Self-Care and Personal Growth: Balancing Ambition with your Well-Being

We tend to measure success in life by our career accomplishments, external achievements, and the number of followers on social media. Society dictates that the way to achieve growth is by pouring ourselves out, constantly hustling, and sacrificing one of the most important things for us – our well-being. 

There is nothing wrong with being ambitious, especially when it comes to our goals. Ambition and setting goals are great motivators. I love setting goals and seeing what I can achieve (especially as a woman who is often told she can’t!) But it is a balance: how we can maintain harmony between our goals and our well-being? 

Do you think it is worth sacrificing our well-being and happiness in pursuit of our goals?  

Ambition can drive us to achieve great things, but it is crucial to strike a balance. Sacrificing our well-being completely may lead to physical and mental exhaustion, burnout, and even strained relationships. 

In a world that loves ambition and always wants more, it is crucial to understand how our goals and self-care connect. When we constantly strive for success and achievement, let us not forget ourselves in the process. Listen to what it needs and honor it. Success should not come at the cost of our well-being.  

My mission with #BraveEnough is to help women know they can reach their goals while still prioritizing self-care. 

When it comes to self-care and setting the stage for a successful year ahead, I am excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for you – a FREE three-part webinar series titled "The Year of You."  

Imagine it as your personal roadmap to a thriving 2024. Each webinar is a powerful 30-minute session crafted to empower you and pave the way for your success. So, mark your calendar and join me, let's make 2024 your best year yet. It is time to invest in yourself and set the stage for a year filled with growth, fulfillment, and success. Sign up HERE.  

5 Self-Care Practices to Thrive Personally and Professionally 

The majority of us get caught up in the race to achieve our personal and professional goals. To validate our desire to achieve more, we tend to place our needs on the back burner. The importance of self-care is fading away and overshadowed by the constant pressure to excel and meet societal expectations. What we fail to realize is that self-care is what we need to keep us going.  

By prioritizing our needs and taking time to recharge, we can become more productive, and resilient, and ultimately achieve greater success in the long run. It is time to break free from this mindset and start embracing these 5 self-care practices that will help you thrive in work and in life:   

1. Strike Work-Life Control 

Balancing personal and professional growth necessitates a mindful equilibrium between work commitments and personal life. It means doing simple things like setting clear limits on our work hours and making sure we have time for personal activities, hobbies, and important relationships. This intentional division not only helps us to prevent burnout but also nurtures the sustainability of long-term success. Think of it like taking care of the roots of a growing tree – by having a good balance, you strengthen your overall well-being, giving you the will to face work challenges with focus and vigor.  

In my own experience, I learned the importance of this control during such a demanding time in my career. I was so focused on work that I forgot about needs, and it took a toll on how I felt. I was tired and unhappy. Then boom, I was burned out. Realizing I needed a change, I set clear limits on work and made sure to spend time on personal activities and with people I care about. This shift is what I needed to show up better.  

The lesson I learned was clear – being successful means finding good control between work and personal life, making both parts of my life better and more satisfying in the long run. 

Is work-life control something you are struggling with? Well, this March, get ready for the revamped Brave Balance 2.0, a game-changer for women physicians seeking to set boundaries, take control of their time, and shape the fulfilling life they desire within the field of medicine. 

Immerse yourself on a 12-week journey with an entirely fresh curriculum while being part of a supportive community. Let this transformative experience redefine your approach to work-life balance. Your growth and transformation begin HERE. 

2. Relax and Reduce Stress 

Giving ourselves any form of relaxation is considered an act of self-care. Simple techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even taking brief moments for reflection can make a huge difference in managing our stress, boosting concentration, and fostering mental clarity. Imagine the impact of starting your day with a few minutes of focused meditation—through these small acts of self-care, we can cultivate a sense of balance and well-being that carries us throughout the day. 

For someone working in the hospital, the chaos around is the norm. Yes, there will be moments that will reach my tipping point, and when this happens, I let myself breathe and take a break. In those moments, I find solace in the knowledge that by taking a few minutes to center myself, I can keep going. 

This is a gentle reminder that in the pursuit of our ambitions, stress does not have to be a constant companion; with intentional and simple self-care practices, we equip ourselves to leave stress behind when we reach our goals. 

Feeling stressed? Take a moment to tune in to my latest podcast episode, where I delve into three effective ways to remove stress from your life.  

3. Just Keep Learning 

Growing personally and professionally means we are always open to learning new things. Lifelong learning not only makes us more skilled in our jobs but also encourages us to pursue personal growth, adaptability, and a healthy mindset that is open to new ideas. By continuously seeking new knowledge and skills, we expand our horizons and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.   
 

Pouring our minds with knowledge is self-care. Let's stay curious, welcome new challenges, and look for chances to develop professionally.  

And speaking of professional development and self-care, mark your calendar for the upcoming BE 2024 Women’s CME Conference. This conference is tailored to address the challenges faced by women working in healthcare, focusing on combatting isolation with strategies to foster deeper connections and promote accountability. 

This year's format offers more time for meaningful connections with phenomenal speakers, extended Q&A sessions, and the opportunity for live coaching in a protected and supportive environment. Rest assured; you will leave with a network of strong allies ready to support you throughout the year.  
 

But that's not all! I am thrilled to announce the launch of BE24's Referral Program this year. By referring a new attendee to BE24, both you and your referral will receive an exclusive invitation to a private event hosted by yours truly. As an extra incentive, participating in the referral program allows you to win a luxurious spa day at BE24. So, let's spread the word, share this enriching experience, and collectively make BE24 an unforgettable journey for you and your friends. 

4. Every Progress is a Win 

I am a big dreamer myself. I used to set my ambitions too big and too high just to end up losing myself in the path of making it happen. I know that you feel the same way too, the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm when we set our ambitions in life. However, most of us are left feeling overwhelmed and eventually lost in the big sea of our goals. What we fail to realize is that we always overlook the smaller, more manageable steps we need to reach them.   

So, if you have those big goals in mind, break them down into bite-size and doable steps. That way, you can actually make progress and not feel like you are drowning in all the things you want to achieve. Then, celebrate your accomplishments along the way. It does not matter whether it is big or small, at the end of the day, every progress is a win. 

Taking a moment to feel happy about these successes is more than just enjoying the moment; it is a way of recognizing all the effort and hard work we put into ourselves. This is the way to give yourself a pat on the back for all the dedication and resources you invested in reaching your goals. By celebrating each step along the way, you also create a positive mindset that keeps you motivated for the next part of your journey.  Always remember, that every step counts, and each bit of progress deserves its own moment of celebration. 

5. Cultivate a Strong Support System 

In the pursuit of our goals, challenges are like the ripples in a pond—inevitable, yet essential for growth. They exist to test our determination, push us to our limits, and force us to grow.  It is in overcoming these challenges that our goals find depth and our achievements gain genuine meaning. Well, let's admit it, navigating these hurdles can be tough and heavy.  

To lighten the load, I always remind myself that there is power in having a strong support system. It is not just about having people around; it is about cultivating a network of friends, family, or mentors who truly can make a significant difference. Sharing our challenges with them not only lessens the weight on our shoulders but also gifts us with invaluable perspectives and insights.  In moments of uncertainty, seeking advice and encouragement from those who have weathered similar storms is the best way we can give ourselves.  

Having a support system by your side is also an act of self-care. It is a way of acknowledging that we do not have to face challenges alone. By embracing the strength that comes from leaning on others, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever obstacles that may come our way. After all, the journey becomes richer and more fulfilling when we share both our triumphs and tribulations with those who stand by our side. 

Searching for a community where you can connect with like-minded women and forge genuine relationships? Come be a part of The Table. Our community is vibrant and supportive, revolving around personal development, empowerment, and the fostering of lasting connections. We cherish the power that comes from shared experiences and the encouragement that accompanies each of us on our unique journeys. 

Incorporating these self-care practices into your daily life can create a holistic approach to the personal and professional development you are aiming for. These steps lay the foundation for your ambitions to finally happen. The best part? You are reaching your goals are taking good care of yourself along the way. 

The More You Care, The More You Grow 

Taking care of ourselves is like planting seeds to make our ambitions come true. Just like a plant that needs sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive, we too need self-care, self-love, and self-improvement to grow, bloom, and flourish.  Let us tend to the garden of our ambitions with care, knowing that every act of self-care is a step toward making our aspirations blossom into reality.

So, sister, this year, continue to take care of yourself and dream big. 

Believe in yourself and make this year the year of growth, success, and self-discovery. You got this!