Do you wish you had more hours in the day? Are you living life in survival mode endlessly trying to be the perfect wife, mother, friend and colleague? If you recognise any of the symptoms below you are suffering from the Super Woman Syndrome and it’s time to make some life adjustments. Super Woman Syndrome is a severe global condition suffered by many women in today’s demanding, fast paced world – its commonly known as the expectation that a woman can and should do everything. The phrase was coined by American author Shirley Conran in the late 70’s.
• Do you have difficulty saying no?
• Do you over-analyse and worry constantly?
• Do you have high expectations about your ability to perform and succeed?
• Do you like to gain approval by pleasing others?
• Do you often complain of an over-extended schedule?
• Do you have a hard time relaxing?
• Do you try to be everything to everyone?
• Do you have difficulty asking for help?
Here are 9 life-changing survival strategies you can implement right now to help you overcome Superwoman Syndrome and take back control of your life.
1. Combat the attacks on your mind. Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and fear – are all attacks on your mind. Calm the clutter in your spirit, soul and mind. Read Joyce Meyer’s book “Battlefield of the Mind”. It has taught millions how to change their lives by merely changing their minds. Click here to order.
2. Stop Multi-Tasking. Most of us believe that by doing several things at once, we get more done. Research shows that in reality, our productivity decreases by 40%. We don’t actually multitask-we switch-task, rapidly shifting from one thing to another.
Take off your “show new mail alerts” on your email settings. Doing this has stopped me from moving between tasks and reading emails – which would lead me to other tasks – leaving others half done.
3. Draw up your “bucket list”. A list of things you want to do before you die. Watch the movie “The Bucket List” for some inspiration. We all need something to look forward to – it feeds our soul and helps us get through some challenging times. I was fortunate enough to tick off 2 of my bucket list things to do this year…swimming with the dolphins & seeing Madonna live in concert. Click here for pics.
4. Get a Reality Check: Have realistic expectations of yourself. Stop adopting or adapting to someone’s expectation of you. You might know the class mom with the perfect body and the dream job. NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE. Your friends have asked you to join their running club (you hate running)…don’t do it – rather opt for a salsa dance class – you may love the music, lose calories and see more of your partner – all at once.
5. Learn to say No: Here are some responses you can use in situations where it’s common to overcommit.
Situation – A fellow colleague asks you to please help him with a last minute project.
Answer “I have already made commitments to other colleagues and clients to complete their projects.”
Situation – Your friend asks if it’s okay to bring another guest to your dinner party.
Answer “This dinner is really just for a small group of close friends. Sorry, but I really need to stick to the guest list.”
6. Laugh out Loud: The saying goes…‘laughter is the best medicine’and its so true according to research findings. Laughter reduces levels of stress hormones, boosts the immune system and lowers the blood pressure. The laugh doctor – Dr Clifford C. Kuhn believes you can enhance your productivity and health by implementing 52 “smile strategies” to create more fun into your everyday life. Click here for more info.
7. Get rid of Clutter: Mental, emotional and physical clutter drains us of our time and energy. How much time have you spent looking for lost keys, the your phone or shoes? Try this: Toss Ten Things. Grab a bag, fill it with ten items in your home that you no longer use, need or want. If you feel someone else can use them donate them.
8. Find a Life Coach: This is a person whose job is to improve the quality of your life, by offering advice on professional and personal matters, such as career, health, personal relationships, etc. Life coaching will help you achieve the confidence to work through issues holding you back from enjoying a harmonious life. To book your appointment with a great life coach click here.
9. Get off the Guilt Trip: Finding ways to overcome your guilt can greatly improve the quality of your life.
• You ate ice cream for dinner; missed your book club night, left work early to run some personal errands. Stop feeling GUILTY. Look at patterns rather than an isolated incident.
• Express your guilt to someone you trust. By getting it out in the open and gaining an objective opinion, you help to relieve yourself of anxiety.
• Join a network of women that will be able to mentor and support you. Click here to join the Inspiring Women Network group.
Remember – you are not Superwoman but you are SUPER-FABULOUS, SUPER-GORGEOUS, SUPER-PHENOMENAL!
Connect with us on haydee@haydeeantezana.com or 951 970 3853
