Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, self-doubt can be a constant companion for many women. The relentless belief that they are not good enough or that they need to constantly strive for more can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. But there is hope. In this thought-provoking interview, I sat down with Katherine Wintsch, the founder and CEO of the Mom Complex, to discuss her personal journey of taming the dragon of self-doubt and empowering other women to do the same. Through her own experiences and insights, Katherine offers valuable advice on redefining success, finding your voice, and building a life that aligns with your true self.
The Perils of Chasing External Validation
Katherine Wintsch opens up about her own battle with self-doubt, which plagued her from the age of 15 to 35. Despite achieving external markers of success, such as a high-powered career and societal recognition, she felt hollow and empty on the inside. She shares, “I always needed to be more and do more, no matter what I achieved or accomplished.” This constant pursuit of external validation left her feeling lost and disconnected from her true self.
Katherine’s story resonates with many women who find themselves caught in the trap of societal expectations. I also experienced firsthand the pressure to conform to certain standards of success, whether it’s excelling in my career or fulfilling traditional gender roles. Katherine explains, “For most of my life, I was an insecure overachiever. I didn’t feel good enough about myself on the inside, so I overachieved on the outside.” This relentless pursuit of success based on external measures can lead to burnout and a sense of emptiness.
Defining Your Own Success
One of the key insights Katherine gained on her journey was the importance of defining success on her own terms. She shares, “I realized the hard way that [society’s definition of success] is not my definition of success.” This realization prompted her to question the narratives and expectations imposed on women. She encourages women to ask themselves, “What does society say is enough? But what is our definition of enough?” By challenging societal norms and expectations, women can begin to carve out their own path to success.
Katherine emphasizes the need for women to identify what truly brings them joy and fulfillment. She advises, “Examine your life. What activities are you participating in that drain your soul and energy? And what parts of your day, week, or life that just light you up?” By identifying these sources of joy and aligning their lives around them, women can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond external validation.
The Power of Role Models
Finding role models who have taken the road less traveled can be a source of inspiration and empowerment for women. Katherine suggests watching speeches and TED Talks by women who have defied societal expectations and created lives that align with their true selves. She shares, “When you see those people, it can really inspire you to say, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know that was an option.'” By exposing themselves to stories of women who have embraced their authenticity, women can begin to envision a different path for themselves.
Redefining Self-Worth
One of the challenges women face is detaching their self-worth from external markers of success, such as job titles. Katherine shares an exercise her therapist gave her to redefine success in her life. She says, “Write down your definition of success in life, period. What is your definition of success in life?” By shifting the focus from external achievements to personal fulfillment, women can begin to cultivate a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on societal validation.
Katherine also highlights the importance of giving oneself grace and acknowledging the challenges that come with new experiences. She suggests writing a Post-it note that says, “I expect this to be hard,” and placing it somewhere visible. This serves as a reminder that struggling with new situations is normal and not a reflection of one’s worth. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, women can build resilience and overcome self-doubt.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Taming the dragon of self-doubt is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, self-compassion, and a commitment to defining success on one’s own terms. Katherine Wintsch’s personal story and insights offer a roadmap for women to reclaim their power and live authentically. By challenging societal expectations, finding role models who inspire them, and redefining self-worth, women can break free from the shackles of self-doubt and create lives that align with their true selves.
As more women embrace their authenticity and share their stories, the narrative around success and self-worth is slowly shifting. The traditional notions of success based on external achievements are being challenged, and a new paradigm is emerging. Women realize that success is not about climbing the corporate ladder or conforming to societal norms but about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in their lives.
The future holds great promise for women who dare to redefine success and tame the dragon of self-doubt. As more women find the courage to embrace their true selves and build lives that align with their values and passions, they become beacons of inspiration for others. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, women can create a world where self-doubt is replaced with self-empowerment, and success is defined by personal fulfillment rather than external validation.
In the words of Katherine Wintsch, “Once you get to this point, it’s so exhilarating because you just will never go back. Like, you’ll just never outsource your self-esteem again.” The journey to taming the dragon of self-doubt may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-empowerment that leads to a life of authenticity and fulfillment.
Here’s the Mean Voice Video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajCRCHXePi0
Slay Like a Mother Website – https://www.slaylikeamother.com/
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Listen to the full episode on my podcast.
