The Importance of Building Community

The Superwoman myth promotes the idea of hyper-independence, but true strength lies in community and collaboration. In Superwoman: Escaping the Myth, I share stories and insights on the power of community support. Building a network of like-minded women can provide the encouragement and resources needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Isolation of Superwoman

The Superwoman myth promotes the idea that we must do everything on our own, be hyper-independent and rely on no one.

But this mindset is both isolating and unsustainable.

The truth is, no one is meant to handle life’s challenges alone.

Our ancestors thrived in communities, supporting one another through daily life.

As we moved towards a more individualistic society, we’ve lost touch with the power of community.

The Rebellion of Asking for Help

I believe it is an act of rebellion to ask for help. It is revolutionary to declare: “I can’t and won’t do this all by myself”.

To stand in the face of a culture that tells us not only that we don’t need each other, but to be scared of each other. It is rebellious to boldly stand for community when we live in a cult of the individual.

The Power of Community Support

Support comes in many forms, and having a robust support network can make a tremendous difference in our lives. In Superwoman: Escaping the Myth, I discuss the concept of one of our tools, Conscious Network Design—a strategic approach to building a network of support that covers all areas of your life.

Here are a few types of support that can transform your experience:

Practical Help: This is someone who can help you in a very hands-on way. A neighbour who can help with mowing the lawn. A sister who can babysit your kids. A bookkeeper to do your accounts.
Emotional Support: This is the friend who really knows how to bring empathy and compassion when your lover has hurt your feelings again. It’s the work colleague who can really be there when it’s gruelling and hard, and who doesn’t baulk at a tear in the toilets.
Professional Support: Advisors, mentors and coaches who offer guidance and open doors for your career advancement. An accountant who can help you be smart about your taxes. The personal trainer who shows up on your doorstep three times a week to help you achieve your health outcomes. Your life coach who meets with you monthly and checks in with you to see how you’ve done with setting your boundaries or taking care of your needs.
Spiritual Support: This is the person who can help you make sense of it all. It might be your partner who is gifted at helping you see another perspective on the madness of your birth family as part of your personal evolution, the village pastor who you meet for a coffee every so often who is just so wise, or the older work colleague whose faith is so strong that it inspires you to believe it will all work out OK in the end.

Steps to Building Your Community:

Identify Your Needs: Reflect on areas of your life where you need support. Understanding your needs is the first step in finding the right people to help.
Reach Out: Start with those you trust. Share your situation and ask for their support. You may be surprised at how willing people are to help.
Join Groups: Look for local or online communities that align with your interests and values. Joining groups can expand your support network and provide a sense of belonging.
Offer Help: Building a community is a two-way street. Offer your support to others, and you'll find that people are more likely to reciprocate.

Stories of Community Impact

In the book, I share stories of women who have harnessed the power of community to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Three of our One of many medical women—Dr. Rebecca Winterborn, Seema Srivistava, and Katherine Gale—collaborated to create a transformative International Women’s Day event for their colleagues. They created something magical with their combined PowerTypes and also demonstrated the profound impact of working together as women.

True strength lies in our ability to connect, collaborate, and support each other. By embracing the power of community, we can break free from the isolation of the Superwoman myth and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Superwoman: Escaping the Myth provides the tools and insights needed to help you build a supportive network that empowers you to thrive.