How to Be an Independent Woman

Becoming Emotionally Independent

Get to know yourself. Being independent means being in charge of your own life and making your own decisions. In order to do that successfully, you need to understand who you really are. Knowing and loving yourself is the first step towards being capable of independence. Pay attention to your moods. Your emotions are important factors in how you make decisions, so monitor them. Be aware of what makes you happy and what is unsatisfying. Know how your environment affects you. Notice how you react in different settings or situations. Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and gratitude journaling can help you learn more about yourself while becoming a more positive person.

Make your own choices. Making important decisions on your own is a key component of being an independent woman. In order to feel confident doing this, use careful consideration when making big choices. Remember, the best way to make a big decision is to balance what your heart wants with what your mind thinks is best. Make a list of the risks and rewards involved. When examining the list of all potential rewards against the risks, decide if the odds are in your favor or against you. Don't be afraid to ask for advice. You're still the one making the decision, even if you listen to input from someone you trust. Consider how you would feel if your decision were broadcast on the nightly news. Is this a decision you would be proud of? Does the decision compromise your values, character, or integrity? You may have to make an unpopular decision, but do what you feel is right an in line with these things. Understand what you can and can't control. Once you accept this, you can help focus on the things you can change in any situation. Focusing on things you can't control can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.

Learn to self-soothe. Being an independent woman means being able to care for yourself emotionally. Learn to acknowledge your emotions. Be kind to yourself during times of stress or unhappiness. You deserve your own patience. This will be different for everyone, so find something small that you can do to calm yourself if you need to. If you're at work, try stepping back and taking a minute for yourself. Go to the restroom and splash some cool water on your face. Or log out of your e-mail for a minute and text a friend. Pets are great for helping you soothe yourself. If you have a cat, pet him. This will help you deal with your stress.

Be comfortable by yourself. Learning to enjoy your own company is a big part of being independent. You don't always have to depend on others in order to enjoy an activity. To get used to your own company, practice spending time by yourself – on purpose. Go to a movie by yourself. You won't have to worry about anyone talking during the previews or hogging the popcorn. Dine alone. Going to a restaurant by yourself can be intimidating. But you might find that it is very enjoyable. You get to choose the time and place, without having to worry about another person's appetite. If you fear you might be bored, take a book or magazine with you.

Create positive relationships. Being in a codependent relationship can greatly detract from your ability to be independent. Evaluate all of your relationships (personal, romantic, professional) and make sure that there is a give and take in each relationship. Make sure your needs are being met in each of your relationships. Try being more assertive in your relationships. Speak up if you feel that you are not being valued. Try to make more time for yourself and do some of the things you love, even when your partner has no interest in those things. This will allow you to balance being independent in your relationship with the time spent together.

Taking Charge of Your Finances

Track your spending. Financial independence is an important part of being an independent woman. The first step to successfully manage your money is to figure out how much you are spending each month. Keep track of your spending for at least two months to get a clear idea of your output. Keep track of minor expenses as well as major ones. Chart how much you spend on rent, credit card payments, food, and transportation. You'll also want to note how much you spend on entertainment and socializing. Try using an app or an online banking system to make tracking your finances easy and accurate.

Find motivation. Figure out why it is so important to you to become independent. Do you want to own your own home? Be secure as you head into retirement? Write down whatever your financial priorities are. Visualizing your motivation will help you find the enthusiasm to start a steady financial regimen. If you're not sure what motivates you, commit to spending 1 week where you notice everything that makes you feel excited, engaged, or lit up. Write each of those things down, no matter how small. Then, you can go back and look at that list to see the things that really make you feel happy and motivated.

Make a budget. Allocate yourself a certain amount of money to spend in each area of your life. For example, factor it in if you know you like to see a movie once a week. Figure out a comfortable amount of money to both spend and save each week or month. Build some flexibility into your budget. This way you won't find yourself completely derailed if gas prices go up or your cat needs to make a trip to the vet.

Learn about investing. In order to be truly financially independent, you need to do some research and planning. Learn about investment and savings opportunities. If you feel it would help, seek the help of a professional financial planner or advisor.

Increase your income. Women typically make less money than men for doing the same job. Evaluate your professional value and determine whether it is an appropriate time to ask for a raise. There is a good chance you deserve one. Make a plan. Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your career goals and compensation. Be very clear about what you are asking for. Be open to negotiations. Remain calm and confident during the meeting.

Gaining Confidence in Yourself

Be yourself. A key component in being an independent woman is being confident with who you are. Part of that entails being true to yourself. Don't try to be a mirror image of other women. Figure out your own strengths and interests and focus on those. Don't fall victim to bad fashion trends. Looking your best will help you feel your best. Dress in a style that is flattering and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid the pressure to conform to your gender. Many women feel certain pressures to look and act in certain ways simply because they are female, but you don't have to if you don't do or be anything considered "feminine" if you don't want to. You do not have to wear make-up or dress a certain way. Likewise, you do not have to like stereotypical female activities such as shopping or romantic movies.

Face your fears. Maybe there is a specific fear that keeps you from being independent. Perhaps you are nervous about living alone or have general anxiety issues. You are not alone, and there are steps you can take to overcome your fears. Try exposure therapy. Exposing yourself to your fears in small doses has proven very effective. For example, if you suffer anxiety when meeting new people, ask a friend to go with you to a new social event. Gradually work up the nerve to attend by yourself. Seek professional help. If your anxieties are keeping you from becoming independent or achieving another goal, try seeing a mental health professional. Counseling can help reduce anxiety.

Accept help. Being independent means being in control of your choices, but it doesn't mean you can't rely on others. Women form strong bonds with friends and family members. Don't be afraid to ask for and accept help when you need it. Be specific when asking for help. Be honest about what you need, and allow someone give you assistance.

Think positively. A positive attitude will help you come across to others as a confident woman. It will also help you feel good about yourself, and give you the strength you need to be independent. Avoid negative thoughts. Instead, take time to compliment yourself each day.

Take responsibility for yourself. You are the only one who can truly change your life. Acknowledge that you are responsible for your own choices. Once you realize that you are in control, you will feel more confident. This will lead to increased independence.