In the fast-paced world of today, women are often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, from career ambitions to family commitments and everything in between.
In the midst of this whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of our own needs and well-being. In fact, I was leading a group through an envisioning exercise I created and one of the women realized in the middle of it that she has totally stopped prioritizing herself. She has elderly parents who aren’t in the best of health. She has two busy teenagers, one of whom is neuro diverse, and she has a husband who is dedicated and driven in his career, just like her. As a result, she has not prioritized her own health or friendships.
Our exercise was a wake-up call for her and she decided she needed to put herself back in the equation. In fact, she said she needs to be first so that she has the energy and healthy to do everything else.
Embracing Self-Care
Putting yourself first doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities or abandoning your loved ones. Instead, it involves embracing the concept of self-care and recognizing that prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish; rather it is a foundation for success in all areas of life. Whether it’s setting aside time for exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking a moment to relax, self-care is a powerful tool for maintaining balance and resilience.
As women, we often find ourselves giving endlessly to others, whether in our professional or personal lives. It’s important to remember that we can only give our best when we are at our best. Prioritizing self-care allows us to recharge our physical, mental, and emotional energy, enabling us to approach challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Cultivating Self-Awareness
Another crucial aspect of putting yourself first is cultivating self-awareness. This involves taking the time to reflect on our values, strengths, and aspirations, and making intentional choices that align with our authentic selves. In the context of leadership, self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective decision-making, communication, and relationship-building.
By prioritizing self-reflection and personal growth, women can gain a deeper understanding of their leadership styles, leverage their unique talents, and navigate their career paths with purpose and confidence. Embracing self-awareness also fosters a sense of empowerment, enabling women to advocate for their needs, set boundaries, and pursue opportunities that resonate with their ambitions.
Nurturing Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is an integral part of putting yourself first. In both professional and personal settings, establishing boundaries communicates self-respect and signals to others that your time and contributions are valuable. As a women’s leadership coach, I often emphasize the importance of assertive communication and boundary-setting as essential skills for navigating the complexities of leadership roles.
Nurturing boundaries also involves learning to say “no” when necessary, delegating tasks, and seeking support when feeling overwhelmed. By prioritizing our own capacity for work and personal commitments, we can avoid burnout, enhance productivity, and create space for meaningful connections and pursuits that bring fulfillment.
Work with me
Putting yourself first is not an act of selfishness. It’s a fundamental practice for women’s leadership and personal fulfillment. If you struggle with how to get started putting yourself first or want some accountability doing so, click here to schedule a time for us to talk.