Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Have To

By Tricia Scott 

As I sat down to write, I am reflecting on the week just gone, and my brain is serving up a delicious reminder. It’s one of those that manages to land like new wisdom every time it pops up (oh, how easily we forget!)

Just because you can…doesn’t mean you have to.

Step away from the Superhero cape.

We’re so used to carrying it all, aren’t we? Saying yes because we can, not because we should. Taking on responsibilities that could easily be shared, delegated, or just… left. But somewhere along the way, being capable gets twisted into being available. Hello burnout.

But recently, I was reminded, beautifully, powerfully, that it doesn’t have to be this way.

Alongside three incredible, brilliant, wildly capable women, we launched Threads of Hope CIC, a project supporting incarcerated women at HMP Low Newton. And let me tell you, I have never been more grateful for shared load, shared vision, and shared leadership.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with women who are just as committed, just as passionate, and just as capable was the most freeing reminder that we don’t have to do everything alone to make something meaningful happen. In fact, the magic gets so much stronger when we don’t. (In fact, it’s exactly what The Martine & Sarah of The Lonely Tomato talked about in our recent cover — women working together is where the magic happens.)

Capacity is not the same as obligation.

Being able does not mean being responsible.

And saying “yes” doesn’t have to mean doing it solo.

So here’s the note-to-self worth underlining, bolding, and sticking to the fridge:

You’re allowed to keep your energy for what matters.

You’re allowed to share the load with people who get it.

You’re allowed to choose alignment over martyrdom.

You’re allowed to choose you.

Repeat after me:

Just because I can, doesn’t mean I have to.

And the next time something feels heavy? Ask yourself — Do I even want to carry this? And if so… who can help me?

I believe in you (always).

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 Tricia Scott is a passionate startup business mentor and the Founder and Editor of The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, a platform and digital magazine holding the space to showcase female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

The Female CEO is gaining global recognition daily and Tricia is able to bring her own level of expertise as a start-up mentor and multi-company director to her very exclusive table along with her team of brilliant Guest Editors and Contributors. You'll usually find her with her MacBook in one hand and a coffee or a glass of something fizzy in the other. Reach out anytime!