In December 2016, we hosted our first annual vision board conference. On the morning of the event, I had a friend come over to help pack the car. When I let him in the house he immediately looked around with this odd look.
He commented on the dishes in the sink and the towels + clothes on the bathroom floor. I'll be honest, it looked like a tornado had come through and taken Dorothy and Toto with it.
What was my response?
I was proud.
My home hadn't been cleaned in about two weeks. In fact, instead of cleaning my home, I'd been busy creating an event that I'd never done before, securing speakers, sponsors, and being an amazing mother - all in my free time (because I'm still holding it down at my 9-to-5). I was killing it in every sense of the phrase and if my bathroom didn't look like it had an appointment with Mr. Clean in a while, that was just fine with me.
A few years ago, that look (and totally unnecessary comment) might've bothered me. I would've tried to clean up my apartment before he came in, or made an apologetic comment like "excuse my messy apartment." The reality is, the woman that I have become simply did not care because in my eyes, I had "it all."
If you're still in your journey to become an unapologetic boss, there are only three things you need to do.
Define what having"it all" is for you. (Pro Tip: "it all" is not the same for everyone)
My definition of having "it all" is to create connections between women who dare to dream, find joy in creating value for others who are consistently setting new goals... and crushing them. I want to create a lifestyle for myself where I'm continuously doing things that I've never done before. (I'm a glutton for learning and late nights with Red Bull.)
I prioritize being good at what I do over looking good. (I really don't care if I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt and rocking the no-makeup-naturalista look all day long because I'm busy making moves.) Finally, I'm always focused on being a great parent.
Take a second to decide what you want to focus on in your life. Let the things you are passionate about, and the things that you want to happen in your life drive your definition of "it all."
Strive for that... and only that.
When my friend commented on the state of my apartment, I totally put him in his place. (Yes, my place is a total wreck... AND? *Cue some serious side-eye action + a fierce you-gotta-problem-with-that face.*) The reality is that we all have priorities and when you know what you want out of life, you can feel confident in telling your friends/family/anyone-with-a-comment that whatever that they're worried about - it's THEIR priority, NOT YOURS. (Because you totally have your priorities in check.)
When everything else falls apart, flip your hair, hunny!
The reality is no one can do all the things and be all things to all people. There is no way you're going to build a business from the ground up, have perfect hair and nails, be the perfect partner, mother, mentor, AND mentee with a booming social life, getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night and have a clean home at the same time.
There will be days when you turn your phone off to spend time with your family. There will be days when you cancel date night with your partner to go to a networking event.
There will be days that you say SCREW CLEANING THE KITCHEN, I'm hosting an event and I'm so excited to finally build something of value.
There will be days when you tell your partner to take the kids AND turn off your phone because today is YOUR DAY.
The reality is we can all have it all. It is up to YOU to determine what "it all" looks like and stay confident and unshakable (with side-eye in tow) that you've made the right choice for you.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!
