Despite the fact that women are increasingly reaching for leadership positions, a pernicious culture of distrust persists. It may be rooted in erroneous beliefs.
Among young, male voters, for example, a lack of confidence in women’s leadership ability can lead to bias against them. It can also be influenced by gender roles in the home, where women are often expected to be nurturers while men are encouraged to pursue more intellectual pursuits.
1. They don’t make decisions for themselves
Strong, independent women don’t wait around for things to find them. They work hard to achieve their goals and don’t let anything or anyone get in the way of their success.
They know that taking care of themselves is a priority and prioritize their diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep. They also understand when it’s time to stop and rest, rejuvenate, and recharge.
These are important skills for women to learn, especially in a world where stereotypes still play a role in limiting women’s success. In fact, a study found that both men and women overestimate their abilities in subjects that are considered male-typed and underestimate their scores in female-typed domains.
This is a big problem when it comes to careers and professional recognition. Stereotypes can also lead to a sense of shame and discourage women from speaking up for themselves in different ways. Ultimately, these issues are all part of the larger issue of gender discrimination and the need for more societal recognition of women’s talents.
2. They don’t wait for things to find them
Strong independent women aren’t afraid to leave the crowd. They know they can make a life for themselves wherever it takes them.
They never waste their time chasing after things that don’t make them happy. Instead they work hard, keep their eyes to the future, and always strive to improve their lives.
These women never settle for anyone that doesn’t respect them, treat them as equals, and don’t want to control their lives in any way. They aren’t afraid to date until they find a partner who fits all of these requirements and more.
They don’t engage in negative self-talk and resent themselves when things go wrong. They take criticism in stride, and they know that they can learn from their mistakes. They also don’t overreact to bad situations, even when they’re suitably horrific.
3. They don’t engage in negative self-talk
When we’re feeling insecure, it can be easy to engage in negative self-talk. We might tell ourselves that we’re not good enough or that we will fail if we try something new.
But strong and independent women know that these thoughts aren’t helpful. Instead, they use positive self-talk to help them overcome negativity and improve their confidence and self-esteem.
Whether you’re talking to yourself or others, your internal voice is constantly shaping the way you think. And negative self-talk can lead to a whole host of problems, including poor mental health and substance use disorders.
Talk with kids and young adults about the benefits of positive self-talk, and teach them to replace negative thinking with positive statements. There are plenty of free resources online that you can read together, and you can even make a list of your own affirmations to practice at home.
4. They don’t wait for permission
When it comes to making decisions, a strong and independent woman doesn’t need to wait for someone to tell her what she can or cannot do. Instead, she takes the initiative and makes well-thought-out choices that will serve her best interests and help her live a more fulfilling life.
In addition to making smart choices, a strong and independent woman also demonstrates her strength by being willing to take bold risks. This can be as simple as stepping outside of her comfort zone, or as large as taking a stand for her rights. If you can get over the initial fear of exposing your vulnerabilities, this is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.