How Women Who Do It All Can Combat Burnout

Underneath the woman doing it all is most likely a woman also teetering on the edge of burnout, the dark side of multitasking.

And women are the ultimate multitaskers. But this great strength also means women have the highest risk of exhaustion. Amy Sullivan, PsyD, clinical health psychologist, explains why female burnout is so prevalent, and how to prevent it.

Managing the emotional toll

“Women experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than men in their day-to-day decision-making,” Dr. Sullivan explains. Men are more likely to base decisions on the facts and leave emotion out. Women, she says, typically make decisions based on both facts and emotion.

The emotional toll is compounded by trying to balance success at work, often being the primary caretaker for any children in the household and staying on top of housework, too. Mom burnout is real.

“All that juggling – and guilt from not doing it perfectly– results in women experiencing burnout more often than men,” says Dr. Sullivan.

To read more go to:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-women-who-do-it-all-can-combat-burnout/

Blogs

By Lisa Illingworth- CEO & Co-Founder of FutureProofSA-

As an entrepreneur, we are in the unique position to be able to design our lives both personally and in business to represent who we are and do what we are amazing at, Every. Single. Day.

The hard part about that statement is that often we are still figuring that structure out. When you start out, you may want to be the best salesperson and always have an understanding of what the growth path will be but in the muddy waters of daily operations, you learn that it just is not humanly possible to be the guru on all disciplines that you require to function efficiently. And yet we still try- case in point:

In the last few months of business, I have realized that my highest value in the business lies in being able to build relationships with those inside my shared empire and outside of it. This is with employees, prospective clients, service providers, and existing clients. It’s a wonderful privilege when those around me share their own personal experiences, whether good or bad, with me.

This transaction empowers me to do more of the good stuff and try and be an agent of change in the bad stuff.

This seems like the ideal situation, right? Like any fairytale, the has to be a villain and it turns out that I might seem like the hero in my story, but I’m actually the villain too. Whilst building strong and valuable relationships with stakeholders, makes me likable and often indispensable to the process, it also creates problems. The problem that weighs heavily on me usually revolves around money. I am superb at understanding the client’s needs and being able to work out a rate that creates value for the client and at the same time is fair for the organization but when it comes time to ask for that money to be paid, the great relationship that I have built takes strain.

This happens particularly when the client starts evading the payment expectations. Now I have to be both a good cop and a bad cop. This results in inevitable strain and some pretty hard conversations. That’s if the numerous emails and text messages have not sent them into avoidance mode already.

To regain a good working relationship after this cycle of asking turns to nagging and eventually (but last resort), retracting services, there is a bitter residual taste that is left in everyone’s mouth, and it becomes a huge effort from both myself and the client to get passed this. It is just easier to end the relationship and move on?

And this often happens.

However, in this conundrum, there are obvious lessons that I think I need to take away and implement a new strategy in dealing with the ‘rock and a hard place’ that I find myself in because I don’t want a trail of clients left in a wake of unresolved invoices.

The answer has been presented on many occasions and I’ve been reluctant to acknowledge it because I’m taking on too much of the responsibility to do everything myself. And put up your hand if you, as an entrepreneur, think you can be all things, to all people. That is the solution right here- stop. In this situation, being the creative problem solver and being the person who delivers the invoices are contradictory roles and influence the effectiveness of each of those roles.

The person who solves the client's problems is the hero and is demoted when they ride in on their white horse and deliver the bill for doing the rescuing. For whatever psychological reason, these two people, in my business need to be separate because the awesome relationships that I build need to be ring-fenced from me asking for the outstanding amounts to be settled. This is going to cost me an additional human resource but it is going to preserve my ability to be amazing at what I do without needing to be the Jekyll and the Hyde all at the same time.

Blogs

By Joseph Ginsberg-

Understanding Entrepreneurship: A Journey of Problem Solving and Self-Discovery

Entrepreneurship, commonly perceived as starting and running a business, is far more than just that. At its core, it revolves around problem-solving and embracing chaos to find innovative solutions.

Entrepreneurs are not merely business owners; they are problem solvers. They thrive in chaotic situations because they recognize that it is in such circumstances that innovative solutions are needed. Successful entrepreneurs identify and address the challenges that arise during turbulent times, ultimately leading to the creation or improvement of products and services.

While structuring a business showcases entrepreneurial traits, it is essential to recognize that entrepreneurship extends beyond traditional business endeavors. Some individuals may not be interested in starting a business but can still embody an entrepreneurial mindset. This is where concepts like the Lean Model Business Canvas (LMBC) come into play.

The LMBC is a powerful tool for planning and envisioning favorable outcomes. Its principles and steps can be applied to various life aspirations, not just business ventures. To be successful in any aspect of life, one needs to connect, communicate, and understand their environment and fellow human beings. Self-efficacy, fuelled by clear objectives and motivations, plays a crucial role in achieving success and purpose.

Pitching is a vital skill that entrepreneurs must hone. In reality, every interaction is a form of pitching, whether it's presenting an idea to investors, negotiating with clients, or simply expressing one's needs and desires.

Understanding our worth and what we can offer in return for what we seek is crucial in these engagements.

The journey of entrepreneurship begins with self-discovery. Instead of imposing our experiences on children and teenagers, it is essential to foster an environment that encourages them to explore and understand themselves. This approach empowers them to find their purpose and lead fulfilling lives.

In the learning environment, promoting entrepreneurial development involves several key steps:

1. Acknowledge and respect individual differences: Recognize that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and value diversity.

2. Encourage inquisitiveness: Foster curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, as questioning leads to innovative thinking.

3. Understand each person's process: Embrace individual learning styles and adapt teaching methods accordingly.

4. Model positive behaviors: Demonstrate understanding, effective communication, respect, and self-belief as examples to follow.

5. Embrace authenticity: Allow each person to be their true self, fostering an environment of acceptance and support.

Entrepreneurship is a multi-faceted journey that transcends traditional business models. It is about problem-solving, embracing chaos, and connecting with oneself and others. By encouraging self-discovery and providing support in the learning environment, we can nurture the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

FutureproofSA is committed to empowering one entrepreneur at a time to make a positive impact and shape a better world.

Top tips for School Heads and why you should partner with FuturerpoofSA to guide and mentor your educators to be most effective when implementing Entrepreneurship into the classroom

• We equip teachers with the necessary skills to teach entrepreneurship effectively
• We coach teachers to respond proactively to the mounting interest from parents to teach entrepreneurship at a school level
• Our unique program and curriculum differentiate your school in the education sector
• You will be instrumental in influencing and creating the next generation of business leaders
• Your school will go beyond the traditional market day and create real value for parents and learners

Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key. Trust your abilities and have faith in your ideas. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone. Your self-belief will inspire others to believe in you and your venture as well.

Network and Build Relationships: Networking is crucial for any entrepreneur. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with potential partners, mentors, investors, and customers. Building strong relationships can lead to collaborations, valuable insights, and growth opportunities.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and business strategies. Invest in your personal and professional development through workshops, online courses, and reading. Adapting and learning will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is essential for long-term success. Burnout can hinder productivity and creativity. Set boundaries, delegate tasks, and prioritize self-care. A well-rested and healthy entrepreneur is better equipped to handle challenges and make informed decisions.

Seek Support and Mentorship: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors. They can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer valuable insights that can help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Remember, every entrepreneur's journey is unique, so tailor these tips to your specific situation and goals. Stay persistent, embrace challenges, and keep pushing forward with determination and passion.

Inspirational Women

Jessica Perry

Hello, I'm Jessica Perry, a 19-year-old dynamo with an unwavering passion for entrepreneurship and helping others. Since a young age, I've been determined to make a difference in the world, and my journey is a testament to the power of ambition and compassion.

My entrepreneurial spirit sparked early on in grade 6 when I started selling blankets and pencil cases to my peers. This initial venture served as a springboard for even greater achievements. In grade 8, I took a step further and established a business selling peanut butter biscuits to a coffee shop located within the Ticket Pro Dome in Northgate. My delectable creations quickly became a staple for the coffee shop's events, showcasing my knack for business and culinary creativity.

By grade 11, I had developed yet another successful venture, selling popcorn during first breaks and big school events. My entrepreneurial endeavors have not only allowed me to flourish as a businessperson but have also given me the opportunity to contribute to the school community in a unique and fulfilling way.

Throughout the years, I've also embraced various jobs that have further honed my skills and expanded my horizons. From waitressing at a Gin distillery to managing a food store at markets, from working in sales and selling spices to interning at a company focused on teaching entrepreneurship from a young age, each experience has enriched my understanding of the business world and nurtured my passion for creating opportunities.

As I continue to embrace opportunities and challenges, my mission remains steadfast: to inspire others through entrepreneurship, creativity, and compassion. I believe that by igniting change at a young age and empowering those around me, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. Together, let's continue to foster a world where dreams are nurtured, challenges are met with courage, and each act of kindness leaves a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Sarah Blakely

An inspiring woman entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world.

Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a company that revolutionized the undergarment industry with its innovative shapewear products. What makes Sara Blakely's journey so inspiring is her determination and creativity.

She came up with the idea for Spanx while trying to find a solution for visible panty lines under her white pants. With just $5,000 in savings and a lot of perseverance, she started the company in 2000.

Sara faced numerous challenges and rejections while trying to bring her product to market, but she persisted and eventually secured a meeting with a major department store. Her innovative shapewear quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many women's wardrobes.

Today, Spanx is a globally recognized brand with a wide range of products beyond just shapewear.

Sara Blakely's story is not only about building a successful business but also about challenging norms and empowering women. She has consistently used her success to give back and support other women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and girls.

Sara's journey from a struggling inventor to a self-made billionaire has inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their ideas, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and create products that address real-life challenges.