There was a study in the news recently about women’s self-worth. It found that 4 out of 5 women have an extremely difficult time expressing their concerns and making requests. These issues often made it hard for them to thrive in leadership positions.
The more I think about it, I realize that I see examples of this every day. I often speak to women who are totally overwhelmed by their workloads and the responsibilities they have at home. They roll their eyes as they confide that they’re lucky they have time to shower, let alone prepare a nutritious meal. Everyone around them needs them, so they put themselves last… or not at all. It’s almost as if they exist to please others, afraid that if they “drop the ball” they will be complete failures.
This is incredibly unhealthy – both mentally and physically. And it begs the question: Why do so many of us women continue to act this way? I personally believe it’s just the way we’re raised. How many of you grew up hearing things like…
Don’t complain.
Don’t be difficult.
Be nice.
Just smile and do a good job.
In other words, we’re told as little girls and young ladies to be as perfect as we can be.
The problem with this mindset, however, is that we’ll never be perfect. Living life like this, all we will really become is stressed out and resentful adults. We should not put ourselves last every day, or at all for that matter. If you can relate, I’m very sorry. But you can do something about it by beginning to advocate for your own needs and desires. This starts with believing that yes, you are worthy. You have every right to ask directly for what you want without beating around the bush – whether it’s help at home, time out for yourself, or a better position at your job. If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?
Try this week to put yourself at the top of your “to do” list. And most importantly, try to do this without feeling guilty and worrying about what others may think or say. Your needs are just as important as everyone else’s, don’t you agree? If you get into a pattern of valuing your self-worth, you’ll eventually teach the people around you how to treat you. You can help to change a pattern that we have been stuck in for way too long!
If you want to take things to the next level, why not treat yourself to the #1 way to feel self worth: A boudoir photography session! A boudoir session is a great way to practice being brave and bold. And I promise you this: You’ll be the most important person in the room. Let me show you how valuing your self-worth is the solution to a happier, healthier you.
xoxo,
Evgenia
