Me First

Mistake #3Superwoman syndrome

What do you think of her? You know who I mean. She is poised, relaxed, in complete control of her successful business or career, all without compromising her home life. She has more freedom than you. She has more time than you. She has more energy, less guilt, less stress and greater happiness. And she looks amazing. How is it that her children always look like they have just stepped from the pages of a magazine when you are lucky if you can get your kids to leave the house with shoes on?

Closely associated with imposter syndrome, you may also be suffering from superwoman syndrome. The pressure we feel to do it all, and be it all for everyone else, is staggering. Best mum, best career woman, best wife, best daughter, best business owner, best basketball coach, best cake maker, best boardroom presenter, best leader, best mentor, best counsellor, best crazy woman. Other women seem to be able to do, have and be it all, so surely you can too? And maybe if you just keep going, at pace, it will all work out, and while the wheels might be wobbling, it’s all good! And I can fit in a jog too. And I need to make sure the kids are eating good, healthy food. And I need to take the car in for a service. And I need to help my son write his speech. And I need to walk the dogs. Just keep going, just keep going. I’m fine. I’m fine. Really — I’m fine!

She truly seems to have it all. She is unfazed, unruffled and, quite frankly, unbelievable. What is she doing that ...