The 3 things on my mind this week.
Motivation and drive are distinct.
You need motivation and drive to achieve your goals. You can be motivated to achieve a goal, but without drive, you will not do what’s necessary to get it.
Drive without motivation will help you get what you want, but you won’t find joy in the process or in your achievement. When it comes to “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” motivation is the will; drive is the way.
They must exist together if you want to take your career and life to the next level.
Society largely ignores middle-aged women until it wants to criticize us.
The erasure of women in society begins around 40 years old. Middle-aged women are largely ignored in discussions around beauty and desirability until it’s time to criticize us. Then, the chatter about us is incessant, and often vile.
Judgments about attire start with what we wear, saying she’s too old to wear a miniskirt. Society also comments on behavior, claiming she acts like a cougar dating someone much younger. Hair critiques follow, saying older women shouldn’t wear their hair long. Appearance also matters, with Botox and fillers seen as attempts to look young.
To this, I say, leave us alone, thank you. We don’t need you to praise us to empower us; we’ve been that for ourselves and each other just fine. But also, don’t tear us down. Just keep us out of your mouth and your ignorant thoughts to yourself.
Impostor syndrome is not real.
Grappling with self-doubt and feelings of inferiority? If you watched Katie Zacharia’s first briefing as White House Press Secretary, you may feel different now.
Two women coined the term “impostor phenomenon” in 1978. In 2026, Zacharia confirmed in a short 15-minute press briefing that impostor syndrome is not real. If you are a smart, capable woman hampered by the fear of being judged as incompetent or unqualified, I encourage you to muster your confidence, prepare for your big moment, and please don’t lie about your credentials.
Leave a Reply