A Kick-Arse Woman’s Tools for Alignment, Communication, and Avoiding Burnout

In a recent conversation with a mentor, I expressed impatience with some work stuff.

I had a pretty clear picture in my head of not just how I wanted things to be, but exactly how it needed to play out and exactly how long it should take.

And it was currently none of those things.

This was making me feel I needed to push harder, work longer, and do more, rather than set wheels in motion and trust. I felt I needed to get my hustle back, using the "push through" strategy the old me swore by to get shit done.

But that old, faithful tactic was a relic that I vowed to leave behind in 2022.

Reflecting on this, my mentor asked me, if I had all the success and all the money in the world, what would I change about my life?

Then it struck me—almost nothing.

I've crafted a life I genuinely relish. From my home and relationships to the growth journey I'm on, it's a magnificent tapestry. Even the chaos of school lunches and homework checks, though occasionally hectic, is an integral part of the beautiful season of life I find myself in.

So, more success and more money wouldn't significantly alter my current state of contentment.

In the pursuit of where we think we should be, we sometimes overlook the beauty of where we are. The fastest route to joy and appreciation is through gratitude for the present.

Being a kick-arse woman doesn't necessitate constantly kicking your own arse or forcefully kicking doors down to be seen. It's about embodying strength and power.

Here are four practical tools to enhance alignment, communication, and prevent burnout:

1. Clarify Your Vision and Values:

Take time to articulate your vision and core values. Clearly defining what success means to you on a personal level ensures that your efforts align with your authentic self.

1. Prioritise Effective Communication:

Building strong connections and avoiding burnout hinge on communication. Clearly express your needs, set boundaries, and foster open dialogue in both personal and professional relationships. Effective communication is a two-way street.

1. Embrace Strategic Time Management:

Success doesn't demand perpetual hustle. Embrace strategic time management. Identify priorities, set realistic goals, and allocate time intentionally. This prevents burnout and ensures that your efforts align with your overarching vision.

1. Cultivate a Gratitude Practice:

Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the aspects of your life that bring joy and fulfilment. A gratitude practice not only boosts mental well-being but also keeps you grounded in the present, fostering a sense of accomplishment and contentment.

The correlation between gratitude and happiness is robust and supported by research*, which indicates that expressing gratitude enhances positive emotions, promoting well-being and fostering resilience. Moreover, studies exploring happiness and longevity underscore the tangible link, with individuals experiencing positive affect exhibiting a lower mortality rate.?

Leaders in Positive Psychology, such as Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough, have delved into gratitude's effects, revealing that gratitude exercises contribute to increased hope, fewer medical appointments, and higher physical activity.?

As you navigate your journey of success, remember that being a kick-arse woman is about intentionality, focus, and trust in your ability to shape the life you desire.