We all know women’s workdays vary tremendously. With some women working nearly 80-hour weeks and others traveling countless hours for work or working entirely at home, there’s less of a standard than ever. I used to think creating a picture-perfect desk was key, but these days, I find myself working more fluidly, traveling to different seats in my office or heading to coffee shops. I’ve learned through experimentation and inner focus to accept what actually works for me and not what others suggest I do.
Today, acknowledge and welcome the routine or activity you naturally gravitate toward. After all, when we’re most comfortable in our surroundings, we definitely produce a better work product.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 3
If you’ve finally discovered the ideal formula that leads you to produce the best work of your life, but haters want to hate on your routine or lifestyle choices, Inc.com has three great suggestions for how to stand up for yourself without feeling like a jerk.
Rule number one: Don’t apologize before making a statement, as in, “I’m really sorry, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.” It diminishes your intention. Second, practice being assertive. Spend some time in front of the mirror identifying what you want a certain person to change, how their actions or words affect you and how you feel. Lastly, recognize that you are allowed to stand up for yourself and your needs. Don’t cheat yourself. You deserve respect, so demand it.
WOMEN TO WATCH: Rachel Sklar and Glynnis MacNicol, Co-founders of The Li.st
Another great way to work toward coming out of your shell is to connect with other women who are positive and supportive. In these modern days of the internet, now is a better time than ever to connect with successful professional women who are committed to helping each other rise.
Today’s Women to Watch have created a platform to aid in just that endeavor. Rachel Sklar and Glynnis MacNicol are the ambitious and accomplished women behind The Li.st, a one-of-a-kind businesswomen’s network they founded in 2012 as a place to foster women of all ages, industries and ethnicities. The website also includes helpful, easily digestible info, like Rachel and Glynnis’ edited collection of essays called The 10 Habits of Highly Successful Women.
Here’s a little background on these boss babes. Rachel, who touts herself as “a writer, entrepreneur and feminist,” used to be a lawyer but now employs her prowess to write about media, politics and more. She was the founding editor at the Huffington Post, and you can find her masterful writing everywhere from Mashable to Glamour and The New York Times. A longtime journalist, Glynnis has had some pretty major editor positions at publications such as the Huffington Post, Media Bistro and Mediaite, and later went on to work as the media editor for Business Insider. Her new memoir, Good Driving, is out next year.
As part of Rachel and Glynnis’ support-based business, members of The Li.st can gain advice from other successful women about finances, job opportunities and even office space. Being able to openly discuss money, and more importantly, how to make more of it isn’t necessarily a measure of success. Rachel says it’s a way for women to have freedom and power. Amen to that, sister!
The Li.st is all about taking women seriously, despite opposition from investors, co-workers, bosses, big business and so on. As Rachel and Glynnis say, “We believe that there is a lot of money to be made from taking women seriously and that a rising tide lifts all boats.” We at On The Dot couldn’t agree more!
QUITE THE QUOTE
Here’s a little inspiration to show the world the powerful, resilient woman you are. As author Elaine Maxwell said:
“My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no one’s doing but my own. I am the force. I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze—my choice, my responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.