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The Woman’s Dilemma: Why Personal Development Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Today, I realized there are countless strategies and ways to get into a rhythm of creating a better life for yourself. I listen to many podcasts and individuals who have achieved a certain level of success in their personal development journeys. What stands out to me is that most of these successful voices are male. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, there’s a notable difference in how men and women experience personal growth and responsibility.

A man’s life and responsibilities are fundamentally different from a woman’s. For women, especially those who are mothers or partners, the needs of others often take precedence over their own. Personal development for women tends to be framed around “pouring into” the personal growth of those they love and care for, leaving little room for their own self-care. This, I’ve found, is where we suffer most—our needs and self-relationship are often sidelined.

Men, on the other hand, don’t carry the same immediate weight of others’ needs. When a man says, “Decide what your energy will be for each day from Monday through Friday, and stick to it,” he can follow through more seamlessly. Why? Because he’s often supported by a partner who helps manage his life behind the scenes. Men aren’t typically hardwired to put the needs of others first; this is a skill they must develop. They’re naturally conditioned to prioritize themselves, while women are conditioned to prioritize others.

If you’re a woman with children, a partner, a household to run, meals to prepare, homework to help with, and maybe even a dog to walk, showing up on a Monday and focusing solely on yourself is unrealistic unless you start your day at 4 a.m. And let’s be real—that’s not always sustainable. While I deeply value the insights and advice I’ve learned, I’ve come to realize they don’t always apply to a woman’s life, where competing priorities make personal development far more complex.

What do you think? Does this resonate with your experience as well?