The Unique Pressure on Women

There is a certain societal pressure unique for women that men will never understand. Women feel the pressure to be perfect; the pressure to be a “boss babe”; the pressure to keep an orderly and Instagram-worthy home while also working their way effortlessly up the corporate ladder. Women are expected to be mothers, wives, caretakers, entrepreneurs, managers, and organizers. Never be too loud or ambitious but be sure to work harder than everyone else to earn your place among the men in charge. A woman’s job is never done, for every move she makes is scrutinized and judged.

Women’s Resilience and Power

It is difficult to be a woman in today’s world. The silver lining is that women are also resilient and powerful, our voices are strong, and our resolve is unbreakable. Throughout history, women have been on a steady march forward. Women are pushing back against the roles to which we have been relegated for so long. Women are taking over entrepreneurship, executive roles, and politics (although not nearly enough). It is becoming more apparent that a woman’s place is exactly where she wants it to be.

Guilt and Uncertainty

Many women struggle with feelings of guilt and uncertainty when they decide to chase their dreams. More time spent on ourselves is less time spent on others and though we have come a long way, women are most often the caretakers at home. As mothers and wives, women feel a heavy responsibility to those they love. Consider the person you are if you take away the title of mother or wife. The human being who existed before she had a spouse and children had big dreams and goals for her future. Doing what you truly want to do in this life does not make you a bad person, wife, or mother; it makes you strong and inspiring. Women are a force of nature, blowing in like a fierce storm that nothing can stop.

Taking the First Step

Take out your journal, or even a scrap piece of paper, and write down that goal or desire that has been on your heart. Over the course of your life, there has been that one thing that periodically pops into your head. What is it? Write it down, say it out loud, and share it with your partner and closest friends. It can be something as simple as a hobby you always thought you would enjoy but never had the time or resources to give it a shot. Your goal could be starting your own business or going for that promotion at work. Whatever that dream is, know that you can make space for it in your life.

Embracing Vulnerability

It takes a level of vulnerability to put what you want into words, especially if it involves asking family and friends for help. The more you lean into that vulnerability, the braver you will become. Every small step forward leads to small wins, and small wins always add up to big wins. In today’s world, the all-or-nothing mindset is strong. Women especially fall victim to it because they feel that pressure to show up fully in every area of their lives. The only true way to get to the finish line is to give up that ideology. No one is perfect – not even a woman – and the all-or-nothing mentality just leads to fear of trying in the first place.

Redefining Success

Sidestep society’s expectations for you. They will never matter as much as what you want from this life. You deserve to be just as happy and fulfilled as any other person. That is the beauty of being alive in this time — there are no rules. Some people are literally inventing jobs and making a living from them. While other people are deciding not to work, instead caring for their homes and children. The spectrum of what you can accomplish in this lifetime is huge. You just have to narrow it down to what truly lights your heart on fire.

Support from Generations of Women

If you are a woman with big goals and dreams, know that generations of women stand behind you, cheering you on and encouraging you forward. Step confidently into this new year and allow yourself to be excited and passionate about where you are heading. Speak your goals out loud to those around you and ask for help when you need it. Be unapologetic with your drive to succeed, for you owe nothing to anyone but yourself.

Takeaway

The pressure for women to be perfect in every aspect of life is immense and often overwhelming. However, by acknowledging and embracing their dreams, leaning into vulnerability, and redefining success on their own terms, women can break free from societal expectations. Every woman deserves to chase her dreams unapologetically, supported by the legacy of strong women who came before her.