5 Things Successful Women do Differently – #3 They take care of themselves!

We’re continuing our series on the 5 Things Successful Women Do Differently, based on insights I shared with my niece during a recent conversation about success. I told her that to become successful, she must follow a proven formula. Since success leaves clues, this formula wouldn’t be hard to decipher. Last week, we talked about facing your fears. Today, let’s dive into the third thing successful women do differently—they take care of themselves!

The Third Thing Successful Women Do Differently – They Take Care of Themselves!

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” – L.R. Knost

You’re a nurturer by nature—constantly taking care of loved ones, managing a busy practice, and juggling multiple roles like doctor, advisor, and caregiver. But here’s the question: who takes care of you?

Many of us feel that self-care is selfish, but it’s quite the opposite. When you prioritize your own well-being, you show up better for everyone around you. Taking care of yourself is not only important for your health, but it’s also essential for maintaining healthy relationships and living a fulfilling life.

5 Strategies Successful Women Use to Take Better Care of Themselves

1. They Recognize That Self-Care is Not Selfish
   It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty about taking time for yourself. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care replenishes your energy and helps you be more present for those who rely on you.

   Example: Oprah Winfrey, known for her demanding schedule, carves out time for meditation and exercise daily, recognizing that these practices are essential for her mental clarity and overall well-being. “I’ve learned to listen to that still, small voice, to listen to what I need,” she says.

2. They Become Their Own Best Friend
   Imagine treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you show your best friend. You wouldn’t criticize them harshly or neglect their needs. Successful women practice self-love by encouraging themselves, celebrating their wins, and forgiving their mistakes.

   Quote: “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” — Maya Angelou

3. They Spend Time Alone
   Spending time alone isn’t about being lonely; it’s about recharging your spirit. Solitude allows you to reflect, refuel, and refocus. Whether it’s reading, meditating, or simply sitting quietly, these moments help you reconnect with yourself.

   Story: Michelle Obama often speaks about the power of alone time. During her time as First Lady, she would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to have a moment of quiet before her day began. “I’d have my time, my moment of quiet, to be with my thoughts,” she shares.

4. They Create Supportive Surroundings
   Your environment greatly impacts your mood and productivity. Successful women create supportive surroundings by decluttering physical spaces and curating positive social circles. Being part of communities like Optometry Divas can inspire and uplift you, providing the encouragement you need to thrive.

   Example: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, emphasizes the importance of supportive networks. After losing her husband, her community played a crucial role in her healing process, showing the power of a strong support system.

5. They Believe That Saying “No” is Okay
   One of the most powerful ways to take care of yourself is by learning to say “no” without guilt. Saying yes to everyone else often means saying no to your own needs. Setting boundaries is not just okay—it’s necessary.

   Quote: “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.” — Stephen Covey

The Key to Lasting Self-Care

Learning to take care of yourself is an evolving process that changes as you go through different stages of life. The most important thing is to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even if it’s just doing one small thing every day that brings you joy, you’re taking steps toward a happier, healthier you.

To end today, I wanted to share this quick 3 minutes video about the importance of taking care of yourself.  Enjoy!

Coming Up Next…

Next week, we’ll dive into Habit #4: How to connect with and build healthy relationships with others. Don’t miss out!

Call to Action

Want to surround yourself with like-minded women who prioritize self-care and success? Join our community at Optometry Divas and connect with other driven women who understand the importance of taking care of themselves. Visit optometrydivas.com/join to learn more.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends. Who knows? It might be just what they need to hear today. Thank you for sharing!