For years, women have been striving for equal rights and opportunities. Countless campaigns and initiatives have been done to achieve this goal. Thanks to the courage and dedication of numerous individuals, whose numbers are too many to count, women today enjoy advantages that would have been unimaginable centuries ago.
I am one of the women reaping those advantages today. From earning a degree from a renowned university to leading a successful career, I thank those who gave their time and effort. With this privilege comes responsibility and sometimes the pressure to portray an image we embody, such as being a “strong and independent woman.” I’ve heard this phrase countless times, and I believe we all have our own interpretation and understanding.
From a collective definition, a strong and independent woman is confident in her capabilities. She does not rely on others for validation, has a strong sense of self, and stands by her values. A strong and independent woman takes charge of her life and fearlessly pursues her goals.
However, embodying all these traits at once can sometimes take a toll on us. That’s where a notable characteristic of a strong and independent woman comes in. She is able to recognize her limitations and seek help when needed. In this blog post, let’s talk about how we can build better mental and emotional fitness while striving to be the strong and independent women we aspire to be.
Characteristics of A Strong and Independent Woman
A strong and independent woman comes in many forms. She could be a successful businesswoman who started her own company, a single mother who raised her children on her own, or a young student who speaks up for what she believes in.
There is no one-size-fits-all definition, as each individual has unique strengths, challenges, and accomplishments. What they all have in common is the ability to pursue their goals with unwavering determination, even in the face of adversity. Below are the common characteristics of a strong and independent woman.
Goal Setter & Go Getter. A strong, independent woman takes charge of her life and actively pursues her goals. She does not simply wait for things to come to fruition but takes the initiative to make things happen. She has a clear vision of what she wants to achieve and is taking steps to make her dream a reality.
What comes hand in hand with this is her positive outlook on life. She sees opportunities to learn and develop when she has a clear vision. She takes risks and is willing to step out of her comfort zone. She understands that failure is part of growth and keeps an attitude of patience, persistence, and resilience.
Faces fears head-on. Facing your fear is something most people don’t look forward to. But a strong and independent woman has the courage to tackle her fears. This does not mean she’s unafraid. Rather she is determined to resolve the problem even if facing it may not be easy.
Facing fears takes time and patience. Rushing the process may lead to confusion and anxiety. Thus, taking one step at a time when conquering fear is the best approach. Though the progress may be slow, it is still progress. With perseverance to resolve these problems, a strong and independent woman emerges more confident and powerful.
Takes care of herself and others. Women are known to be innate nurturers of the family. A strong and independent woman understands that caring for oneself is just as important as caring for others. This doesn’t mean she places herself above others; rather, she recognizes the value of self-care in maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
One way to achieve this is by practicing self-compassion. Treating ourselves with compassion and forgiveness develops a strong sense of contentment and self-worth. As a result, we become more capable of caring for people around us. Self-care is not a selfish act but a crucial component of being able to care for others. In fact, we believe this so strongly we created a specific meditation on the subject. Its based on a Hawaiian mantra called Ho’oponopono. Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it, the meditation itself is simple and helpful.
Confident and secure with herself. Confidence is a powerful tool that can bring us comfort and security. It allows us to stop comparing ourselves with others and maintain a positive self-image. When we are confident in ourselves and our abilities, we tend to achieve more of our life goals.
A strong and independent woman can use her confidence to inspire others. She also recognizes that it is not built overnight. It requires consistent effort and patience. By practicing self-love and acceptance, a confidence that uplifts others and stands through challenges and setbacks can be developed.
Stays true to herself and her values. Strong and independent women understand that they do not need to change themselves to fit in or impress others. Instead, they embrace their unique qualities and perspectives and live their lives on their own terms.
Being true to oneself involves accepting and loving oneself for who they are, including their strengths and weaknesses. This self-acceptance allows for a greater sense of inner peace and contentment, which can translate into a more fulfilling and authentic life.
5 Tips on Building Better Mental & Emotional Fitness
Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Thoughts. When things don’t go the way you want them to be, you can easily fall victim to the cycle of negative self-talk. One way to combat this cycle is by paying attention to your daily thought patterns and identify instances where negative self-talk arises.
Negative self-talk come in different forms like ruminating on past events or having pessimistic thoughts about the future. When you’ve identified these thoughts, try to replace them with a more positive alternative. For example, instead of saying “I shouldn’t have done that,” you can say “Nobody is perfect and I’m doing my best.” These changes may be small but can help you nurture a more positive mindset.
Furthermore, you may find it helpful to notice when these patterns of self-talk arise. Do they pop up more often at the end of a long day at work, during social settings, or when things are especially quiet around the house? Noticing when you tend to be especially self-critical can help you identify how physical fatigue or emotions may be influencing your self-perceptions. This can be especially helpful in recognizing how quickly these thoughts and feelings can change, allowing us to focus on and cultivate more positive alternatives.
Stay Active by Participating in Activities You Enjoy. Staying active is crucial for maintaining good mental and emotional fitness, but with busy schedules and various responsibilities, it can be challenging to find time to exercise. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay active, and it doesn’t have to involve traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running on a treadmill.
One of the best ways to stay active and promote good mental health is by participating in activities that you enjoy. This could be anything from strolling in the park, jogging after work, hiking, or taking a dance class. Find something that makes you happy and dedicate time to doing it regularly. Engaging in activities you enjoy can have a significant impact on your mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being.
Build Strong Relationships with People. When stress and pressure builds up, it helps to have someone you trust to spend quality time with and possibly confide in. Surrounding yourself with friends and family who understand and support your situation can help create a sense of belonging and foster positive emotions.
It is also helpful to connect with individuals who share similar interests with you. When you feel connected to others who share your interests, you can enjoy a sense of mutual understanding and support that can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Having strong relationships with like-minded people can also provide a sense of accountability and motivation. When you surround yourself with people who share similar goals and aspirations, you’re more likely to stay committed to achieving those goals.
Set Boundaries and Stick with Them. Saying NO can be a difficult task. But constantly overcommitting yourself can lead to burnout and stress, which can take a toll on your mental well-being. Thus recognizing the need to say no and set healthy boundaries when necessary can be a great exercise for promoting your mental and emotional fitness.
Establishing clear boundaries can also help us communicate our needs to others, allowing us to build healthier and more fulfilling relationships. By setting boundaries and sticking to them, we can build trust and respect with others, and foster stronger connections based on mutual understanding and respect.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help. A common misconception about being a strong and independent woman is being able to handle everything alone even if it is evident that help is needed. Being a strong and independent woman does not mean that you are immune to challenges and don’t need help, it is acknowledging that you do.
For example, you can book a session with our Certified rREST Coaches. Many of whom are strong independent women themselves, and have dedicated themselves to a passion for helping others. Seeking help is a brave and empowering decision that demonstrates your commitment to taking care of yourself and your well-being. You don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining healthy mental and emotional fitness is essential for everyone, regardless of their gender or identity. As a strong and independent woman, it’s easy to feel like you have to handle everything on your own, but it’s okay to ask for help and take care of yourself. Remember, seeking help or reaching out to loved ones for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If this is you, and you could use a little support right now, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation today. Our coaches can meet based on your schedule, and can help you identify a path forward in as little as 15 minutes. Schedule Today.
References
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm
https://www.womenscareobgyn.com/health-library/habits-to-improve-mental-health-for-women
https://discoverymood.com/blog/characteristics-of-mentally-strong-women/
https://adasmileplace.com/how-do-we-help-strong-independent-women-take-care-of-themselves/
https://advice.theshineapp.com/articles/6-habits-that-will-help-you-build-mental-strength/
