The Six S Formula For Women to Thrive Professionally
The following is a guest post by Suzanne Johnson Cook. Her bio follows.
No matter what field they may choose to work in, all professional women share a bond of common experience. All of them are trying to advance their careers in a world where the easy way is almost never upwards. The struggles that women encountered in years past have eased for some, but are still almost universally experienced to some degree by most. That hasn’t slowed these women down for a second, though.
Women are advancing in the professional field at an accelerated rate every year and shattering glass ceilings. Still, there are dilemmas faced by any ambitious person when it comes to living a life that has a healthy balance of career success while still having a personal life they can enjoy. For women who want to have it all, there are six things they should focus on to fast track success and make it all come together.
Sisterhood
You want to be independent and prove yourself, but remember that no woman is an island. The best way to succeed and to raise yourself in the opinion of other professional people is to reach out and network with like-minded people. If you surround yourself with a group of other professional women, not only can they connect you with new opportunities, they can also show you the ropes and you can streamline some of the difficulties that others have already faced and be that much more ahead yourself. Find individuals who are successful and who push you to be the best you can be. In your personal life, make sure that your friends can make time for you and provide an ear or shoulder when you need it.
Shed
A lot of times we focus so much on what we accumulate that we don’t realize that it is at least equally important to get rid of the things that we don’t need. Whether it’s the mountain of paperwork on your desk or the people who don’t push you to be your best, you need to get rid of anything that is slowing you down and holding you back. If you don’t, it will be like trying to run the hundred-yard dash with an iron ball and chain on your ankles.
Scream! (in private)
If you’ve been struggling in business or in your career, any professional woman knows that frustration can build. It is important to let off some steam once in a while. The best way to do it is to find a private place (hopefully where you won’t be heard by someone who thinks you need the police!) and scream your heart out. I know that people might think you’re crazy if you were to do that in public, but screaming can be one of the best things you can do to release tension and get back to your day on the right track. It’s a release and it feels good.
Silliness
The counterweight to the scream is the laugh. You may think that things are too important to let go, and you may even feel guilty if you are in the middle of a big project to let go and have a laugh or two. Just like screaming can release frustration and tension, laughing can help put things into perspective and bring your problems a little bit back down to earth. Plus, not to mention, it’s just downright good for the human soul.
Sanctuary
This can be the scream spot, the laugh spot or anything you need it to be. It’s important to have a little spot of your own where you can reflect and recharge. This may be your bedroom, but it can also be a nature trail, your car or even the library. During my Congressional run, I would go sit at Carl Schultz Park in Manhattan to get away from it all. Wherever it is, just make it your own little spot where you can just relax, take a breath and get away from the world.
Savor (the moment)
When we get tied up at work, it’s easy to lose focus of everything else. It’s important to have balance in your life and to enjoy your personal time when you get it. If you’re at the kids’ soccer game, or out with friends, make sure that you put the smartphone away and keep all those work issues in their own little box that you can’t open until personal time is done.
The takeaway
It’s important that you do what’s best for you when you’re trying to succeed. My list is a guide of things that help me when I’m in a tough spot. Add your own items and make your own list of what works for you.
No matter what your list looks like, I believe that all career women don’t need to tough it out all alone and take on the weight of the world all by themselves. Reach out to others. Maintain a healthy balance in your life of work and personal living. Remember, success will be of no use if you don’t enjoy it.
Suzan Johnson Cook
(“Ambassador SuJay”) was a former advisor to President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. She served as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom from 2011-2013. She is a faith feminist, international influencer, entrepreneur and diplomat. Suzan is passionate about human rights and equality, especially for women. http://charismaspeakers.com/suzan-johnson-cook/
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Image credits.
Balance. Others via pixabay.
