As a neurodivergent woman, I’ve often felt pressure to conform to the neurotypical way of doing things. In business, I’ve often felt like I had to mask my differences in order to be taken seriously. For example, in the past, I have been expected to work long hours, work in a fast-paced environment where I had to interact with one person after another all day, be willing to give up breaks or work extra hours on short notice, or even socialize with workmates after hours. While these things may not be a big deal for neurotypical people, they can be incredibly draining and overwhelming for neurodivergent people like me. In my personal life, I’ve also felt pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations and apologize for my quirks and my needs. For example, I may be expected to always keep an aesthetically pleasing and tidy house, cook elaborate meals, and have a lot of social interactions. For a long time, I felt guilty about not being able to do things the neurotypical way. I thought that there was something wrong with me and that I was failing at life. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m just wired differently, and that’s okay. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay to not be able to do things the way everyone else does.
That’s because neurodivergent people often have unique strengths and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable in the workplace and in life. For example, we may be more creative, more detail-oriented, or more empathetic than our neurotypical counterparts. Many of us are able to see patterns and connections that neurotypical people often miss, or hyper-focus on tasks, which can be very helpful when working on a project.
Of course, there are still challenges that come with being neurodivergent. We may have trouble with social interactions, be sensitive to sensory input, or have difficulty with executive functioning. But these challenges can be managed. With the right support and accommodations, we can thrive in business and in life.
The key is to find ways to work WITH our neurodivergent differences, not against them. This means being flexible, being open to new ideas, and being willing to ask for help when we need it.
It also means being OK with the fact that our lives may look different from the lives of neurotypical people. We may not be able to work the same hours, we may not be able to handle the same level of stress, and we may have to make different accommodations for our sensory needs. But that’s OK. Our differences are what make us unique, and they’re what give us our strengths.
So if you’re a neurodivergent woman, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t try to fit into a mold that doesn’t fit you. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
The world needs your unique perspective and your unique strengths. So let them shine.
Tips for neurodivergent women who want to succeed in business and in life:
- Find your strengths and build on them. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Focus on your strengths and use them to your advantage.
- Be flexible and adaptable. Things don’t always go according to plan. As difficult as it may be for some of us, practice being prepared to change your plans or adapt to new situations.
- Ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues, your family, or your friends.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
- Find a supportive community. There are many online and offline communities for neurodivergent people. Find a community that you feel comfortable in and that can provide you with support.