The Weight of Expectations: A Hard Truth for Women Leaders
As I sit here, reflecting on my journey as a woman leader, I'm reminded of the countless times I've been told to "toughen up" or "be stronger." The unspoken message is clear: as women, we're expected to be resilient, to carry the weight of our families, our careers, and our communities on our shoulders, without ever showing a crack. But what happens when the weight becomes too much to bear? When the pressure to perform, to provide, and to perfectionize starts to take a toll on our mental health?
I remember a conversation I had with my friend, Ayesha, a successful entrepreneur in her late 30s. She had built a thriving business from scratch, but at a cost. She was working 12-hour days, 6 days a week, and was constantly worried about meeting her deadlines. She felt like she was losing herself in the process, like she was just a robot going through the motions. And yet, when I asked her if she was okay, she just smiled and said, "I'm fine, I can handle it." But I knew she wasn't fine. I knew she was struggling to keep up the facade.
This is the reality for many women leaders in Pakistan and South Asia. We're expected to be the primary caregivers, to manage the household, to raise the children, and to be the emotional support system for our families. And on top of that, we're expected to have a successful career, to be financially independent, and to be a role model for our communities. It's a heavy burden to carry, and it's no wonder that many of us are struggling to prioritize our mental health.
The Myth of the Supportive Husband
One of the biggest myths that needs to be debunked is the idea that a woman needs a supportive husband to succeed. While having a supportive partner can certainly be helpful, it's not a prerequisite for success. What's more important is having a plan, having a support system, and having the tools and resources to manage our mental health.
I know a woman, Zara, who is a single mother and a successful business owner. She didn't have a supportive husband to rely on, but she had a plan, she had a support system, and she had the determination to succeed. And she did. She built a thriving business, she raised her children, and she prioritized her mental health. She's a testament to the fact that women can succeed without a supportive husband, as long as they have the right tools and resources.
Prioritizing Self-Care
So, how can we prioritize our mental health and well-being? Here are a few actionable steps:
- Schedule self-care into your daily routine: Whether it's a 10-minute meditation session, a 30-minute walk, or a relaxing bath, make sure you're taking time for yourself each day.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no, learn to set boundaries, and learn to prioritize your own needs.
- Seek support: Build a support system of friends, family, and colleagues who can help you navigate the challenges of being a woman leader.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself, and be compassionate towards yourself.
Meet Fatima: A Real-Life Example
Meet Fatima, a 35-year-old marketing executive who was struggling to balance her work and family life. She was working long hours, she was taking care of her two young children, and she was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But she knew she needed to make a change. So, she started prioritizing her self-care. She started scheduling time for herself each day, she started setting boundaries, and she started seeking support from her friends and family. And slowly but surely, she started to feel better. She started to feel more energized, more focused, and more confident.
💡 Quick Win: Take 10 Minutes for Yourself Today
Take 10 minutes today to do something that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's a meditation session, a quick workout, or a relaxing cup of tea, take time for yourself. You deserve it.
As women leaders, we owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to prioritize our mental health and well-being. We owe it to ourselves to take care of our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. So, let's make a commitment to prioritize our self-care, to seek support, and to be kind to ourselves. Let's make a commitment to be the best version of ourselves, and to inspire others to do the same.