Stress Is Not If, But When: How Women Can Build Resilience

Whether you’re aiming for progress over perfection or learning to say “no,” this episode is packed with relatable insights, inspiration, and encouragement to help you face stress head-on—and come out stronger.

This is a topic that touches all of us: stress. As women, we juggle countless demands—from our careers and caregiving roles to the pressure to be everything to everyone. I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate 60-hour work weeks during tax season, all while trying to keep everything else afloat. In this episode, I share some light-hearted moments, as well as practical strategies that have helped me manage the inevitable stress that comes my way.

I’ll talk about the importance of pinpointing your core stressors, setting healthy boundaries, and breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. I’ll also look at how reframing negative self-talk and choosing progress over perfection can make a world of difference.

More than anything, I want to encourage you—stress isn’t something we can avoid, but it is something we can learn to navigate and even use as a catalyst for growth. Let’s tackle stress together, so we can show up as our best selves for ourselves and those we care about.

Here are my 3 key takeaways:

• Identify Your Core Stressors: Whether it’s caregiving, perfectionism, or overcommitment, recognizing what triggers your stress is the first essential step to managing it effectively.
• Progress Over Perfection: Betty reminds us that striving for perfection often causes more harm than good; making progress—even if it isn’t perfect—is what really matters.
• Set Boundaries & Prioritize: Audit your commitments, block time for yourself in permanent ink, and don’t be afraid to graciously say "no." Protecting your priorities is critical for your well-being.

Moments

00:00 Managing Stress During CPA Peak Season

04:53 Empowered by Modern Female Role Models

07:40 Managing Difficult Client Encounters

10:05 Efficient Email Management Strategies

13:27 Regular Reflection and Reevaluation

19:23 Perfectionism Causes Self-Induced Stress

20:49 Perfect Yet Stressful Celebration

25:20 Perfectionism's Costly Consequences

28:45 Regularly Reflect and Adjust Commitments

30:11 Challenge Assumptions, Seek Reality

33:58 "Confronting Unavoidable Stress"

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Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

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