As International Women’s Day 2024 unfolds with the theme of Inspiring Inclusion, it serves as a poignant reminder of the strides women have made in the professional realm. Emphasis is placed on the call to embrace diversity and empowerment, urging women to step into the workforce with confidence and purpose.
In this pursuit, it becomes crucial for us, as women, to strategically align ourselves — preparing the ground for success in our multifaceted roles as professionals, wives, and mothers.
In a recent leadership podcast by Craig Groeschel, his words resonated profoundly with me:
“Success is not when you hit the goal in the future. You are successful when you do what you need to do today.”
For women navigating the intricate web of responsibilities — balancing work, family, and leadership — this sentiment holds a powerful truth.
Having spent the last 15 years as a wife, mother to two school-going children, and occupying a leadership position, my journey has been a mosaic of both overwhelming and victorious days. Reflecting on this, I’ve distilled three key areas that, when aligned, can pave the way for success in the dynamic landscape of a woman’s professional life.
1. Identify Someone to Journey With
The path to success, especially for business owners and entrepreneurs, can be solitary. Cultivating a support system, possibly including your spouse, a coach, a mentor, or a small group of like-minded individuals, is invaluable.
I am blessed to share my entrepreneurial journey alongside my husband, who has also been my colleague for the last decade. At different seasons, I have gained tremendously from time with my executive coach and spiritual mentor, providing me with a holistic view of how I can continue to refine myself.
Sharing the journey, especially with like-minded people, not only lessens the burden but also provides diverse perspectives and insights. Whether celebrating victories or navigating challenges, having someone by our side can make the professional voyage less isolating and more fulfilling.
2. Establish Sustainable Ecosystem
As women managing households, children, and teams, creating a sustainable ecosystem is paramount.
I have found it works out best when we align our children’s logistics and school routines with our living and working environment. An invaluable lesson I have learned is to commit to arrangements where I won’t run out of ‘happy’ doing because it doesn’t break my back.
Whoever coined the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” was very wise. Having my mother in my ecosystem has been my saving grace. While I realize that not all of us can enjoy the luxury of having family close by, we can enlist the help of individuals we trust, building a network that ensures a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.
A robust ecosystem not only facilitates seamless integration of work and personal life but also provides assurance during those inevitable moments of late meetings or unexpected travel.
3. Make Space to Retreat
Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, I’ve discovered that it’s crucial to carve out personal space for retreat. This doesn’t necessarily mean indulging in spa days or shopping sprees; rather, it refers to a dedicated sanctuary where you can consistently slow down, reflect, read, think, and journal.
For high-strung people like me, it took a lot of discipline to start carving this time out. However, when I eventually did, this retreat space has become a sanctuary for rejuvenation, fostering mental clarity and resilience to face the demands of both professional and personal spheres.
These days, I look forward to retreat because it serves as a catalyst for renewed strength, focus, and commitment on my journey to discovering success in the workforce and beyond.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, let us not only champion the cause of inclusion but also remind ourselves to find alignment in these key areas. Success, for us as women, lies not just in breaking barriers but in the intentional and harmonious integration of our various roles.
