Have you ever just felt so blaaahh! Just real meh, really uninspired, uninterested, completely unbothered, totally unf*%$witable in every sense of the word? (let me know if you need that last one further defined). Yea, me too. This post is not intended to be a cure-all solution to a pity party. More like an awareness that, hey, ish happens. That's been my mood a bit trudging through October and I've had to check myself in a few instances both work and personal. I indulged in a few self-care activities in an to attempt to get my mind right.
Cool, enough of the sob session. I'm pretty confident with the approach that "the comeback is always better than the setback." You just have to reflect a bit and see where things started to get murky. I came across this article from the Entrepreneur by Sherrie Campbell which was right in line with where my thoughts were headed. The general synopsis gives ten tips I agree with and put my own spin on how to get back in the swing of things and #stayinspired.
Read - whatever genre floats ya boat pick it up and get lost in it. Even if only for a page or two it might just be the change of pace you need.
Time Alone - if you're a supposed introvert like myself this one comes natural, but don't be so self-absorbed you forget to engage with humans every now and then *raises hand, I've done that a time or two.* On the flipside, if you are quite the social butterfly take a minute to recoup and regroup with your thoughts and detox from the draining energies of others, they may mean well but it sometimes takes a toll on your own well being.
Money - it's not everything but it definitely solves a hell of a lot of problems. Some fancy professional development author may have said that first but I support it so I plugged it in there *wink.* Use this resource wisely though. If you're anything like me, you probably stay focused on your next meal or your next dollar. Use this as motivation for next steps. (Privacy Policy - this blog site does not encourage or cosign going to extreme or corrupt measures for attainment.) I will leave the article link as a resource check it out they may have summarized this one better than me.
Music - keep a playlist on deck that makes you go YASSSS turn this up, it's my jam! Or, hand me these kleenexes I'm having a moment. Let the music mix your emotions and help you pull through. Emotions are normal its how you deal with them that matter. Aaliyah said it best "If at first, you don't succeed, get ya ass up and try again" not exactly like that but hey, I'm just being honest. (Spotify has some decent playlist too)
Exercise - this one's a little iffy, but nine times out of ten when you feel good, you look good and everything else follows. Start where you are, there's plenty of research on psychological and chemical reactions and health benefits. Do what you can instead of nothing at all. I definitely fell off this month, but the comeback is real.
Gratitude - This one is so key. Those small wins, those continuous sparks of what keeps you going, those reminders of who you hustle for, those nudges of intuition that say push through. Pay those all the mind. Act on it, write it down, make it manifest. Failure is not a reason to give up, consider it as fuel to fix, form new alternatives. This dapper rapper named Jay-Z said early in the game, "When my situation is not improving, I'm changing up everything moving," that's my edited version. Basically, don't be stagnate remember your moments of gratitude and stay committed to what matters.
Vision - When I was growing up my mom always said "write everything down" it took me until I was grown to make that stick. I get it now, thanks, mom! It's kind of like a see it to believe type thing. Think of it as metrics to check off. Write down goals, plans, short term, long term, pie in the sky. I've checked into a few trending themes of nothing is too big to achieve, don't let small minded people tell you otherwise. It's only a dream if you don't act on it. If you're feeling stuck go back to your documented drawing board and check in on your milestones. Remember small wins equal huge gains!
Competition - Use this one with caution. As far as I'm concerned the only competition should be you against yourself. Inspiration should be drawn from a willingness to continuously level up. Are you hitting the marks you've placed for yourself? If not go harder. How did the chicken cross the road? By minding its business. That may have been corny, but I cracked myself up on that!
Other People's Stories - On the other hand. No one has it all figured out, not even me. I definitely don't want to give off that impression, I just know what I know. So we all have something to learn from others individual experiences. I have mixed emotions about the term "pick someone's brain" but, if someone inspires, encourages, influences you in a positive way simply ask some questions. How did you start this business? How do you find balance? What is your marketing strategy? If anyone finds this evasive google is also helpful. My point is, everyone has been an underdog at some point ask them about their hustle. We are all figuring things out, one day at a time.
Give - I'm not all holier than thou religious, but there may be some spiritual referencing in this blog. So I'm a firm believer that to whom much is given, much is tested and even more is expected. As things fall into place for you, pay it forward literally and figuratively. Support a small business there's a page for services provided if you're not into furniture find a brand and support. Drop some gems to some starving artist to keep them motivated. To see the fruits of your labor benefit others can have impactful results and be inspiring momentum to keep pursuing your goals.
I say all this to say don't sell yourself short, recognize that where you are is not where you've been. Whew! Because lawd knows we all would have some stories to tell. Let the acknowledgment and feelings of small victories drive you to where you plan to go. I can almost guarantee that those huge gains will be so well worth it. When running into a jam like I did the first half of this month check in on these life hacks for suggested ways to press on.
Although I do have a psychology degree I am not a therapist. I am more like a creative problem solver feel free to take or leave these life hacks for better or for worse. This woman, mother, creative is back on track to living her best life and will touch base with you soon! Plenty of Running World Designs to keep an eye out for and always interested in collaborative projects. Connect with me at your leisure. Much Love, Sincerely me ~Nani J.