Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Hyman & Jessica David
Jackie Hyman &, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
During my doctoral program, I was fixated on meeting (and surpassing) everyone’s expectations. If something was due on Friday, I made sure that I had it submitted by Thursday at the latest. I constantly pushed myself to go the extra mile and achieve more. As you can imagine, the pressure to be productive was immense. One evening, while juggling multiple research projects and looming deadlines, I received an email from my supervisor asking for a progress update. This seemingly simple request sent me spiraling- I was completely and utterly overwhelmed. The requests, the needs, the deadlines kept coming at an impossible pace. It was like running on a never-ending treadmill.
It was the day following this email from my supervisor that I realized that no matter how hard I pushed myself, there would always be more work to do. Just as soon as I would cross one thing off of my list, another three tasks would take its’ place. As someone who has based much of their life on delayed gratification, this epiphany was both heartbreaking and sobering. It was also the catalyst that helped me understand that if I didn’t slow down and appreciate the things that I was doing in the moment, gratification would never come. It would always be a moving target. I had to start grappling with the idea that my self-worth wasn’t defined by my productivity.
For quite some time, I believed that my value and worth was measured by how much I could accomplish. This belief pushed me to the edge on several occasions. My anxiety skyrocketed, my health suffered, and I neglected my relationships, fearing that if I slowed down, I would lose my professional momentum. I sacrificed my well-being.
I began prioritizing personal care, setting boundaries, and carving out time for activities that brought me joy. At first, I was terrified that taking time for myself would derail my professional progress, but I soon discovered the contrary. By caring for myself, my productivity actually improved, and I became more resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.
I also started recognizing and utilizing my unique strengths, understanding that true balance between personal and professional life comes from embracing who I am, rather than trying to be what (or who) others expected.
With this, I built a life where my professional achievements were not the sole measure of my worth. I learned to appreciate the importance of holistic growth, both in my career and in my personal life. This balanced approach allowed me to thrive without burning out, serving as a testament to the power of prioritizing one’s well-being and recognizing intrinsic value beyond professional accomplishments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges along the way has been the unlearning. There are some days where I feel completely centered and confident in my more balanced approach to life, work, and play. There are other times, however, where the external noise seems to find its’ way back into my psyche. Videos, books, and podcasts that encourage grind culture tap into my more deeply held beliefs, making my new(er) found insight of balance and self-preservation feel shaky and feeble. There are days or even weeks where I find myself pushing to move faster, achieve more, and get further all at the expense of my wellbeing. Everything needed to get done yesterday, and I’m already behind.
When these moments or periods occur, I know that I need to take a step back. When I feel my chest become constricted, when my communication with others becomes short, or when I begin to feel impatient, I know that I’ve gotten back on the hamster wheel and it’s time to step off. I close our eyes, take a deep breath, and try to refocus my attention: in five years from now, will this really matter? Will not getting this social media post up in time really be the undoing of all of my progress? I ground myself in reality by zooming out and gaining perspective on what is truly important and the larger mission of my business. This process helps me slow down, center my values, and practice more self-compassion and grace.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am licensed psychologist who has a passion for helping my communities rediscover their voice and harness their power. After many years of clinical training and experience, I began asking myself, how can I expand my reach and share the knowledge that I’ve learned on a larger scale? How can I use my passions, educational background, and research to uplift my communities and create sustainable change? Based on my own personal experiences, and the experiences of those around me (loved ones, friends, and clients), I realized how I could best serve my community with the gifts that I had been given: coaching.
I founded Power and Poise with the mission to help women rediscover who they are outside of what they do. I work alongside my clients as they get back in touch with their inner selves and reclaim center stage in their lives. I emphasize radical self-authorship and self-compassion on the journey to balance, and my services focus on deepening self-awareness, challenging embedded narratives, and cultivating a values-driven life that includes professional ambition AND personal fulfillment. Through courses and coaching services, I provide women with the necessary tools, resources, and unwavering support to confidently re-invest in their personal needs, fostering a sense of self-empowerment. I aim to spark a cultural transformation where personal care and self-fulfillment co-exist with professional drive and passion. My vision is to create a world where women are unapologetically pursuing holistic well-being and reshaping societal norms.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to collaborate and/or work with me is through my website where there are free downloadable resources, a little more about me, and a description of our services. While you’re there, feel free to reach out- I absolutely love hearing from women that are curious about or interested in coaching services. The engagement with community is what keeps me motivated and it’s why I love the work that I do. A personal message still goes a long way, so feel free to check out Power and Poise and reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://power-and-poise.com/
Image Credits
Chris Newhard
