Calling All Bad-Ass Women: Empower Yourself in Challenging Times

Life can be unpredictable. And no doubt, we are living in challenging times.

But you’re a bad-ass woman. So, in these stressful moments, you can choose to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.

How to Empower Yourself in Challenging Times

By shifting your energy toward the things in your control, you can navigate adversity and rise up. Think of the suffragettes who fought against incredible odds to win the right to vote for women.

There are countless examples throughout history of people who revolted against incredible challenges. If that’s the situation you find yourself and your organization in today, do not lose hope!

Below are some ideas for areas where you can take control, and also those where you can’t.

Focus On the 7 Things You CAN Control

Here are seven things you CAN control during these times.

1. Stay Informed

   Knowledge is empowering. While reading the news may feel depressing and make you despondent at times, there are also hints of good news. Staying informed will help you make thoughtful decisions and help you have empowering conversations with like-minded people.

   Seek out reliable sources and verify information before accepting it as truth. Instead of passively absorbing the news (on social media), take an active role in understanding the world around you from reliable sources.

2. Practice Self-Care

   Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for bad-ass women like you. And self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. It can be as simple as taking a walk, enjoying a cup of coffee, reading a book, or making time for meditation. We often prioritize work over our own well-being, and it can lead to burnout. Prioritize rest, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep which will provide fuel for fighting the good fight.

3. Find Joy

   Even in tough times, joy is within reach. Think about what makes you smile — whether it’s listening to music, baking with loved ones, or enjoying a moment of gratitude. Joy doesn’t have to be grand; sometimes, it’s in the smallest gestures. For example, if your work involves fundraising, take time to speak with those you serve as a way of finding joy.

   I decided to learn to play the piano this year. Practicing for ten minutes between meetings brings me joy! (I can now play Jingle Bells and When the Saints Go Marching In. I know what you’re thinking… Bad-ass!)

4. Set Boundaries

   Boundaries protect our time and energy. This could mean limiting social media consumption, declining extra commitments, or setting clear expectations at work. For example, if you’re receiving emails late at night, setting an auto-response that clarifies your working hours, or simply turning off your phone and plugging it in away from your bedroom, can help maintain a healthy balance. Don’t worry, your emails will be there when you’re ready for them.

5. Curate Your News Consumption

   Being selective about your news intake is crucial for your well-being, especially today. Constant exposure to negative headlines can be overwhelming. Consider setting time limits or choosing specific sources that inform without draining your energy. Think of it like a fundraising campaign or major gift fundraising — strategic and intentional rather than scattered and overwhelming.

6. Notice How You Treat Others

   Equity, inclusion, kindness, and respect are choices we make every day. It’s easy to be a bully. But being kind and inclusive is bad-ass. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, thanking a colleague, checking in on a friend, or simply listening with patience, how you treat others shapes you and your life experience.

   Remember the golden rule (no, not the one where those with the gold make the rules) and treat others as you’d like to be treated. A small act of kindness, like picking up the phone and calling an elderly neighbor or offering to help those in need makes all the difference to those you help — and to you! Remember Mother Theresa? Total bad-ass!

7. Control Your Negative Thoughts

   While negative thoughts may pop into your mind, you have control to push them out. The expression “think happy thoughts” exists for a reason. It’s true! If you can focus on the good, your outlook will be brighter.

   If negative thoughts are starting to consume you, seek out a mental healthcare provider. You are in control of getting yourself the help and support you need! Acknowledging when you need help is also bad-ass, because you’re taking charge.

Getting a Grip on the 3 Things You CANNOT Control

In contrast to things you can control, it’s important to acknowledge and release the things you can’t. Holding onto the things that are out of your control can eat you alive. And while you can’t control other people or circumstances, you can control how you react.

With that in mind, here are three things that remain outside of your control.

1. Other People’s Actions

   We can offer guidance and support, but ultimately, people will make their own choices and take their own actions. Instead of stressing over someone else’s decision, focus on how you respond. If a major donor decides to shift their priorities, that’s out of your control. However, instead of focusing on the loss, you can turn your attention to other donors.

2. Natural Disasters

   While we can prepare for emergencies, we can’t stop natural disasters from happening. Instead of feeling powerless, channel energy into response efforts, whether it’s donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness. During stressful times, it’s inspiring and empowering to witness those who rise-up and help others, regardless of their own situation. You can be one of the bad-ass helpers!

3. The Past

   The past is unchangeable, but our perspective on it isn’t. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities, use them as learning experiences. If a fundraising event didn’t go as planned, analyze what went wrong and apply those lessons to future events.

Moving Forward with Strength and Purpose

Recognizing what you can and can’t control is a powerful mindset shift. By focusing on your actions, choices, and responses, you empower yourself to move forward with strength and purpose.

For example, when the supreme court dismantled Roe v. Wade, I could have put my head in the sand. Instead, I upped my giving to Planned Parenthood and other pro-choice organizations, and I worked harder to elect politicians who support a woman’s right to choose. Doing something made me feel much better than if I sat on the sidelines doing nothing.

Letting go of what’s beyond your control brings freedom from unnecessary stress. No matter the challenge, by leaning into what you can control and change, you create a path toward resilience, impact, and hope.

The world needs more bad-ass women like you. Now get to work!