Today has been a really crap day (like soap opera bull crap!). It’s day 44 of my self-discipline challenge in which I committed to writing a blog post per day for 90 days, and today my personal life has just been crap. I seriously contemplated taking a day off which is why it’s almost 10pm and I’m just sitting down to write. Trying to stay committed to your work when life sucks is no easy task, especially on those days when you could just easily bail. But sometimes the sucky days just stretch on and on, and so finding a way to deal with the ebb and flow of life is crucial to your success.
What I’m about to share with you is truly tried and tested. My 20’s have been one for the books but through it all I managed to build a business that I’m proud of!
So here’s my personal guide to staying committed to your work when life sucks.
Capitalize on the struggle.
Hey look, life happens okay? I was listening to a talk on YouTube this morning in which the speaker said, “in life you’re either approaching a storm, in a storm or in the aftermath of the storm.” Pretty depressing I know, and if you’re new to me let it be known–I’m no negative Nancy, but it’s kind of true. Things happen in life and we always have a choice as to how we choose to perceive it and respond to it. Some days you just have capitalize on the struggle, much like what I’m doing right now! Redirect your frustrations or hurt by sharing your realness through your work. Cry a little, vent a little, share the struggle with your audience. Trust me, people will appreciate you for showing up as you.
Don’t hesitate on the work.
One of the coolest people on the planet is Mel Robbins, the creator of the 5-second rule. One thing that underpins all of Mel’s teachings is that our mind is designed to protect us from doing things that may hurt us…which sounds like a good idea right? Yeah, except that our mind often perceives hard work as a threat. What this means is that you’re never going to feel like pushing through when times are tough. Your mind is going to do it’s best to protect you from getting the work done, because that’s what it’s designed to do. Mel talks about a 5-second window of time that we have to make a decision before doubt creeps in. I’m sure you’ve experienced this before–you spend that fraction of a second too long thinking about a task and then you talk yourself out of it. During tough times, don’t hesitate on the work. Sit down and commit yourself to getting it done.
Give yourself a reward.
Tonight I poured myself a tall glass of iced coffee with coconut milk creamer before I sat down to write. It may seem simple but for me having sugar at this time of night is a special little treat. For you having a nice long bath or taking yourself out for lunch may be a reward. Whatever is going on just allow yourself some time to do something you love. Often I find that some intentional self-care has a huge impact on my inspiration and motivation. So put on your Sunday best (or your sweats) and head out for a little treat.
Enlist an accountability buddy.
Or a biz bestie as I like to call it! During some of the roughest days in my business having a bestie to cheer me on has been invaluable. If you don’t yet have an accountability buddy you can find one by attending meet-ups, you can reach out to people you know within your industry, or you can search groups on Facebook. I have met some of my greatest business friends through Facebook groups and also by direct messaging people I jive with on Instagram. Be bold and intentional about finding an accountability buddy! You’ll be surprised by how many business owners want to build real connections but are afraid to ask for it. Trust me, if you take this one seriously you’ll discover invaluable friendships that will change your entire business life.
