For Black women, the pressure to overperform becomes a relentless force driving many to push beyond their limits. From the workplace to personal aspirations, the notion that Black women must work twice as hard to prove themselves often leads to burnout and a disregard for self-preservation. It’s a burden that many carry on their shoulders. One that demands a reevaluation of what true success looks like.
The pressure cooker of expectations can leave Black women feeling like they’re constantly in a race. They race against time, against their peers, and against the stereotypes that seek to define them. The idea that one slip-up could derail a lifetime of hard work follows them like a dark cloud. But it’s crucial to challenge this narrative and remind yourself that your worth is not measured by your productivity alone.
Even the Best Need Reminders of Self-Preservation
Recently, in an interview with Billboard, Fatima Robinson, Beyoncé’s head of choreography, shed light on a conversation she had with the Queen herself. Reflecting on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, Robinson emphasized the importance of knowing when “enough is enough.” Despite Beyoncé’s unparalleled work ethic and dedication to her craft, Robinson reminded her that she had nothing left to prove.
“We’re like athletes, at a certain point, you have to just say ‘Okay, I’m gonna do it, but I’m gonna also take care of myself and be mindful of what my body is telling me right now,'” Robinson shared.
These words resonate deeply within the Black community. They are a powerful reminder that self-preservation is not a luxury but a necessity. Beyoncé, often hailed as the epitome of success, found herself facing the same pressures that many Black women face.
The Renaissance tour showcased a new side of Beyoncé that embraced vulnerability and authenticity. By dialing back the intense choreography and focusing on self-care, she set the standard of prioritizing herself. Robinson shared that she mentioned to Beyoncé the deaths of greats like Prince and Michael Jackson because of the pressure they put on themselves.
“We want you around performing for years to come, so let’s not put that kind of pressure,” Robinson wisely advised.
It’s time for Black women to redefine success on their own terms, to reject the notion that they must sacrifice their well-being in pursuit of validation. As Robinson put it, it’s about “easing into it.” It’s about finding power in stillness and resilience in self-care. Black women deserve to thrive, not just survive, and that starts with prioritizing their own preservation above all else.
For every Black woman navigating the relentless demands of society, remember that you are enough, just as you are. Your worth is not contingent upon your ability to constantly outperform expectations. Take a page from Beyoncé’s playbook and embrace the power of self-preservation. It’s time to rewrite the narrative and reclaim your right to rest, recharge, and thrive.