 |
| |
 This e-letter is dedicated to the hardworking mums out there (this applies not only to those who have given birth-you can be mum to a pet or a plant!)
"How can you do it all?" the answer is, "You can't, and neither can anyone else."
I can't do it all. As hard as it is to admit, I'm not Superwoman. I'm an overachiever who finally realises that I need to make crucial choices and compromises, as the birth of my first baby nears by. I recently told a friend: "I’m looking forward to having some time at home once my baby is born, I can finally start writing my new book, in between feeds!" She looked at me sympathetically and said: “Shame, you really have no idea what you are in for, do you?”
As working women we hold down demanding jobs, are expected to be great mothers, attentive spouses, fantastic cooks, interesting sex partners.
If you don’t feel overwhelmed by all these roles, you are an endangered species!
Even though you are constantly on the go, don’t you feel constantly behind? Taking a step back is crucial. This e-letter is your reality check-are you heading for total flame-out? Guys, this applies to you too! |
|
|
| If you are having trouble viewing this mail, click here to view it online. |
 Did you know?
The resolution for having a dedicated Mother’s Day was signed by US president Woodrow Wilson in 1914. The second Sunday in May is celebrated to honour mothers. Happy Mother’s Day on May 11th.
Looking for that extra
special Mothers Day gift?
Make this day one, that your wife, mum, sister or girlfriend is not likely to forget.
Spoil her with a personalised Image Consultation that will leave her looking and feeling fantastically gorgeous, all in the comfort of her own home.
E-mail: prof-imp@mweb.co.za Tel: (011) 467 5126
|
|
|
| |
| The Superwoman Fantasy |
 Are you one of the many working women who talks to clients, whilst picking up the kids or schedules meetings, whilst buying groceries? You’ve probably realised this "work-family balance thing" is a contradiction.
“Don’t try to juggle. Don’t try to balance. Rather, let the fantasy of the Superwoman die.”
Realistically, we know that we can’t juggle career, family, friends, gym time, absolute success and perfect bliss, whilst also being perfectly groomed. A nagging, internal voice may be asking, why not? Some women can do it. If I can’t, what does that say about me? It says you are a human being, not a human doing!
Remember, you can bake a cake, market a cake, serve a cake or eat a cake--but not all at once. |
The Superwoman Symptoms |
Psychologists are finding that Superwomen often experience the following symptoms
(tick the ones that apply to you):
|
 feelings of guilt, worthlessness
|
insomnia |
loss of sex drive |
extremes in weight gain/weight loss |
chronic fatigue |
feelings of inadequacy & failure |
irritability |
anxiety |
|
Who is most likely to suffer from the "Superwoman Syndrome"?
(tick the ones that apply to you):
a high achiever by nature
|
may have experienced high responsibility from a young age
|
high expectations about her ability to perform and succeed
|
“feeds” on people praising her abilities to be the superwoman
|
often complains of her overextended schedule
|
has difficulty in saying no
|
over analyses and worries constantly
|
has a hard time relaxing
|
tries to be everything to everyone
|
| has difficulty in asking for help |
Sound familiar? It does to me... |
Meet the New Breed |
 There is a “New Breed” of business women. These women acknowledge the compromises they made in their personal and professional lives. These female superstars (started by top Silicon Valley execs) know their options. Instead of trying to have it all (like the superwoman model that emerged from the ‘70s women’s movement) they are focusing on what makes them satisfied.
These women are choosy, once they make a decision, they don’t look back. They let things go, and throw all their passion and energy into the path they decided to follow. They can come back to other interests later on.
Baskin and Kauffman call this pattern of behaviour “sequencing.” It can also be seen as “liberating”. "Sequencing," is doing things that are exciting or interesting to us, but not all at once. It is not attempting to perfect the juggling act. Instead, it’s concentrating on juggling one task at a time, and doing it really well.
Fulfilment = Success. In this Opt Out Revolution, achievement is measured as peace of mind, instead of a salary.
|
The Road to a Cure |
 |
Define Your Limits and compromise.
Ask yourself honestly “What am I really capable of doing well right now?” Put pen to paper and create columns of what is really important and what is not. |
|
|
|
Recognize that you cannot have it all or be all, certainly not at the same time. Focus on one thing for a while. Do it well. Throw yourself into it and enjoy it. When you are ready, revisit that decision and see if you want to make a change. |
|
|
|
Be comfortable with saying “No”.
Stop being a people-pleaser. You will end up overwhelmed and resentful. By saying no, you end the cycle of doing more and gaining less. |
|
|
|
Create a back up before you need it. Build support structures, safety nets. This allows you to work when kids are sick, or deal with client emergencies. |
|
|
|
Delegate without guilt. People around you have become used to the fact that you simply want to do it all yourself. Announce that this has changed and delegate. |
|
|
|
Take mini-breaks through the year. Buy a non-refundable air ticket to go somewhere by at least April each year. |
|
|
|
Indulge in the 4 pillars of health - regular exercise, good nutrition (limit caffeine & sugar), proper sleep and relaxation. |
|
|
|
Realise you are a Human Being not a Human Doing. Know that being imperfect is human. |
You don’t need to constantly struggle and not feel ahead of the game. Don’t expect every area of your life to change overnight. Small changes in your daily habits and mindset can lead to big improvements in the long run.
|
“Being a woman is a marathon not a sprint”.
Anon |
|
|
|
 Need to motivate, inspire and reward yourself and your female colleagues, clients?
“The Superwoman Syndrome” is a fun filled, interactive, inspirational workshop for the woman, who is trying to deal with her multi–faceted roles,
whilst maintaining her sanity!
We will provide you with tools and strategies for coping with today's harsh realities.
Contact us to book your date-don’t leave it till it’s too late!
Tel: 011 467 5126
Email: prof–imp@mweb.co.za www.profimpressions.co.za
|
|
| |
Professional Impressions would like to credit the following for information and images used in this article:
Superwoman syndrome –Aidan Machonachy
Leading Under Pressure: Strategies to Maximize Peak Performance & Productivity While Maximizing Health & Wellbeing-Dr. Gabriela Cora
Hey, Superwoman: Learn how to take a break-Joanna L. Krotz
Corporate Catalysts: How to Make Your Company More Successful -Dan Coughlin
Chicago Tribune - Amanda Long
Beyond Superwoman - Karin Strasser Kauffman and Peggy Downes Baskin.
In search of the new breed of Superwomen-LISA CRAWFORD WATSON Your Baby - May 2008
True Love - October 2005
Elle - May 2008 |
| |
Tel: 011 467 5126 or
Email: prof-imp@mweb.co.za
www.profimpressions.co.za
Copyright © 2008, Professional Impressions. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any form, except for personal use, without express permission from Professional Impressions is prohibited. |
|