Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds — even thousands — of women. Many of them seem to have it all together on the surface: high income, stable careers, independence, and success. But when we sit down and have a real conversation, something changes. Their eyes well up, their voices falter, and the cracks begin to show.
The truth? Despite all the external achievements, many of them aren’t truly happy. So what’s missing? Let me share some of the reasons behind this silent struggle.
- Putting Others First – Until There’s Nothing Left for You
One of the most common themes I’ve seen is women putting everyone else’s needs before their own. The kids, the husband, the career, the extended family — they take care of everyone, but themselves always come last. Over time, this constant self-sacrifice starts to wear them down. They forget what it feels like to be appreciated or valued. And before they know it, they feel invisible.
When you constantly give to others without giving to yourself, it leads to burnout. You might not notice it at first, but over time, you start to question your worth, even if everything around you appears perfect.
- The Weight of Independence – When Asking for Help Feels Impossible
Many successful women are used to being independent, which is a wonderful quality. But there’s a dark side to it. When you’re so used to carrying everything on your own, it becomes hard to ask for help. Even when you’re exhausted or in pain, you push through silently, believing that asking for assistance will make you seem weak.
The reality is, no one can carry the weight of everything on their own forever. It’s okay to lean on others for support. No one’s asking you to be superwoman. Your strength isn’t measured by your ability to endure every struggle alone.
- Living for Others’ Expectations – The Price of Stability
Many women I meet haven’t chosen their careers based on passion. Instead, they’ve chosen professions deemed “secure” or “stable” by society’s standards. They’ve bought houses, cars, and made commitments to meet the expectations of others. But somewhere along the way, they lost touch with their own desires and dreams.
It’s easy to get caught up in this cycle of living for others. But at some point, you must ask yourself: What do you want from your life? It’s not selfish to want something different, to pursue a passion that truly lights you up. It’s time to stop chasing approval and start chasing happiness on your own terms.
- Never Pausing to Celebrate Your Wins – The Treadmill Effect
How often do you stop and celebrate your achievements? Probably not often enough. The moment you hit one milestone, you’re already on to the next. It feels like there’s always something else to achieve, something else to prove.
This constant forward motion can make you feel like you’re running on a treadmill — always busy, always achieving, but never really getting anywhere. The truth is, you need to pause and reflect. You deserve to take a moment to appreciate the progress you’ve made. Only then can you feel the true satisfaction of your hard work.
- Bottling Everything Up – The Silent Pain
Another common issue is women keeping everything bottled up. They fear being judged or seen as weak, so they put on a smile and carry on as if everything is fine. But inside, they’re struggling. The emotional weight starts to build, and eventually, they become numb to their own feelings.
You don’t have to carry everything in silence. It’s okay to cry, to express your pain, to ask for help. You don’t need to be perfect or flawless to be deserving of love, support, and peace.
You Deserve to Be Happy Now
If any of this resonates with you, I want to say one thing: You deserve to be happy now. Not after everyone else is settled. Not after all the work is done. You deserve peace right now, in the midst of your journey.
Self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary. Putting yourself back on the priority list doesn’t make you selfish — it makes you human. Take a break when you need it, ask for help when you need it, and let go of what’s not yours to carry.
You don’t need to be perfect to deserve peace. You don’t need to live for others’ approval. And most importantly, you don’t need to keep pretending everything is okay when it’s not.
It’s Time for YOU to Thrive
We all know that woman — Strong. Accomplished. Holding it all together.
But behind the smile, she’s barely holding on.
If that’s you — or someone you love — Let this be your reminder:
You deserve more than just surviving.
You deserve a life that feels as good on the inside./ As it looks on the outside.
Peace. Joy. Fulfillment. Without guilt.
Your career can keep shining —But so can your soul.
💫 It’s time to choose both success and serenity.
Join us at our Women & Wealth Masterclass
📅 10 May | 📍 Bentley Music Auditorium, Damansara
🎟️ womenwealthworkshop.com.my
We rise — together.
For those seeking guidance on a more profound journey towards financial independence and lasting impact, our eBook, offers strategies to enhance your approach. Turning your wealth into good is not simply an act; it is a commitment. It is a powerful declaration that with wealth comes responsibility, and with compassion comes change.
