We live in a world where women are told that the sky’s the limit—that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. For the first time in history, we have access to opportunities that our grandmothers couldn’t even dream of. My grandmother wasn’t allowed to go to school. My mother could study, but building a career wasn’t an option for her. Now, we’re encouraged to pursue our goals and thrive in our careers.
But despite these new opportunities, why do so many women still feel stuck? Does this sound like you? You feel empowered, like the possibilities are endless, but at the same time, you’re unsure where to begin. People say, “You can do anything,” but you’re left asking yourself, “How do I actually make that happen?”
In our last episode, we talked about the Limited Role Models available to women. Today, we’re focusing on Shifting Values. The expectations of the past still have a powerful influence on us today. Women are conditioned to balance traditional nurturing roles with ambitious career goals, which can create an overwhelming mental load.
Society has changed significantly over the past three generations. In my grandmother's time, women were expected to be good daughters, wives, and mothers—fulfilling those roles set the course for their lives. My father's generation, while predominantly focused on men, emphasized the importance of studying hard, securing a stable job, and remaining there for life. The definition of success was clearer and relatively straightforward. Now, we find ourselves in a very different era, yet traditional values still influence us.
Many women feel pressured to excel as good daughters, wives, and mothers while also striving to be successful career women. This creates an overwhelming checklist of expectations, making it harder to achieve everything. It’s no wonder we often hear thoughts like "I'm not good enough." If you excel as a daughter, wife, or mother but struggle in your career, you may feel inadequate. Conversely, if you have a successful career but don't feel you are a perfect daughter, wife, or mother, the same feelings arise. This struggle contributes to imposter syndrome.
Additionally, more women are now working in fields previously dominated by men, which can invite doubt and skepticism about their capabilities. This often leads women to adopt the mindset of "I should be able to handle this on my own." While this mentality fosters strength and achievement, it can also drain energy and increase the likelihood of giving up on their dreams.
Lastly, traditional views of men as leaders—both in the family and workplace—persist. Women may grapple with negative beliefs such as "I shouldn't hold a higher title than my husband" or "I shouldn't earn more than him," which can stifle their ambition.
As we look to the future, we anticipate that the next 30 years will bring even more significant changes than the last. Not only will society evolve, but so too will social values. What may seem unacceptable now could become the norm in the future. One thing is clear: the idea of a "safe" or "settled" path is becoming increasingly obsolete.
So what should we do about it? Now more than ever, it’s essential to know what you truly want and use that as your true north to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Clarity on what excites you, the impact you want to make, and your core values will help you steer through uncertainty. When you align with these inner drivers, you no longer need external validation or follow someone else’s path. You can create your own.
If you feel like it's not easy to get clarity on what excites you, consider joining the workshop I'm hosting. It's called, "I know I should do something, but what?!" You will walk away with:
- Clarity on the aspects that make up your ideal role (hint: it’s easier than you think!).
- Understanding of the biggest gap between your current or past role and your dream role.
- A clear action plan for your first step toward that ideal career. 🎯
Join me: https://forms.gle/EJeNrxkpXhwQ7W5P6
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