In a recent tweet, Nyasha Junior, an Associate Professor of religion at Temple University asked, “If you are a 40+ woman, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your twenty-something self?” Her question sparked a flurry of thoughtful responses, shared here:
Here are three microsteps that will help you implement their advice in your own life, regardless of your age:
Drop the comparisons.
Letting go of comparisons can feel cumbersome in a culture entrenched in social media highlight reels, but its difficulty makes it all the more important to practice. Haven’t published your novel by age 30? Are you undecided about whether or not you want to get married? Don’t sweat it. If you find yourself stuck in a rabbit hole of comparison, take some time to disconnect. Put away your devices, grab a pen and paper and write down a few things that you’ve accomplished so far that you’re proud of.
Listen to your body.
Often, our body gives us clues as to how we are feeling. If you feel a pit in your stomach when thinking about something in particular, don’t ignore it. It might just be nerves, but it might also be your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. So when you feel a pang in your gut, inquire further and ask yourself the hard questions. Trust yourself.
Be clear about what you want.
Other people are not mind readers. If there’s an opportunity you’re interested in at work, or something that doesn’t sit well with you, speak with your manager. If a coworker does something that brings you joy, or makes you upset, make it a priority to tell them how you feel. When it comes to your well-being at work, you are your own best advocate.