Three Common Misconceptions about Successful Women
Nowadays, we’re bombarded with media detailing the daily, rigorous routines of successful people; their early rises, minimal snacking and hours of exercise making us feel inadequate for having more random regimes.
Thankfully, a study from Eventa has revealed successful women aren’t superhuman, showing they still enjoy the small pleasures in life– so you can stop feeling guilty about that extra five minutes in bed!
Below we explore the common misconceptions about hardworking women.
They Eat
Of course they eat, but it turns out you don’t have to live off nuts, seeds and berries to be successful.
Although most still opted for salad lunches, 70% of those surveyed admitted to regularly snacking on treats; favourites including Frappés, Skittles and Jaffa Cakes.
Many also indulged in the occasional takeaway, with close to 80% grabbing a menu at least once a month. Two thirds ordered in no less than once a fortnight, and 42% treated themselves once a week or more.
It wasn’t all sushi and Thai either, with popular picks including fish and chips, Chinese and kebabs.
Of course, balance is important and we don’t advocate day-long snacking and takeaways four times a week, but the occasional treat is not only good for your wellbeing but, if opting for a cube or two of dark chocolate, may even have health benefits.
They Sleep
Contrary to popular belief, not all hardworking women are up at the crack of dawn, having worked through to 1am the night before.
Successful women love the snooze button, with around 70% hitting it – at least once – before getting up in the morning. The average snooze time was around 15 minutes, but one participant snoozed for an amazing 45 minutes!
Many of those surveyed also woke up at a respectable hour; often 7am or later.
Obviously, not all of us have the luxury of being able to awake post-6am, but if you avoid snooze due to worry of a lazy perception, stop distressing and embrace it.
They Chill
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking downtime is only for the idle. Many of us now – wrongly – believe if we’re not spending every waking moment working, we’re not trying hard enough.
However, a regular date with the TV is a great way to wind down, and three quarters of those surveyed do just that for at least an hour a day. Over a third relaxed in front of the box for at least two hours daily.
Although news dominated morning viewing, evening favourites turned to more mindless options; soap operas, like Eastenders, reality TV, including Made in Chelsea, and Netflix box sets, like Orange is the New Black, all featured.
Unsurprisingly, reading was a popular pastime, with 80% of participants doing so regularly. Slightly more surprising, however, was that top choices didn’t just include inspirational and biographical books, but crime fiction and ‘chick lit’ too.
Allowing yourself time out doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. The women featured all possess a strong work ethic, fit in regular exercise and eat a healthy diet, but by allowing themselves the small pleasures their outlook is positive, which is reflected in their productivity.
