OK Sisters, listen up! It is time to put down that measuring stick and stop using exhaustion as a measure of success. We’re all guilty of it. We all do it. We push ourselves to the brink of burnout, thinking that the busier we are, the more tired that we are, the more successful we must be. We even compare our craziness to others. I had six meetings today. I haven’t taken a lunch break all month. I have worked 10 hour days and had kids practices every night this week. I have worked 3 out of 4 weekends this month. Nope. I’m not here for it.
It seems pretty normal for many of us to feel like we’re accomplishing a lot when we’re running on fumes. But at what cost? Your health, your relationships, your career, your well-being are all on the line when you constantly put work (career, kids, home) above everything else. It’s time to shift our mindset and realize that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of our health and happiness. And, by prioritizing and taking care of ourselves, we will actually be more successful in all of the areas that we are trying so hard to feel competent in.
Photo by Elisa Michelet on Unsplash
So, what is success and how do we measure it????
Success is not the size of your bank account, the number of awards that you’ve won, or the number of Instagram followers that you have. Success is a personal journey. The way that you measure it depends on your own values, goals, and beliefs. It is not necessarily about achieving external markers but about feeling fulfilled, content, and happy in your own skin. It is about finding joy in the little things, taking the time to appreciate the journey.
For busy women like us success might mean finding fulfillment, or even balance, in our personal and professional lives. It is finding our sense of purpose or meaning, feeling a sense of satisfaction in our accomplishments.
Maybe it is building and fostering relationships. This could be family, coworkers, and community. Whether that is reading to the kids at night, having coffee with a friend, or volunteering at a community event. Not just going through the motions but really being present in the moment and feeling gratitude for that time.
For me success is personal growth and making a positive impact. Learning is a non-stop desire for me. I’m reading books, listening to books, listening to podcasts, and reading blogs. I’m taking a course here and there. I’m applying those things to better myself. But I’m also sharing what I’m learning with others. That is the positive impact. If I can put a smile on 1 person's face, or share a piece of information that will benefit them, I am successful.
You know what else might equal success?
Taking a break. Recognizing when you need to rest and recharge.
Setting boundaries. Knowing your limitations and when you are about to be in overload.
Practicing Self-Care. I know I sound like a broken record but taking care of you means that you are that more successful in taking care of everyone else and everything else.
So, it is essential for you to recognize that more is not necessarily better. Put down the measuring stick and instead focus on finding balance in productivity, fulfillment, and overall well-being. Show up as your best self, for your family, for your work, for your community, for YOU.
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All the best,
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