Your challenges will neither defeat nor define you, even if, right now, it feels like they do. Challenge – whether personal or professional – can be incredibly tough to navigate when you are feeling fragile, stressed, angry, upset, or traumatised – or a mixture of any or all of these. If this resonates with you, you are not alone.
1 in 10 women over 50 suffer from low levels of self-esteem, leaving them feeling depressed, less confident and with increased anxiety.
One third of women over 50 say that they no longer feel like the person they once were.
Women in the 21st century face huge self-image and self-belief challenges, with media and other external influences potentially making many feel even more mentally sensitive and ‘less-than’ than they need to.
Lack of authentic confidence often leads to imposter syndrome and causes stress and possible burnout.
We can build our self-worth by learning how to fully understand and regain confidence in who we are as women, so we can joyfully fulfil our true potential both professionally and personally – and be inspired to strive for a better life.
So what will help you go from where you are now, mentally and emotionally, to where you want to be – confident, free and joyful – even if this feels impossible or too far away?
In one comprehensive framework, the mental toughness concept embraces mindset, ‘grit’, character, resilience and learned optimism. Resilience and positivity, the essence of mental toughness, can be developed and once you’ve done this, life will never be the same again.
To get you started, try these simple empowerment practices. Not just once – commit to doing them for at least 28 days.
Self-Responsibility
Do you take full responsibility for your thoughts, emotions and physical wellbeing? The key to this is self-awareness.
Think about areas where you’re not taking responsibility, and what fears you may have around these. Write down your thoughts; let them flow to help unlock negative beliefs. For instance, are you a people-pleaser? Afraid to say “no” because someone may not like you anymore? This is such a drain on you.
Try saying this: “That doesn’t work for me”. It helps you manage your boundaries as no-one can argue with it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept. One day you will also realise that “No” is a complete sentence and not be afraid to use it!
Self-Talk
How do you speak to yourself? Do you call yourself stupid, use the word ‘hate’ about your body? Can you hear yourself? Recall what you’re saying or thinking and write down how this makes you feel.
Aim to change your self-talk. When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, look yourself in the eyes and smile! Say a cheerful “Morning!” or “Morning gorgeous!” You may feel silly to begin with, self-love takes practise, but with time, your smile will become natural and you’ll enjoy addressing yourself in this way. Yes, really!
We are all born with a level of Mental Toughness; Susie’s life purpose is to help women find and develop theirs. Her young adult life was one of numerous relationship mistakes and being bullied and sexually harassed in her jobs as a PA. The journey from low self-worth, lack of boundaries and every kind of domestic abuse, through a multitude of challenges and trauma, to lasting resilience, positivity, inner peace, optimism, and happiness, has made Susie an award-winning advocate for women and resilience role model in overcoming adversity and rising to challenge. She is a licensed mental toughness assessor and facilitator, partnering with AQR International.
How can Susie help you? For more information about Susie’s work, visit www.susiemackielife.com where you can download a complimentary guide to set you on the path to move from simply surviving to truly thriving. You can also access her podcast ‘Our Spirited Life’ on all major podcast channels.
