328: Overcoming Superwoman Syndrome

15-03-2023 • 22 mins

Overcome Superwoman Syndrome: Prioritize, Say No and Get Help

SUMMARY

This episode is dedicated to all the superwomen out there who are trying to do it all and be it all. Host Tonya Leigh explains how many women find themselves in the predicament of trying to fulfill multiple roles such as being a career woman, mother, wife, friend, daughter and more while also trying to maintain high standards in each role. This is referred to as the Superwoman Syndrome, a term coined in the 1980s by Dr. Marjorie Hansen Chavez in her book The Superwoman Syndrome. Women may feel guilty or ashamed if they cannot meet their own expectations and feel like they need to do and be everything to everyone.

The Superwoman Syndrome is a condition which leads to burnout, stress, and other negative health outcomes. People afflicted with the syndrome are not prioritizing their self care, playing, or resting, as they are too busy trying to live up to the expectations of others. To get out of the toxic cycle of the Superwoman Syndrome, one must understand the root of the fear and deal with it.

Additionally, they must be willing to say no to things that are not important to them in order to help them focus on their most important priorities. Finally, they must acknowledge that this may mean disappointing some people, but it is necessary in order to take control of one's life.

Here is what we cover in this episode:

0:00:00 Exploring the Superwoman Syndrome: A Conversation with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh

0:02:54 Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Superwoman Syndrome

0:04:34 Facing the Fear of Not Being Good Enough

0:09:25 Prioritizing and Saying No

0:13:37 Self Care, Saying No, and Being Imperfect

0:15:38 Tips for Entrepreneurs

0:17:57 The Benefits of Hiring Help: Taking Advantage of Available Resources

Quotes:

There's a thing where you can get a dog sitter. There are all these amazing apps with help at your fingertips, and yet a lot of you refuse to take advantage of it. Why? Why aren't you getting the help that you need?

To overcome superwoman syndrome, you're going to have to be willing to be imperfect and to realize that it's a beautiful thing. Because that means you've accepted yourself as you are. And you're showing up in your most expansive self. And expansive does not mean perfect. Expansive means true.

I'm not good enough, and I'm afraid of being found out. So let me put on this facade and pretend that I am perfect. This is what superwomen do.

Even when you make mistakes, even when you fail, even when it's not all buttoned up and buttoned up and tidy, you're still extraordinary. You're still amazing.

Let me tell you all, resentment is a telltale sign that you may be suffering from Superwoman Syndrome. So pay attention if you're feeling resentful or angry or frustrated on a daily basis. Those are three emotions that often indicate that you have this syndrome.

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