As women navigating the business world, we often pride ourselves on our resilience, adaptability, and capacity to overcome challenges. But what happens when life throws a curveball that challenges the very essence of our cognition and decision-making?
I experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury due to a sudden drop in my blood sugar during a syncope incident on Easter Saturday this year, right in the Supermarket Carpark. Despite it being mid-morning with a few shops open, there was no one around to assist me. I’m incredibly thankful to the individual who alerted the ambulance because I have no memory of the events that transpired for around 90 minutes.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be one such curveball, impacting memory, cognitive functions, and the decision-making process. For women in business, this can pose unique hurdles, as memory and sound decision-making are the cornerstones of our professional lives. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s an untold story of resilience, determination, and strategies to regain control.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be one such curveball, impacting memory, cognitive functions, and the decision-making process. For women in business, this can pose unique hurdles, as memory and sound decision-making are the cornerstones of our professional lives. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s an untold story of resilience, determination, and strategies to regain control.
Understanding the Impact
A TBI can disrupt various cognitive functions, affecting memory retention, recall, and altering our ability to make decisions swiftly and accurately. For women in business, this might translate into moments of frustration, uncertainty, or doubt as we navigate daily tasks, strategic planning, or crucial business decisions. Most days, 4 months later I still can’t see through the fog. My earning capacity has been affected and so has my interaction and trust with people. The Fragility is overwhelming….. however I have responsibilities and people to answer to so I keep on keeping on, despite the exhaustion. It’s all part of being a women in business.
Below are some tips on breathing out, while regaining control one step at a time
Embracing Adaptation and Learning
The journey to regain control and enhance memory and decision-making post-TBI is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It’s about finding new ways to approach tasks, adopting adaptive strategies, and constantly learning.
Strategies for Navigating Memory Challenges
- Mindfulness and Focus: Cultivating mindfulness can help anchor attention, enhance focus, and aid in information retention, despite memory challenges.
- Organisational Tools: Utilise organisational tools, apps, or systems to streamline information, set reminders, and manage tasks effectively.
- Chunking Information: Break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks, aiding memory retention and ease of decision-making.
- Utilise Support Networks: Lean on your support system—colleagues, mentors, or coaches—who can provide guidance, offer alternative perspectives, and support your journey.
Enhancing Decision-Making
- Structured Decision-Making Process: Establish a structured decision-making process. Break decisions into smaller steps, analyse alternatives, and seek input from trusted peers or advisors.
- Embrace Flexibility: Embrace the fluidity of decision-making. Be open to adapting strategies based on new information or changing circumstances.
- Self-Care and Well-being: Prioritise self-care and mental well-being. A balanced lifestyle can significantly impact clarity of thought and decision-making abilities.
Embracing Change and Growth
Navigating the aftermath of a TBI isn’t just about coping; it’s about evolving. It’s an opportunity for personal growth, resilience, and embracing new ways of thinking and problem-solving. For women in business, it’s a journey that adds depth to our professional toolkit, offering insights and strengths that transcend conventional approaches.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the journey to reclaiming memory and honing decision-making abilities post-TBI isn’t linear. It’s a voyage of discovery, filled with ups and downs, but it’s one that champions resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering determination to thrive in the face of adversity. As women in business, our capacity to overcome and evolve is an asset that propels us forward, guiding us to new heights despite the challenges we encounter.
This blog post is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the ability to thrive despite challenging circumstances. It highlights strategies and insights specifically curated for women in business, celebrating their strength and resilience in navigating the aftermath of a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Kia Kaha, Much light and love