As a Scholarly Mama, navigating the multi-dimensional world of academia and motherhood can be a daunting task. The pressure to chase prestige, accolades, and academic achievements can be tempting, but it’s not always the right path. In this post, we’ll explore why purpose should take precedence over prestige and how this mindset can lead to true Scholarly Mama success.
By the way, if you would like to listen to the related podcast on this topic, feel free to use the player below:
Purpose: The Driving Force Behind Your Academic Journey
Purpose is the passion, the “why” behind your scholarly pursuits. It’s the deeper reason that motivates you to complete your PhD journey, beyond the superficial allure of titles and rankings. When you pursue your academic dreams with purpose, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled and experience joy on a deeper level, regardless of challenges or hurdles along the way.
Your purpose is what keeps you grounded and focused when the demands of academia and motherhood seem overwhelming. It’s the compass that guides your decisions and helps you prioritize what truly matters. By staying connected to your purpose, you’ll find the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and continue pushing forward.
Prestige: The Superficial Pursuit
Prestige, on the other hand, relates to the status, rankings, and reputation of academic institutions. It’s an external, superficial concept that can be fleeting and unreliable. Building your entire identity around prestige can be like building a house on sand – it’s vulnerable to being blown over by the storms of life.
While prestige may bring temporary validation or recognition, it often comes at the cost of sacrificing your authentic self and your deeper motivations. Chasing prestige can lead to a constant pursuit of external approval, leaving you feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from your true purpose.
Strategies for Striking the Right Balance of Purpose Over Prestige
Finding the right blend of purpose and prestige is key for Scholarly Mama success. Here are some strategies to help you achieve that balance:
- Time Management: Organise your time effectively to prioritize your purpose and maintain a healthy work-life blend. Identify your core values and allocate time accordingly, ensuring that you’re investing in activities that align with your purpose.
- Self-Care: Practice self-care regularly to stay energised and focused on your purpose. Self-care can take many forms, from exercise and meditation to simply taking breaks and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
- Build a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with a nurturing community of like-minded Scholarly Mamas. They will be able to understand your journey and can offer support and encouragement. This support network can provide a safe space to share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and stay motivated on your path of purpose.
Embracing the Journey with Purpose
Pursuing your PhD journey with purpose doesn’t mean ignoring or rejecting academic achievement and excellence altogether. It’s about striking a balance in the pursuit and using them as tools, rather than allowing prestige to become the ultimate goal. By keeping your purpose at the forefront, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and make decisions that align with your authentic self.
Remember, your journey as a Scholarly Mama is unique, and success looks different for everyone. Embrace the twists and turns, celebrate the small victories, and stay true to your purpose. When you approach your journey with intention and authenticity, you’ll find that the prestige and accolades will follow naturally as a byproduct of your purposeful pursuit.
Redefining Success on Your Terms
By focusing on purpose over prestige, you have the opportunity to redefine success on your own terms. Success is no longer about chasing external validation or conforming to societal norms. Instead, it’s about staying true to your personal “why” and finding fulfilment in your multi-dimensional life as a Scholarly Mama.
Concluding The Matter of Purpose Over Prestige
Mama, let’s embrace a fresh perspective on success – one rooted in purpose rather than prestige. Prioritise your passion, embrace your journey, and never underestimate the power of your purpose. By focusing on purpose, we can achieve true, sustainable success on our own terms.
Remember, Scholarly Mamas, these are our journeys of becoming!
Sending you lots of love and gratitude,
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