been talking with a lot of women lately who are feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, exhausted, and depleted due to the combined pressures of family life and career stress. This is the advice I give my clients and students. My hope is that these strategies will empower you to find balance, build resilience, enjoy good health, and thrive in both your personal and professional pursuits. Tip 1: Embrace Vulnerability In the Dare to Lead™️ curriculum, we emphasize that embracing vulnerability is key to building resilience. Remind yourself that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Being vulnerable about your struggles with trusted colleagues, your life team, or a coach is truly liberating. Sharing your experiences and seeking support can help you develop a stronger emotional foundation, which is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience. If this is difficult for you, practice vulnerability by having honest conversations with your support network about your challenges, whether it's managing a heavy workload or dealing with family responsibilities. Remember that vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness. By opening up, you allow yourself to receive the support and understanding you need to thrive in both your career and personal life. Tip 2: Set Clear Boundaries Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others. Establishing clear boundaries between work and family life is essential for maintaining your well-being. Start by defining your priorities and identifying non-negotiables in both your professional and personal spheres. Can you make a list right now of all the things you're ready to stop doing? Communicate your boundaries to your colleagues, supervisors, and family members. Let them know when you are available for work-related matters and when you need personal time, and stick to it. This takes courage, but I've learned from personal experience that our well-being deserves to be protected.
Tip 3: Prioritize Self-Care Self-care is not selfish; it's essential for your overall well-being. Why do we often treat complete strangers with more kindness than we treat ourselves? Carve out time for activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, whether it's practicing mindfulness, exercising, reading, or pursuing hobbies. Prioritizing self-care may require scheduling it on your calendar just like any other important task. This intentional approach ensures that you consistently allocate time for yourself amidst your busy schedule. It's delightful to discover how much more effective and productive you can be when you are well-rested and have joy in your life.
Tip 4: Develop Resilience Skills Resilience is the act of bouncing back without being broken. Consider challenges such as conflict, adaptability, and stress management as a part of your personal resilience training. Review these experiences with your coach or mentor as a way to reflect and improve. Remember that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for growth, and your ability to bounce back stronger is a testament to your resilience.
Being a woman today requires courage, vulnerability, and resilience. I want you to stay strong for the journey, friends, so embrace your vulnerability, set those boundaries, and prioritize daily self-care. Remember that you are not alone in your journey, and seeking support and self-compassion are powerful tools for achieving success and well-being. I know you can find the strength to not only manage your career and family life but also to thrive in both domains.
-Kristi
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