How The Rise Of The Girlboss Movement Tipped The Scales Too Far
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
Written by Jen Hamilton, Conscious-Life Coach
Jen Hamilton is a renowned Conscious-Life Coach specialising in clinical hypnotherapy, past life regression therapy, NLP and empowerment events. As a number one best selling author, the host of the enLIFEned podcast, she inspires others to achieve liberation, fulfillment, and pleasure through deep inner transformation and awakening.
In recent decades, the rise of the girlboss movement significantly influenced the landscape of female empowerment. This movement, fueled by the desire to break glass ceilings and assert dominance in traditionally male-dominated spaces, saw women striving to outwork their male counterparts.
While the intention was to prove equality, if not superiority, this relentless drive often led to burnout. The quest for recognition and success became a double-edged sword, propelling many women into a cycle of overwork and exhaustion. Coupled with the rising cost of living and pressure for mothers having barely left the delivery room to be financial contributors to the household, we then had Beyonce’s ‘Who run the world? Girls!’ anthem on repeat. Lyrics like ‘My persuasion can build a nation’ underscore a message of empowerment, though they also imply the need for women to take on a relentless, almost superhuman role in achieving and maintaining success. Songs that once served as anthems of empowerment inadvertently encouraged a mindset that equated worth with relentless hustle.
So what to do now that we have our long black with a dash of oat milk in one hand, our laptop in the other, our phone on speaker to our accountant, whilst wiping the five year old’s snotty nose with a tissue between our toes and mouthing ‘you’re cooking dinner tonight’ to our significant other as they’re rolling out the door to work?
Let’s start by exploring the traditional girl boss cult-like ethos; then, we can break down and reconstruct a nourishing version that will not only be supportive to the nervous system; it will also inspire you to embrace your authentic power, foster sustainable success, and cultivate a balanced, fulfilling life.
The term "girlboss" was popularised by Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal, in her 2014 autobiography titled "Girlboss." The book and the subsequent Netflix series depicted Amoruso's rise from selling vintage clothing on eBay to building a multi-million-dollar fashion empire. The GIRLBOSS ethos encouraged women to take control of their careers and embrace entrepreneurship with confidence and determination.
While this movement initially empowered many women to strive for success and break traditional barriers, it also led to some unintended consequences, emphasising relentless work ethic and the idea that women had to work harder than men to prove their worth. This pressure to outperform their male counterparts, as well as the hustle culture as the stairway to success, has led to burnout, stress, and ultimately a neglect of personal wellbeing.
Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) highlights that women are more likely to experience burnout than men due to the combined pressures of work and family responsibilities. This dual burden increases stress and compromises both physical and emotional health, leading to higher levels of burnout among women compared to men
Instead of focusing on where we have come from and ultimately perpetuating the cycle of hustle culture, burnout, and perhaps a sprinkling of worthlessness, let’s shift our attention to creating a new narrative that celebrates balance, self-care and sustainable success.
The first steps to growth are awareness and acknowledgment. Once you recognize that you've been caught up in this culture, acknowledge that you have always done your best with the resources and knowledge you had. Allow yourself some kindness and compassion as you embark on this journey of change.
Whether you realise it or not, success, much like happiness, is fundamentally subjective and is shaped by personal perspective, experiences and individual values. With that said, your unique interpretation of being a girlboss is yours to be creative with!
What if being a girlboss meant prioritising your health, regulating your nervous system, resting, and embracing a balanced lifestyle that fosters long-term success and genuine fulfilment? What if the part of you that desires empowerment was the part of you that spoke authentically, honouring your true self and aligning your actions with your needs and values? What if the boss inside of you, the leader, the authority, and the influential figure, took the lead to nurture your dreams with passion, prioritise self-care, and ultimately redefine success on your own terms? Every woman is a GIRLBOSS at heart, as the essence of leadership is a reflection of a woman's innate ability to create, nurture, and inspire, transforming her visions into reality with grace and determination.
Practical steps to nurture your inner girlboss
1. Prioritise self-care and balance
Set time aside each day for activities that replenish your energy, support your mental health and promote joy in your life. This can include exercise, meditation, dancing around the living room to Taylor Swift, arts and craft, yoga or a nice hot sauna. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it's the foundation for sustainable success.
2. Set boundaries to manage your time effectively
Learning to set clear boundaries between work, family life and your personal peace is what will prevent burnout. Exercise your ‘no’ muscle often, prioritise tasks and delegate when necessary, take regular breaks - not just during the day, but during each month as a day for R and R, and throughout the year for a full reset, even if it's a weekend away with no phone reception. This helps to maintain productivity, stay focused and energised and enables you to lead effectively.
3. Embrace authentic leadership
Lead with grace and empathy by aligning your actions with your deepest values and beliefs. Foster a nurturing and inclusive environment by practicing compassionate communication, actively listening, and supporting others' growth. Embracing your feminine strengths in leadership not only inspires those around you but also creates a harmonious and empowering atmosphere.
4. Run your own race
You don’t need to compete with men or follow their path to success, so embrace your unique journey by focusing on your own goals, strengths and values. Remember that success is personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Celebrate your achievements and progress without comparison. By virtue of being a woman, you have the ability to lead, nurture and inspire, transforming your vision into reality with grace and determination. That is your superpower!!
In conclusion, the rise of the GIRLBOSS movement has undoubtedly shaped the landscape of female empowerment, inspiring countless women to break barriers and strive for success. However, this relentless pursuit has often come at the cost of personal wellbeing leading to burnout and stress. Now is the time to shift the focus from the hustle culture to a more balanced and sustainable approach to success, leading to a happier, healthier and more fulfilled version of yourself. Take the steps today to nurture yourself, re-write your narrative and redefine your own inner empowerment.
If you’re ready to embrace your authentic self and live a conscious, liberated life, Jen Hamilton is here to support you on your journey. Whether you need guidance through hypnotherapy, intuitive healing, or personal coaching, Jen offers a transformative experience tailored to your needs. Connect with Jen and explore the possibilities of your own awakening and empowerment. Visit www.jenhamilton.coach to learn more and take the first step towards your transformation.
Read more from Jen Hamilton
Jen Hamilton, Conscious-Life Coach
Jen Hamilton is a conscious-life coach, clinical hypnotherapist, and women’s empowerment mentor dedicated to empowering people to awaken their inner alchemy. Her mission is to help people discover their inner world so their outer world reflects their true selves. Jen's work combines science-driven techniques and spirituality, creating a powerful synergy that initiates deep transformation, fostering self-love, and guiding people to a purpose-driven life filled with fulfilment and growth.
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