Prioritizing Self Care, Delegation, and Confidence as a Woman in Business

In this post, guest author Brianna Dawson explores the challenges women leaders face in balancing ambition, responsibility, and well-being. Drawing from her experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of a women’s mental wellness clinic, she reveals why self-care isn’t a luxury but a strategic leadership tool—and how embracing delegation and confidence can help women lead with clarity, impact, and resilience.

Leadership is Empowering—But Also Exhausting

As women in leadership, we are often expected to wear multiple hats—visionary, strategist, mentor, problem-solver—while still maintaining an image of composure and control. Add in the pressures of running a business, and suddenly, self-care becomes the last thing on our priority list.

But here’s the truth: You cannot lead effectively if you are running on empty.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of a women’s mental wellness clinic, I see firsthand how burnout, imposter syndrome, and the inability to delegate can take a toll on high-achieving women. Too often, we wait until we’re overwhelmed before acknowledging the need for help. Instead of being proactive, we push through exhaustion, thinking we have to do it all.

Why Self-Care is a Leadership Strategy, NOT a Luxury

Many women in leadership view self-care as a nice-to-have instead of a must-have. But taking care of yourself is a direct investment in your ability to lead.

• Burnout leads to bad decisions – When we’re mentally drained, our judgment is impaired, making it harder to strategize and problem-solve.
• Overworking lowers productivity – A tired mind is not an efficient one. Taking breaks improves cognitive function and creativity.
• Neglecting self-care sets the wrong example – If you want your team to prioritize their well-being, you need to model that behavior.

So, how do you actually make self-care a priority when you have a business to run? It starts with learning to delegate.

Transitioning to Delegation: Letting Go to Grow

Many women leaders struggle to delegate because we’re used to being the go-to person for everything. We think:

•  “No one can do it as well as I can.”
• “It will take longer to explain it than to just do it myself.”
•  “If I let go of control, things might fall apart.”

But the reality is, holding onto everything yourself is what will make things fall apart.

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, here’s how to start transitioning to delegation:

1. Identify Your Energy Drains – What tasks consume too much time or mental energy? Administrative work? Billing? Social media? These are the first things to delegate.
2. Start Small – You don’t need a full-time team immediately. Hiring a virtual assistant for a few hours a week can free up mental space.
3. Document Your Processes – Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) so that someone else can step in and execute tasks consistently.
4. Trust the Experts – You hired people for a reason. Let them do their job while you focus on your zone of genius.

Delegation isn’t just about freeing up time—it’s about protecting your mental well-being so you can lead with clarity, focus, and impact.

When is it Time to Add Support Staff?

Many business owners wait too long to hire help. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to expand your team:

• You’re constantly missing deadlines or feel like you’re playing catch-up.
• You’re turning down opportunities because you don’t have enough bandwidth.
• You’re working long hours but not making significant progress in growing your business.
• You don’t have time for personal well-being, and it’s affecting your mental health.

Hiring isn’t just about reducing workload—it’s about stepping into your role as a leader and allowing your business to scale without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Gaining Confidence as a Leader: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Even the most accomplished women experience imposter syndrome—that nagging doubt that whispers:

• “I don’t deserve to be here.”
• “I’m not as capable as people think I am.”
• “I got lucky; what if they find out I don’t actually know what I’m doing?”

Sound familiar?

Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation and perfectionism. Here’s how to shut it down:

1. Recognize Your Achievements – Keep a “success journal” where you write down wins, positive feedback, and milestones.
2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk – Ask yourself: Would I say this to a friend? If not, you shouldn’t say it to yourself.
3. Surround Yourself with Support – Join masterminds, mentorship groups, or networking circles of like-minded women leaders.
4. Own Your Expertise – You don’t have to know everything to be an impactful leader. Your experience, insight, and unique perspective are what make you valuable.

Leading the Way in Women’s Wellness

At Behavioral Wellness for Women, I’m committed to helping women in Philadelphia and beyond reclaim their mental well-being, overcome self-doubt, and step into their full potential.

If you’re struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the challenges of leadership, know this: You don’t have to do it alone.Your success shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. By prioritizing self-care, delegation, and confidence-building, you’re not just leading a business—you’re leading a movement of women who refuse to sacrifice their mental health for success.

Want to take the next step in prioritizing your mental wellness?

Are you considering therapy, medication, or supplements to support your well-being? Let’s connect. Visit www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com or follow me on Instagram @behavioralwellnessforwomen for more insights on supporting your mental wellness at all stages of life.

Brianna Dawson is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for women. As the founder of Behavioral Wellness for Women, she provides high-end psychiatric care tailored to driven, goal-oriented women navigating overwhelming emotions of uncertainty, fear, and isolation during pivotal life stages such as early adulthood, career transitions, pregnancy, postpartum, and infertility. While her primary focus is on medical treatment, she also integrates supportive therapy within medication management appointments—offering a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help women achieve clarity, confidence, and lasting well-being.