Already a Future Women? Sign in Wellbeing How being a ‘good girl’ is holding you back These evidence-based practices will help you reconnect with your most authentic self By Dr Michelle McQuaid Published 31 January, 2026 Wellbeing How being a ‘good girl’ is holding you back These evidence-based practices will help you reconnect with your most authentic self By Dr Michelle McQuaid Published 31 January, 2026 Previous article What’s the cost of being comfy? Next article Is this at the bottom of your To-Do list? A few years ago, I found myself standing in a Portuguese town square, completely lost on day one of a solo pilgrimage along the Camino Portugues. The yellow arrows marking my path had vanished, and my inner voice was having a field day: “This is what happens when you try things you’re not prepared for.”At nearly fifty, I had chosen to walk 120 kilometres alone through Portugal and Spain – something utterly unlike me. I’d always been the woman who only attempted things I could excel at. Join the club Already a member? Sign in Wellbeing Work in progress More from FW Wellbeing Is work-life balance just the new long lunch? By Melanie Dimmitt Wellbeing Imposter syndrome is a big, fat fake By Melanie Dimmitt Wellbeing Behind the mask: How to master anxiety in the workplace By Georgie Collinson Wellbeing How Krystal Barter is changing healthcare By Melanie Dimmitt Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.
