Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and a little out of whack with all that’s going on right now. Should you keep calm and carry on? Or should you join the crowds and buy ALL the pasta?
I don’t have all the answers, heck! I’m not sure anyone does, but I want you to know that I’m here and I’m riding this with you. In the last couple weeks I’ve been speaking with many and here are my top takeaways that I hope will help you navigate this time:
1 | We are running a marathon, not a sprint. This world of ours will not dissolve tomorrow. There are no quick fixes or “well when ‘X’ happens, it will all go back to normal”… whatever normal means. Looking at our world like a sprint, where the finish line just keeps moving 10 more meters down the track, will exhaust you further… eventually leading to a burnout, both professionally and personally.
For those familiar with running long distances in any sort of competitive nature, it take discipline to NOT run full speed out of the start, with a crowd of people around you pushing you past your typical pace. You have to have the discipline to be strategic and to pace yourself in a way to make it to the finish line with any success.
2 | Be kind to yourself. Boy… I really need to remind myself of this one. I always feel like I need to do more… design more, write more, advertise more… go go go! With this unprecedented change came a new kind of stress and exhaustion. The kind that goes all the way to your bones. So when you need to take more breaks, sleep in, or just go for a walk… do it. We all need it. Being kind to ourselves allows us to recharge where we can so we can be of service to ourselves, our families and our careers.
3 | Keep going. We are strong and resilient. While I don’t accept this as our new normal, going on almost a year of world change (or several years!), I believe this will all make us, our relationships, our businesses and our souls stronger.
How are you handling business as we deal with this crisis? Share with me in the comments!
Jessie Ellis
Wife, friend and dog mom with 18+ years of education and 12+ years as a commercial design professional. Always inquisitive, creative and empathetic; trying to live each day with intention.
I’ve been unbelievably fortunate during the crisis! And I hope to all those who have to been significantly affected have their greatest comeback.