Written by: Charlie McClain, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today's fast-paced world, where success is often celebrated and revered, it's not uncommon for individuals, especially driven women, to be in the relentless pursuit of excellence. This pursuit can sometimes lead to a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, known as professional burnout. But I’d like to delve deeper into the phenomenon of Driven Woman Syndrome, and its impact on women's mental health, and offer a few tips on navigating this modern paradox.
Understanding professional burnout
Professional burnout is a universal condition that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or profession. However, it is particularly pervasive among driven women who often feel pressured to excel both professionally and personally. This pressure often stems from the "doing it all" mentality, a societal expectation that women must juggle multiple roles seamlessly while neglecting self-care. The consequences of professional burnout are far-reaching and can impact one's career certainly. More important, however, is the impact on our overall well-being. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, decreased productivity, emotional detachment, a sense of hopelessness, and feeling ‘stuck’ over time. It's critical to acknowledge that professional burnout is a genuine concern affecting many women striving for success.
The gendered impact of stress
The gender disparity isn’t just in wages. Stress and its consequences are a critical aspect of understanding Driven Woman Syndrome. For example, the Office on Women's Health states that women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Furthermore, research suggests that women may be more sensitive to stress, both in terms of experiencing its symptoms more intensely and having a higher risk of developing conditions such as depression and anxiety. In a Stress in America Survey, alarming statistics emerged: Women are more likely than men to report that their stress levels have been on the rise. Approximately 43 percent of women, compared to 33 percent of men, indicated that their stress levels increased over the past five years. And that was in 2010. Since then, and particularly post-COVID, there’s been a sharp rise in women reporting stress-related issues. In 2022, USA Today reported that compared to 2020, worry, stress, and anger among women rose by 3%, while sadness rose by 6%, which are all record highs since the Gallup World Poll began tracking emotional health a decade ago. These statistics underscore the reality that Driven Woman Syndrome is not a mere concept; it is a tangible issue affecting countless women who find themselves struggling to balance personal lives, ambition, and survival with well-being.
Empowered pause: The power of taking time out
Acknowledging the existence of Driven Woman Syndrome is the first step towards addressing it. The solution lies in a concept known as "Empowered Pause." This approach emphasizes the importance of pausing,reflecting, and taking time out to develop a sustainable strategy for success that includes quality personal relationships and self-care. It prioritizes happiness, well–being and ambition. Empowered Pause signifies the recognition that constantly pushing oneself to the brink of exhaustion is neither productive nor sustainable. Instead, it encourages individuals to embrace a resilience-focused approach to life and work. Taking time out becomes an integral part of this philosophy. So, what can you do to navigate Driven Woman Syndrome and mitigate the risk of professional burnout? Dig a little, and you’ll find oodles of great advice on combatting stress. However, I’m going to mention a couple of obvious tips and perhaps one or two you didn’t expect.
1. Self-care as a priority
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether taking short breaks during the workday, practicing mindfulness, or dedicating time to hobbies and relaxation, nurturing your well-being should be at the forefront. Here’s one practical example: At 10 a.m. each work morning, I make it a practice to step away from my desk and do what I call a “happy dance.” I simply tell the talking device to play a favorite song and dance around my kitchen as I refill my water and ensure I take my vitamins. Back when I still went into the office everyday, I walked with a few colleagues each day at ten. Those walks made us all a little closer and allowed us to destress a bit. Self-care is not selfish.
2. Set boundaries
Practice saying"no" when necessary. My mentor says,“No is a singular idea. No need for fluff.” Setting boundaries takes practice! Generally, folks on the receiving end don’t much like it. There may be pushback; however, knowing what is an ‘all in’ for you, versus tasks or projects you don’t wish to take on will completely change your life. In our personal lives, it really is essential to prevent overextending ourselves.
Remember that it's okay to delegate tasks and seek support when needed. Remember that self-care is not selfish. It bears repeating.
3. Seek support and professional help
Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, a good coach, or mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your challenges and seeking support can empower and help you manage stress effectively.
4. Prioritize time management
This is one of those we all see a lot of. It always makes me want to roll my eyes—until I realize I sat going through emails for 45 minutes and also visited three Websites looking for that perfect suit for my speech. Efficient time management is incredibly beneficial, but taking an Empowered Pause in order to be more focused? Priceless. Set realistic goals. Check. Prioritize tasks. Check.
Try a 90-minute focus project in the morning. Check. Do that. Then, take 10-15 minutes to walk, talk, check socials, whatever helps you feel you’ve nourished yourself for a bit. Believe it or not, taking an Empowered Pause can help you enhance your productivity while reducing stress.
I actually put these Empowered Pause times into my planner. And I have the talking device remind me as well. It’s just too easy to ignore ‘me time’ in the planner.
Driven Woman Syndrome is a genuine phenomenon that affects numerous women striving for success and that all-elusive ‘balance’ in today's world. However, by recognizing the signs, prioritizing self-care, and adopting a resilience-focused approach, women can navigate this modern paradox and find a sustainable path to success that doesn't come at the expense of their well-being. Remember, success should be defined not only by achievements but also by the smile on your face and fulfillment found in a life well-lived.
Charlie McClain, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Charlie McClain is a respected thought leader, private coach, and author of Ditch the Worthiness Hustle. She specializes in guiding dynamic women through personal development to become radically unapologetic, visionary leaders. As a certified coach with a master's in psychology, she delves into leadership and the complexities of Driven Woman Syndrome. Her weekly show, 'Lead From Your Edge,' supports and challenges viewers on their journey to new frontiers, professionally and personally. Charlie is co-founder of WICSL, the Women’s Institute for Cultivating Self-Mastery and Leadership.
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