Why Women Need to Stop Trying to ‘Do It All’

The Superwoman Trap

Women today are expected to juggle careers, family responsibilities, friendships, personal development, self-care, and more – all while making it look effortless. The pressure to be a ‘Superwoman’ is not only exhausting but also deeply harmful to mental health.

Despite progress in gender equality, women still face unequal expectations at home and in the workplace. A 2023 study by the Fawcett Society found that women in the UK spend, on average, 60% more time on unpaid domestic labour than men. This “double shift” leads to chronic stress, burnout, and guilt when things don’t go perfectly.

It’s time to break free from the Superwoman trap.

The Superwoman Syndrome: The Pressure to Be Everything

The concept of the Superwoman – the woman who seamlessly balances a demanding career, a thriving family life, an active social life, and perfect self-care—is deeply embedded in our culture.

Modern feminism has rightly encouraged women to pursue careers, financial independence, and leadership roles. However, societal expectations around traditional caregiving roles haven’t changed at the same pace. As a result, many women feel trapped between being ambitious and being the perfect mother, partner, or friend.

The Psychological Cost of Trying to ‘Do It All’

Research shows that the pressure to be everything to everyone leads to severe mental and physical health consequences:

• Burnout – The World Health Organisation defines burnout as a state of chronic stress that leads to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional effectiveness. Women experiencing burnout often report physical fatigue, emotional depletion, and a loss of motivation.
• Perfectionism and Anxiety – A study by King’s College London found that women who strive for unrealistic standards in multiple life areas experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. The fear of not being ‘good enough’ fuels self-doubt and stress.
• Guilt – A 2022 survey by Mumsnet found that 66% of working mothers feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children, while 72% feel guilty for taking time for themselves. This emotional burden is unsustainable.

The truth? No one can do it all, and no one should have to.

Practical Strategies for Letting Go of the Superwoman Myth

It’s time to set boundaries, let go of guilt, and prioritise mental health. Here’s how:

Set Clear Boundaries

Women often feel pressure to say yes to everything, whether it’s an extra project at work, social obligations, or household chores. But boundaries are essential.

At Work: If your workload is overwhelming, communicate with your manager. Advocate for realistic deadlines and fair delegation.
At Home: If you have a partner, make sure domestic and childcare duties are shared equally. Delegate tasks and stop feeling guilty about asking for help.
With Friends & Family: It’s okay to say no to events or commitments that drain you. Your well-being comes first.

Pro tip: If saying no feels difficult, try phrases like:

• “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the capacity right now.”
• “That sounds great, but I need some time for myself this weekend.”

Prioritise Your Mental Health (Without Feeling Guilty)

Self-care is often dismissed as a luxury, but it’s a necessity – especially for women who carry emotional and mental loads.

Make space for: 

• Regular exercise (even a 20-minute walk counts).
• Time alone– reading, journaling, meditating.
• Therapy or mental health support when needed.
• Digital detoxes to reduce stress.

Ditch Perfectionism and Embrace ‘Good Enough’

Trying to be perfect in every area of life is a losing battle. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for balance.

 Stop: Feeling guilty if the laundry isn’t done, if dinner isn’t home-cooked, or if you miss a workout.
Start: Recognising that “done” is better than “perfect.” Prioritise what truly matters.

Building Resilience: The Key to Long-Term Well-Being

Breaking free from the Superwoman trap isn’t just about saying no- it’s about building emotional resilience so that stress and pressure don’t take over.

The CPD-Certified Resilience Development Programme  is designed to help women develop emotional strength and coping mechanisms. This science backed digital programme is built on cognitive behavioural therapy , positive psychology, and interactive modules, providing practical tools to:

•  Reduce stress and anxiety
• Develop healthier thought patterns
•  Build long-term resilience

A clinical study found that individuals engaging in resilience training experienced a 40% decrease in anxiety symptoms (Firth et al., 2019). This shows that proactively strengthening mental health can prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion.

You Are Enough

The pressure to ‘do it all’ is a societal construct– one that needs to be challenged. The truth is, you don’t have to prove your worth through exhaustion.

You don’t have to be everything to everyone.
You don’t need to feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
You are enough, exactly as you are.

Let’s break free from the Superwoman trap and build a culture where women prioritise their mental health, set boundaries, and embrace imperfection– without guilt.

Explore our CPD-Certified Resilience Development Programme to start your journey today.