Ladies, Break Free from Superwoman’ Trap

It’s been more than 40 years…

…. when Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz delves into the challenges women face when striving to excel in all aspects of their lives. Her insights are still relevant today, especially for women in corporate environments balancing multiple roles. Here’s a summary of her 11 key recommendations, offering guidance on how to navigate the pressures of being a “superwoman” without burning out.

Realize the pressure to be a “perfect woman”

Shaevitz identifies societal pressures that push women to be perfect both professionally and personally, often leading to emotional and physical exhaustion. Awareness of this unrealistic expectation is the first step to overcoming it.

Accept Imperfection

Perfection is an impossible standard to uphold. Shaevitz encourages women to embrace their imperfections, recognizing that balance and fulfillment come from accepting themselves as they are, flaws and all.

Prioritize and Set Boundaries

Focus on what truly matters. By setting clear boundaries, learning to delegate, and confidently saying no when necessary, women can protect their energy and avoid overextending themselves.

Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is essential. Shaevitz emphasizes the importance of prioritizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being through activities like relaxation, exercise, meditation, or anything else that brings joy and reduces stress.

Seek Support

No one has to go it alone. Turning to friends, family, or colleagues for support can ease the load and offer much-needed perspective during difficult times.

Build Self-Confidence

Women should continually work on boosting their confidence in their abilities. Shaevitz highlights self-esteem as a key tool in combatting the pressures of the “superwoman syndrome.”

Find Balance

A successful life is about balancing the professional with the personal. Women need to give equal importance to their careers, family, relationships, and personal interests without feeling guilty about not excelling in all areas simultaneously.

Practice Gratitude

Recognizing the positives in life is crucial. Shaevitz encourages women to appreciate the small wins and be grateful for what they’ve accomplished, no matter how minor it may seem.

Build Resilience

Life’s setbacks are inevitable. Shaevitz advocates for developing resilience, learning from failures, and continuing to pursue goals even when challenges arise.

Focus on the Present

Instead of dwelling on past regrets or future worries, Shaevitz encourages women to live fully in the present. Being mindful of the current moment brings clarity and reduces unnecessary stress.

Cultivate Positive Relationships

The quality of personal and professional relationships profoundly impacts overall happiness. Shaevitz stresses the importance of nurturing healthy, supportive connections.

Learn to Let Go

We can’t control everything. Shaevitz advises women to let go of their need for control over things outside their influence and focus instead on what they can change.

 

Try my Super Women check up tool

Yes, The Superwoman Syndrome was published over 40 years ago, and somehow its crazy to see that we are still in the same place… more or less. Shaevitz’s wisdom still resonates today. These principles continue to be reflected in modern self-development programs for women, including my Life Work Brilliance program (in french ), which integrates many of these timeless strategies for balancing ambition and well-being.

Check up Tool

Initiate your self exploration with my XLS chart that will illuminate your route to achieving your objectives and advancing towards your personal development.

Check each item and ask yourself : in this weak or strong right now in my life? Abd put a score on how you feel.

The recipe to overcome these symptoms may sound simple. However, having the support of a friend or a coach can guide you to your destination without the frustration or discouragement of doing it alone.

Would you like to explore how you step away from superwoman and step into your Brilliance?
Book a discovery call today.

superwomen syndrome barometer

Related Posts

Dom, Am I becoming incompetent?

In today’s fast-paced world, many leaders, especially women, grapple with overwhelming challenges that blur the lines of decision-making. The Cynefin framework offers a refreshing perspective, helping us navigate complex environments without the burden of guilt. It empowers teams to embrace uncertainty, fostering creativity and engagement. Discover how to create spaces for growth and collaboration in your organization.

Read More

Some Brillantes crack, despite all they know.

“I’m tired of ‘Fix the woman.’ It’s time to fix the system. At a recent Club des Brillantes session, a woman said, ‘I give myself permission to crack. I can’t take it anymore.’ This moment underscores the mental load women carry. It’s not about individual resilience; it’s about systemic obstacles. From the myth of the ideal collaborator to the fatigue of proving legitimacy, these barriers are normalized in our culture. Are we ready to confront this and redefine leadership?”

Read More

How to motivate women to apply for management roles

For years, companies have tried to encourage women to access leadership positions, but the results remain disappointing. The real barrier lies not in a lack of skills, but in an environment that favors male progression models. It’s time to rethink our approach:

Read More
femme parlant dans un megaphone pour communiquer

Informing is not communicating!

Informing is not communicating! Organizations often think that sending emails or organizing meetings is enough to get their teams involved. Dive into this article to understand the difference between informing and communicating, and learn how to federate around your vision.

Read More

Soft Skills Power-Up: Building Teams as the Core of Your Organization

What if I told you that the true core of your organization isn’t your product or bottom line, but your team? Imagine a workplace where every interaction strengthens your organization’s backbone, fueled by the power of soft skills. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re the human advantage that machines can’t replicate. ✨

Read More

4 Essential Tools for Effective Team Coaching

Unlock the secrets to effective team coaching with our essential tools designed to elevate your team’s performance. Discover how to create a cohesive and motivated group by establishing a clear purpose, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and defining behavioral norms. Dive into our article and learn how professional coaching can unlock your team’s full potential!

Read More

Are You Leaving Your Team Confused or Inspired?

Are your team members leaving meetings feeling inspired or confused? The difference lies in effective leadership practices that foster clarity and trust. Research shows that employees thrive on feedback and a clear vision, yet many leaders overlook these fundamental elements. Are you ready to elevate your leadership and inspire your team to achieve more? Dive in to learn how!

Read More