As powerful women committed to making an impact in the world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted and uninspired.
A 2014 report from American Express OPEN shows that more than 50 percent of startups are women-owned businesses. Yet they employ only 6 percent of the country’s workforce and contribute 4 percent of the overall revenues.
A number of factors play into this inequality, including women’s role in their families. Add to this the substantial differences in capital available to women for their companies compared to men, it becomes obvious that women have to swim against stronger tides than men to achieve the same level of success.
An uphill battle
Whatever the reason for the disparity in business success, the fact remains that as women, we face an uphill battle. The constant struggle to achieve the myth of work-life balance, cater to our families’ needs and maintain parity with men, whether we are networking or negotiating, can be frustrating.
As an entrepreneur with three businesses and a family, I relate to this struggle firsthand — the overwhelming fears, the sheer exhaustion from fighting each day and the temptation to give up. What helped me overcome those critical moments was not what I did, but remembering “why” I was doing these things.
Remember why it matters
We don’t give up because we are stressed from overworking. We give up because we lose our purpose; we forget our “why.” From experience, I can tell you that if you can remember your “why” during those difficult times, you will not only change the way you approach problems but also find the courage to stay on purpose.
Stay ‘on purpose’
If your motivation for being an entrepreneur was to maintain a flexible work schedule when your kids were growing up, what is your motivation to keep going when you become an empty nester? Life evolves and so should your purpose.
Take time to re-evaluate your purpose on a regular basis by asking yourself, “What do I yearn for, more than anything? And why?”
Take care of yourself
What do I need to feel more nourished right now? Your health and wellbeing can seriously impact how you think and feel, in all aspects of life, not just your work.
When you are physically ill or emotionally exhausted, it can lower your motivation levels and ability to enjoy what you do, eventually causing you to give up on your dreams. Stop the downward spiral by caring for yourself without guilt, whether it is taking a day off work or taking a vacation to revive yourself.
There is no shortcut to victory. But when your efforts feel fruitless and life gets too chaotic, when you are on the edge of resignation, remember to embrace your “why” and your mission while walking confidently through the fire.
The power of purpose can not only change your own destiny but also alter the course of our collective history as women.
Learn more about from The 2014 State of Women-Owned Business Report
Kay Lakhi is the President and CEO of Alyfe Wellbeing Strategies. Kay is a dietitian and entrepreneur with more than 20 years experience in various health care settings. She founded Alyfe Wellbeing Strategies in order to positively impact employees and their families in all aspects of their lives.
