 It is true that businesses experience seasons. And for many, the pandemic brought a winter that has lingered for too many months, raising concerns about survival. So how do you determine when persistence is enough to get you through and when you need to seek professional help to get your business back on track? Here are my thoughts.
The Paradox Of Snow
"To get an idea, even if the outside temperatures are as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit, in a snow hut you can achieve 61 degrees Fahrenheit using body heat alone, provided we're talking about a burrow, not a palace; i.e. a small fox-hole, large enough to fit you, so it can be heated sufficiently by body temperature alone." That means the little snowcap on the thistle is not damaging the plant but helping to protect it. It's true that the plant is dormant. However, it is alive and awaiting spring when it can once again grow and renew. I equate this to Lauren Muir's description of mental fatigue [read more]. The struggle is real, but the impact is short-term and manageable.
When life-draining ice envelopes your business, you'll notice these constancies:
In short, if your business is struggling, but on balance, focused work to keep moving forward is occurring, and the culture is intact, then you are like the snow-capped thistle. On the other hand, if you see yourself and your business sinking into negativity and falling into harmful behavior patterns, it is time to take action. The sooner you act, the less fallout you'll experience and the less damage you'll have to undo.
Hiring a professional business coach is an investment in yourself and your business, not an indulgence. All business coaches are not the same, and success depends on finding the right person for you [Forbes, "5 Things To Look For When Choosing An Executive Coach"]. Remember, this is your business and your work. Be wary of so-called coaches who want to tell you how to fix your business. Experts with solutions they are selling are actually consultants, not coaches, and their business model and intentions differ from what I recommend. To aid your search, check out this list of core competencies coaches should possess from the Institute of Coaching. In conclusion, I want to reiterate what Lauren said in her talk. Recognizing that you are struggling and asking for help is the healthy choice. Whether your business feels dead-in-the-water, is on life support, or just feels out of control, engaging with the right business coach is guaranteed to accelerate your ability to restabilize and move forward with confidence. Plenty of businesses have found their pivot or reinvented themselves during this pandemic [listen to this DDBS conversation filled with inspiring stories]. You have the power to create the future you want. You don't have to let your circumstances define your limitations. If your business looks more like the icy landscape than the snow-capped thistles, let's talk! I'd love to help you regain control and restore your peace of mind.
Recently I joined business consultant Jim Ray and my favorite Imaging Consultant, Coral Abood of Willow Tree Imaging, to discuss why I am so passionate about starting 2021 with a fresh vision. This Podcast recording for Jim's show, Grow For It!, is the product, and I want to share it with you.
This week, I'm crazy busy launching my NEW group coaching service for women called WE WIN! [Join the Free Launch Party]. As a result, I am delaying the article about applying mental wellness ideas to your business. That article is sitting in my head, and I'll share it next week. Thank you for being my awesome tribe of followers and understanding this slight detour in the plan. Enjoy the Podcast! 
TIP #1 Mental fatigue and burnout are different.Fatigue is a temporary response to a stressor. Tiredness, irritability, difficulty focusing, and low energy are common symptoms. It is a physiologically normal response that is our body's way of signaling the need to give more attention to self-care.
Burnout is a more sustained disruption to our daily functioning. Negative thoughts and feelings derail participation in things that once provided meaning and purpose. Signs include withdrawal from normal activities, pessimism, sustained reduction in productivity, and detachment from work, family, or friends. Professional counseling is recommended. TIP #2 Mental health is part of regular health care.The negative associations with seeking mental health services are eroding. Counseling and psychiatric services are part of overall health and wellbeing, just as annual physicals or treatment for a sinus infection.
TIP #3 Self-care incorporates mind, body, and spirit.Exercise, time in nature, meditation, breathing exercises, and bible study are examples of how individuals can reduce stress. Many Apps provide helpful guidance. Additionally, reducing time with negative influences, including people and social media, is very beneficial.
TIP #4 Service providers offer many options.Mental health providers are not one size fits all. Some come to you, offering services at homes, schools, and workplaces. Others only see clients at their offices. Many, such as Martin & Muir, now provide telehealth services. Not all providers accept private pay clients or all forms of insurance. Using community resources is a helpful way to explore provider options and find what fits your needs. If you or someone you know is struggling to find their footing in everyday life, seeking a mental health provider's help is a significant first step in reclaiming their life. If you do not know how to get started, please reach out to Lauren & Renesha. If we all look out for and support one another, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.
Next week, I'm applying the concepts of fatigue and burnout to your business, so be sure to check back next Tuesday. Until then, I wish you health and peace. P.S. If your group is interested in learning more about mental health and self-care, please reach out to Lauren Muir through her website link above to schedule her presentation.  Does the idea of New Year's Resolutions and Goal Setting leave you with a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach? You are not alone! Our bodies often know truths that we try to overwrite with our brains. And in this case, the truth is that resolutions and goals often become relics collecting dust on a shelf.
This transition of years is unique. 2020 was a major disruption that threw all of our plans and momentum to the wind. It doesn't make sense to use history as a barometer for the future. This moment calls for a NEW VISION, and I'm going to give you my playbook to cast yours. My Playbook For Vision CastingStart with the Law of Attraction - if you put positive energy into your business and relationships, you attract positive energy back.
STEP 1 Begin your year, your week, your day, this moment with actions that invite happiness, fulfillment, and abundance into your life. When you surround yourself with people and opportunities that energize you, you will have the passion, commitment, and endurance to breathe life into the future you want to create. STEP 2 Visualize yourself living in this place of positive energy. Notice the people, conversations, work, accomplishments that nourish your sense of purpose and fulfillment. Commit yourself to start living this compelling future today. Dismiss your internal pessimist who is likely shouting, "But how?" As Peter Block says, "The Answer to How is Yes." Take actions that are true to living your visualized future and trust the how to reveal itself as you move forward in this journey. Want step-by-step guidance and inspiration from other women? Join my Vision Casting Workshop 👉https://bit.ly/3fRJe2v.  |
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January 2023
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HoursBy appointment
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Telephone502-235-6791
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LocationMellwood Arts Center
1860 Mellwood Ave Suite 117 Louisville, KY 40206 |