Recently I was really on a high. Life was going well… I was getting new clients, doing more of the work I love, networking, and enjoying life… and then pouf! Things took a turn.
My bank account got hacked, and not just your typical fraudulent charges, using the spoofed phone number of my bank, this creep managed to get hold of my online banking credentials and sent themselves a Zelle payment for all but $25 in my account. And now thanks to that creep, I felt it necessary to switch banks… autopayments, etc. all had to be changed over. Getting hacked or your identity stolen is no joke, aside from the financial implications, it’s just a huge pain in the ass!
During this same timeframe, I had two clients in two months not renew their services, which happens as clients’ needs are fulfilled and they are ready to move on. However I haven’t been doing a great job of being consistent with my marketing, and I don’t have new clients ready to plug into those spaces. So, ouch! The budget took a big hit!
To top it off, I’ve been feeling a bit like I’m not quite “there” with my business. Like I’m missing the secret sauce of what would take my work to the next level and make it more fulfilling and even more of a benefit to those I serve.
Am I great at what I do? YES! Do I enjoy it? YES! And it feels very similar to what others are doing.
Now I know some people say that there is nothing new under the sun. And I tend to agree. But I think that there are new approaches. And I feel like I have not quite hit on the approach that is the “sweet spot” for me, and a big draw for potential clients.
So I have felt at a bit of a loss… like I don’t really know what to do to “fix” all of these things>
Why am I telling you all of this?
Is it because I want you to feel sorry for me? No. I know there are people who are experiencing similar or worse challenges. This is NOT a pity party.
I’m telling you this because we all go through times like these. We all have challenges, valleys to walk through, times when we just don’t know what to do. It is NORMAL.
When I am feeling this way and I feel the stress starting to creep, and all of the “what if’s” and doomsday scenarios want to play themselves out in my mind, I have a choice.
I can get on that train and ride it all the way to disasterville and see all those things I was worrying about come to fruition, or I can choose to STOP.
Stop and take a breath.
Do a short meditation or mindful breathing exercise.
Stop the thoughts and say (out loud) “Clear. Cancel.”
I don’t want those doomsday thoughts out in the universe. I want to consciously create my future. Saying “Clear. Cancel” is the first thing I do. I capture those thoughts the minute they enter my mind, before they even have a chance to really get rolling.
And then I work on controlling the things I can control. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, “What CAN you do?”
Here are just a few:
- Need more money/clients? Reach out to past clients and warm prospects. Touch base and see what they are up to now and if there is a way to be of service
- Be conscious about how I’m choosing to use my money
- Focus on self-care and staying in a state of openness and gratitude
- Create a plan to get back on track with outreach and marketing efforts
- Make sure I am eating and sleeping well
- Journal/Write – I use journaling and writing as a way to process my circumstances, and extract the lessons
I can’t do any of these things if I don’t stay present and aware of my thoughts.
I can’t do any of these things if I choose to be a victim of my circumstances, or take a ride on the train to disasterville.
What I know is that this moment will pass, uncomfortable though it may be. I (and you) will be okay, and I will have learned something from the experience that I can use in my work and supporting others in their journey.
The truth is none of us have “arrived”. We are all on a journey that continues until we leave this earth. We can choose to make the most of every moment, to learn and grow from each experience (and each other) so that we can soar ever higher, and help others do the same.
If you ever feel like you’re on that train to disasterville and can’t figure out how to get off, reach out. I’m happy to lend an ear and some perspective!