Most women in business are high achievers – or over achievers depending on how you want to frame it! Frankly, if you don’t fall into this definition, then you’re unlikely to be in business long term. So it’s a good thing, right? That internal motivation that drives you to build something or that determination to see an idea take fruit and succeed: they are positive traits to have and not to be taken for granted. Your business would not be where it is today without that.
That same drive and determination can also mean that you involve yourself in many activities. You are more likely to be the person that is asked to coordinate or kick start something, because people have learnt that you are someone who ‘gets things done’. And you enjoy doing those things!
I recently took stock of how many ‘hats’ I was wearing. Over the past few years I had gradually added different responsibilities and tasks to my non-business time. In addition, I was juggling two very different companies and trying to put in 100% effort and commitment to both. All of the areas I was involved in were not ‘chores’ – I had gladly volunteered and committed to undertake them.
Most high achievers are also perfectionists! So I was becoming quite unhappy and stressed when I wasn’t able to complete tasks to the standard I know I am capable of. And the many late nights I found myself working on both business and non-business activities were having a detrimental effect on all areas of my life. I made the decision to start reducing the number of commitments I had, and started to say ‘no’ to new offers, despite how tempting and enjoyable they could have been!
This quote from Barbara de Angelis is pertinent: “Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.” If all our time is spent ‘doing’, the balance in our lives will shift, and we will end up burnt out. Take stock, work out your priorities and take action to bring more balance and a healthy business (and personal) life.
Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender