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Working Moms: Navigating Ambition and Marriage with a Less Ambitious Partner | EU: 22210 min read

May 20, 2024

The unique pressures of ambitious goals can make us feel isolated. A support system is crucial.

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Picture this: you’re a high achieving woman with big dreams. You’ve worked tirelessly, to get where you are, overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries. Your dreams are as vivid as they are ambitious. Perhaps it’s launching your own business, climbing the corporate ladder or making a significant impact in your field. But amidst these dreams lies a longing for understanding, for a support system that truly gets your drive and passion.

In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance between ambition, relationships, and personal growth for high-achieving women. It’s a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, often marked by the loneliness that comes with chasing big dreams. Even when surrounded by friends and loved ones, the unique pressures of ambitious goals can make us feel isolated. That’s why having a support system of like-minded individuals is so crucial.

“I’m going to be honest when I have conversations with women and they’re sharing with me about their dreams, their goals, about some of their frustration, some of their fears, I’m all about challenging them and providing some level of motivation to help them go after it. I’m about celebrating them. I’m about encouraging them.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Imagine talking to a friend who wants to write a book but doesn’t know where to start. Instead of just offering a pat on the back, you connect her directly with someone who can help—a friend who runs a group for aspiring authors. That’s the kind of immediate, practical support we all need. It’s about more than just encouragement; it’s about real, tangible help that propels us forward.

But what happens when your partner doesn’t share your level of ambition? That’s another layer of complexity. This episode tackles that issue head-on, offering tips on how to foster a more supportive environment at home. Honest conversations and mutual understanding are key to bridging the gap between different ambitions, making sure both partners feel valued and understood.

And then there’s Empower X, a mastermind for high-achieving women that I’ve been building. It came from a realization that many of us, despite our success, feel incredibly lonely. We need a space to connect, share, and support each other. Through Empower X, women can find the camaraderie and encouragement they need to turn their dreams into reality while maintaining balance in their personal and professional lives.

So join us as we explore these themes and share stories and strategies to help ambitious women thrive.

Summary

  • High-achieving women often feel lonely in their pursuit of ambitious dreams and goals.
  • Having a support system of like-minded individuals can make a significant difference in achieving success.
  • It can be challenging when a partner does not share the same level of ambition, but fostering understanding and open communication can help create a more supportive environment.
  • Empower X is a community for high-achieving women to connect, support each other, and grow together.

The Delicate Balance Between Ambition, Relationships, and Personal Growth

Balancing ambition, relationships, and personal growth is a delicate art, especially for high-achieving women. The interplay between these aspects of life often involves navigating a myriad of challenges and opportunities, requiring a solid support system and a strategic approach to maintain harmony. One of the key elements in achieving this balance is the ability to provide and receive support from peers who understand the unique pressures and demands faced by ambitious women.

“It’s us that have these dreams. It’s us that have these goals. And a lot of people don’t understand them. Or a lot of people allow their fears come in and then it’s not that they’re intentionally jeopardizing our dreams, but their fears end up being pushed on us. And we get all of these questions or we get this level of criticism, but it’s not, it’s not met with this level of excitement that we have.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Consider the scenario where a friend is struggling to structure her ideas for a book. Instead of offering vague encouragement, providing direct resources and connections can be a game-changer. This immediate connection is crucial; it’s about linking someone directly to the help they need, whether it’s a professional group or specific materials. Such interactions exemplify the power of a supportive network that not only shares in the challenges but actively contributes to overcoming them.

High-achieving women often find themselves in situations where they must juggle multiple roles simultaneously. Imagine attending a track meet with your children while also handling work emails. The understanding and solidarity found in a peer who does the same without needing an explanation highlight the essence of support systems. These relationships are built on mutual respect and shared experiences, enabling women to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

The Power of a Support System for High-Achieving Women

Embracing ambition while seeking and nurturing support is vital for high-achieving women. A robust support system can offer the necessary encouragement and resources to pursue personal and professional goals. Communities like Empower X, designed specifically for ambitious women, serve as a sanctuary where members can share experiences, gain insights, and receive practical advice.

Creating and participating in such communities addresses a common feeling among high-achieving women: the relentless chase for time. These platforms allow women to connect with others who understand the unique challenges they face, from managing career demands to balancing family responsibilities. The shared environment fosters a sense of belonging and reduces the isolation that can accompany high achievement.

“We all need that immediate connection, that immediate understanding where we can be in a group of women and we could vent about maybe our husband’s lack of ambition. You know, we can go ahead and talk about, talk about our struggles with parenting and how we feel like we’re being pulled in so many directions.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Moreover, support systems provide a space to discuss the nuanced challenges of balancing ambition and personal life. Whether it’s venting about a partner’s lack of ambition or discussing the struggles of parenting while pursuing a career, these conversations are crucial. They validate experiences and offer solutions, helping women navigate their journeys without sacrificing their aspirations. Ultimately, a strong support network empowers women to embrace their ambition fully, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.

Navigating the Challenges of Having a Partner with Different Ambitions

High-achieving women often face the challenge of having a partner whose ambitions differ significantly from their own. This disparity can lead to feelings of guilt and disconnection, particularly if one partner feels that the other is not keeping pace. Understanding the dynamics at play is essential to fostering a supportive and harmonious relationship.

The reluctance of some partners to embrace change or take risks may stem from a desire to provide stability and security. This fear, while valid, can create misunderstandings and tension within the relationship. To navigate this, high-achieving women can take proactive steps to inspire and foster a more supportive environment.

“But where she finds she lacks is in home or with her husband. It’s this constant reminder: ‘mom, you work too much.’ Here we go. ‘I have to compete with your job.’ It’s essential to recognize the dynamics at play. Your husband’s reluctance to embrace change or take risks may stem from a desire to provide stability and security. He may fear disappointing you or disrupting the balance of your marriage. These fears, while valid, can sometimes hinder progress and lead to misunderstandings as well as tension in the relationship.” (Veronica Cisneros)

One effective strategy is to lead by example. By pursuing their goals with determination and openly communicating their aspirations, women can demonstrate the power of ambition and inspire their partners to step out of their comfort zones. This approach emphasizes action and results rather than comparison, encouraging mutual growth and understanding.

“Show your husband the power of ambition by embodying it in your actions. Take calculated risks, pursue your goals with determination and communicate openly about your aspirations, your passion and drive, which can a thousand percent be contagious. Inspiring him to step out of his comfort zone. Take the lead, do it anyway, even if he doesn’t.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Another crucial step is to encourage honest conversations. Creating a space for open dialogue about dreams, fears, and aspirations allows both partners to express their concerns and support each other’s goals. Listening and empathizing with each other’s perspectives can help find common ground and work towards mutual support and growth. The key is to approach these conversations with understanding, not judgment, fostering a partnership where both individuals feel valued and supported.

“What is the key word here? Understanding. You’re not looking at the information that he gives you to weaponize it. Instead, you’re looking at that information to understand it and empathize. This is where we’re sympathizing. We feel sorry for him. Look at poor him. He can’t make the decision. Hell no. I’m going to tell you right now, if you take that approach, he’s going to disconnect more and more from you. But instead have honest conversations. Talk about your fears.” (Veronica Cisneros)

In summary, balancing ambition, relationships, and personal growth requires a multifaceted approach. Leveraging the power of support systems and navigating the challenges of differing ambitions with empathy and open communication can help high-achieving women thrive both personally and professionally.

Empower X

Let’s create your own truth and motherhood. One that is not dictated by society or culture, but is rooted in authenticity, self-love, and acceptance. In Empower X, members will gain access to a mastermind of high-achieving women, empowering them to confront the challenges of balancing ambition with personal fulfillment. When we let go of the myth of perfection, we open up ourselves to a world of beauty, and imperfection, and the joy of being true to who we really are. Click here to join Empower X.

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Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

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I’m Veronica, your new Boss MOM Mentor with no filter and no BS. 

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, women’s coach, course creator, and retreat host. Married for OVER 20 years, raising three girls, and the host of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. 

Enough about me… 

My jam? Helping high-achieving women thrive both at home and in the hustle of work.

I've been there.

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