Masterful Mindsets ~ Service to Sacrifice (Keep it in Check!)
“I have worshipped woman as the living embodiment of the spirit of service and sacrifice.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
Question:
Are you aware of the times when being of service turns into sacrifice? Do you find that you sacrifice too much and too often? Are you ready to take off the superwoman cape and find your true power?
Action Challenge:
I hope that you took some time to complete last week’s challenge and journal about whether you were more of a people pleaser or someone who suffered from Superwoman Syndrome. Maybe you aren’t either. (Congratulations!) Or maybe you discovered you were both…
My bet is that you do have superwoman tendencies. In today’s fast paced and demanding world, it’s so easy to get caught up in constantly striving to accomplish more and more, as perfectly as possible, without ever asking for help. We “superwomen” want to prove we can do it all but sadly it is often at the expense of ourselves.
I know a lot about Superwoman Syndrome because not only do many of my clients deal with this, but I myself am a recovering superwoman. Yep, I admitted it years ago and yet I still find myself periodically getting caught up in the struggle. However, now I can recognize when I go over the line from service into sacrifice and that’s when I know I need to “reel it back in”.
So today, I want to give you some tips to help you keep the disease to please or your own superwoman syndrome in check. Remember, it’s okay to be kind and of service. It’s okay to strive to do your best. But it’s not okay to do those things at the expense of yourself or because the intention behind your actions is a need to prove your own self-worth.
Keep life simple. Know what and who are most important to you. Keep the tasks and to-do’s that are most closely related to what’s truly important to you and let go of the rest.
Pause and think before you respond to any request. How will your answer truly affect you and those that matter most to you? Remember when you say yes to something, there is always a corresponding no. Be sure you weigh your answer before you react or respond to any request made of you.
Be present and in the moment. Rather than in the past or future. Staying present helps you put in more quality time rather than just doing and being busy. It’s not always about the quantity of things you do. Being present also helps you assess how you’re feeling. If you are going past the point of service into sacrifice, it’s time to take a break and do something for yourself. (Maybe even ask for help.)
Let go of perfectionism and know you are enough. It’s an impossible goal and you’ll run yourself into the ground trying to reach it. Instead, set an intention every day for how you want to show up and then be your best self. Journal your successes every night. (You probably rarely give yourself enough credit for what you do succeed at.) Some days you may reach a higher level of self then others, know that it’s okay. The level that is your best today may not be your best tomorrow. Just keep that intention and know you are enough.
Love yourself and practice self-care. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish. It is essential for living a full life and it will actually help you serve in a greater capacity. You can not give from an empty cup. So fill your cup regularly and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
My challenge for you is to pay attention to when you notice yourself stepping over the line from service into sacrifice. And when you do catch yourself going too far into sacrifice mode, stop and think about each of these tips. Identify the ones that would help you get back into alignment with your true self. Take off the cape and find your true power.
It’s time you let your true strength, talents, creativity and passion shine. You have the potential and ability to become less stressed and actually live a fuller life when you let go of the need to please or be superwoman and instead, you just become your best true you.
***This past weekend was Veteran’s Day. So you might have seen my video on Facebook or Instagram. I wanted to thank all those who have served our country for all they do. And while I was speaking, I realized that they really have the ultimate sacrifice. They give in ways I can’t even imagine. From giving of themselves by leaving their families for extended periods of time to truly sacrificing their lives for our safety and freedom. If you didn’t get a chance to thank a Vet this weekend, watch the video and then do it today.
***As the holiday’s draw near, now more than ever, is the time to keep the Disease to Please and Superwoman Syndrome in check. Be on the lookout for details about my upcoming Holiday Survival Party! It is not to be missed! I want to give you the gift of time, peace and joy this holiday season. Plus I’ll be sharing some secrets to help you keep from totally sabotaging your new year. So be sure you watch your inbox for more details about how you can attend this not to be missed virtual holiday party. (Not already getting my emails? Click Here to Be Sure You’re On the List!)
***I want to hear from you… Share your comments below.