Life’s journey to business success can be a rollercoaster, especially for us women. We face obstacles that can be as personal and emotionally taxing as starting a family, dealing with divorce, paying for college, looking after aging loved ones, or even running a business while healing from tough life events.
Let’s dive into how resilience, guided by trauma-informed principles, can be our secret weapon in tackling these challenges and achieving success, whether we’re entrepreneurs or invested in a career in the corporate world of business.
So, starting a family – it’s a big deal, right? Balancing career dreams with motherhood feels like herding cats; impossible! And as a female entrepreneur this can be particularly challenging. Many of us find ourselves struggling to juggle career goals and aspirations with the demands of being a mom. It is a difficult balance to prioritize self-nurturing activities and assertive communication, ensuring that our own well-being isn’t neglected while caring for our family.The American Psychological Association (APA) reminds us that this transition means learning new roles and routines, which takes time and can be seriously emotionally taxing.
But here’s the deal: Recognize the emotional strain, and don’t hesitate to seek support. Chat with experienced friends or relatives who’ve already entered into parenthood. They get it. They can offer advice based on their experiences, and it can be helpful in knowing you’re not alone, confirming others have felt the emotional toll of being a new parent too is comforting. Or consider working with a coach or therapist. They’re the pros at managing stress, nurturing self-care, and helping us find resilience during those early motherhood days. It takes practice to rock both the mom and business roles, and couples therapy can be a game-changer too, as sometimes we forget that the transition to parenthood affects our partners too.
Now, divorce – it’s tough, no doubt. The uncertainty, emotional turmoil, and those complex decisions involving custody issues, finances, and more can feel like you’re navigating a maze blindfolded. Divorce is a challenging experience that leads to significant life changes for those involved. Resilience here means tapping into your inner strength. According to Merriam-Webster, it’s about bouncing back from change or misfortune. Certified Divorce Coaches or brainspotting techniques can be your allies in processing emotions and building up that emotional resilience.
Let’s delve into the stress of paying for college, something many parents find incredibly daunting. The cost of higher education can feel like a constant weight on your shoulders, with tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses piling up. It may seem as though there’s always a new bill waiting to be paid, and this financial pressure can lead to sleepless nights and anxiety about the future. Balancing your child’s educational dreams with managing your family’s finances is a challenging tightrope to walk. Seeking financial aid and scholarships can be a lifeline, but the application process itself can be a source of stress. And when you see your child juggling part-time jobs on top of their coursework to help with expenses, it’s hard not to worry about their well-being. In times like these, remember to lean on available resources, like financial counselors and support networks, who can provide guidance and reassurance. Despite the stress, your determination to provide the best opportunities for your child’s education is admirable, and there are many ways for you to navigate these financial challenges together as a family.
As for caring for aging parents or relatives, that’s a labor of love. It’s deeply meaningful but also a huge challenge and responsibility, especially when you’re juggling it with your own life and career. It involves physical care, emotional support, all while trying to let them keep their dignity and independence. Be patient and compassionate not only with them but remember to extend compassion to yourself and take care of yourself too. Seek help when needed, and consult with Hospice experts, as it can facilitate more thoughtful end-of-life decision making and provide the necessary assistance from medical professionals when the time comes for your loved one’s passing.
Life invariably throws curveballs in the form of traumatic events, right? Healing from them takes time, compassion, and self-care. (Are you seeing a theme here?) By recognizing the impact of trauma on the body and mind, you can work towards reclaiming your power. As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests that somatic approaches can help you reconnect with your body and heal old wounds, creating a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
This article only covers just a few of the obstacles that can get in the way of having a successful business. The path to business success is not always a straight line, and life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming. As successful business owners or professionals we are used to juggling multiple things at once and sometimes asking for help feels like we are weak. Actually, the opposite is true, it takes strength to ask for help when you need it.
By seeking support from professionals such as therapists, trauma-informed somatic coaches, EMDR or brainspotting practitioners, you can work on building the resilience needed to overcome obstacles, heal from traumatic events, and ultimately thrive in both your personal and professional life alike.
So, yes, life may have a few bumps in the road that can impact your business success, but with honing your resilience skills and intentionally reaching out for help when needed, you can indeed turn adversity into your strength.
