Lean Into the Pain

Taking a leap of faith to start your own business takes a lot of guts. You couldn’t imagine doing anything else. But sometimes there is a nagging sense of doubt. Something is holding you back. It is time to talk about FEAR. In all reality, failure is never as scary as we make it out to be. At WORX we like to settle in and get cozy with what makes us a little uncomfortable, immersing ourselves in it so our weaknesses can become strengths. Recently, I listened to Rourke Denver speak at a conference, and there are a few things I will keep with me forever.

Whatever brings you fear and hesitation – FACE IT.

How? Well, have you ever tried to tackle everything at once and felt like you weren’t accomplishing anything? Our brains just aren’t wired that way. Time and time again we have heard that there is no such thing as multitasking, only task switching. I don’t know about you but that feels overwhelming to me. When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t want to bother with any of it.

Whether you choose a small carry-on or a hefty suitcase for your next trip, either way you will fill the bag. Choose wisely and don’t take on more work than you can handle. Taking something that seems impossible, intimidating or scary and breaking it into reasonable chunks makes it seem doable. By limiting your field of view, I promise you will see more.

Pain is an agent of fear. We are made to absorb pain (mental or physical) because we recover stronger than before. We refer to these as “growing pains” in our company culture. If something is broken, many of us stay in that situation because it is familiar, therefore more comfortable than changing it. Change is scary. This may be a surprise but small changes will only yield small results. You don’t have to do something because that is how it has always been done. Make BOLD corrections and ask, “Is there anything else I can do?” It is easier to make small adjustments moving forward.

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo act. Surround yourself with a support team of people that are in your corner rooting for you. Find the right group of people to play on your team who can help you find your rhythm. Once you find your rhythm, you will absolutely know you are where you are intended to be.

Relax!

Take a breather to take on the world.

Recently, I went on a weeklong camping trip in the wilderness of New England with my family. We had sporadic cell service, and even had to pull over and break out an ATLAS to find our way around. It was a nice escape from being available 24/7. It is no secret that taking time off can make you more productive. There is scientific evidence to prove it!

The more we try to keep up, the more trapped we become in the proverbial hamster wheel. The notion of accomplishing more by doing less seems absurd. A new and growing body of research across multiple disciplines shows that planned breaks – including daytime exercise, naps, longer sleep hours and more time away from the office can re-energize you; boosting productivity, creativity and job performance. I guess the boss was right all along in making us eat lunch away from our desks and encouraging walks outside on nice days.

In many work environments, downtime is considered wasted time. We rely on time to get things accomplished, but there is only a finite amount. We can’t make more hours in the day, but we can increase our energy. Energy also has a limit but, unlike time, it is renewable. Humans are not designed to burn continuous energy. We need periods of recovery to function. Our bodies are great at telling us when we need to recharge, but warning signs are often hidden by caffeine, sugar and stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol; respectively).

Working in 90-minute intervals with short breaks in between is a step in the right direction. Go outside: nature is more affordable than therapy. So is spending time doing things that matter. Taking the time for self-renewal can help you to be excellent at anything.

The Mother’s Day Mantra

“Sooner or later we all quote our mothers.” –Bert Williams

For me that is, “Would you believe it?”

It is the preface of recounting something remarkable, good and something true: The things that to others might seem coincidental but to her are fulfilling little miracles. The stories are short, but the impact lasts long.

I love that phrase and have embraced the concept as part of my learned genetics, my inheritance. My mantra. I always look for ways I can use it in my own life. I intentionally open myself to surpassing the every day what-ifs in hopes it will drive me to call my mom and begin an anecdote with “would you believe it”.

Did you ever imagine your life would be as effective as it is right now? Did you ever dream you’d come this far? That you would have the support and the opportunities you have been given?

Your mom did. Moms are our greatest life, business and health coaches. Moms push us when we settle in quick sand rather than pursue success. The only thing moms desire of us is to never doubt our capabilities and never pass up the possibilities.

There is one day dedicated to celebrating moms. But for all those other days the greatest gift we can give our mothers is to never stop trying. Envision life as an intense workout. To quote Jillian Michaels, mother to millions in the health and fitness industry and to her own children, “Unless you puke, faint or die, keep going.” Take a break if you have to, but keep going.

Bleed. Sweat. Cry. Keep going.

Because you won’t believe what’s on the other side of your finish line.

We all have mothers that have helped us get where we are and maybe you are one of them too. Strangers, authors, family, co-workers, doctors, TV personalities, bosses, neighbors, featured stories in the local newspaper; These are the people that we encounter that challenge us to walk through the mud and come out with a miraculous “would you believe it” story.

Think of the children’s book, “I love you to the moon”. Often that gravitational defying, all-encompassing love can be masked in persistent and redundant motivational lectures. That love may aggravate us, but that love will get us to the moon, if only we have the audacity to shoot for the starts.

So, what “would you believe it” story will excite a mom this Mother’s Day?

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

In the world of business, people often put up a façade so people will see them a certain way. As humans, we tend to compare our mistakes with everyone else’s highlight reel. Others may very well be happy and prosperous, but there are struggles behind every success story. Obstacles make us grow and allow us to keep moving forward.

Recently we attended an event in San Francisco where some very unexpected conversations took place. I shared experiences with “ideal” professionals, and heard stories that were relatable, comforting, and authentic. Listening to people as they opened up and shared their struggles made me realize that I shouldn’t let comparison steal my joy.

While the success and triumphs of others can be a great inspiration to us, it is important not to lose sight of the hard work and struggles on the way to the top. With that in mind, you never know what kind of troubles someone might be having. Your kind gesture might be just what they need for inspiration.

Be Authentic Online

Be Authentic Online

It feels natural to be authentically you… right? Step outside of yourself for a moment and think about the many hats you wear. Who is the real you? What struggles do you face? What motivates you to keep chugging along? Social media can serve as an outlet to express thoughts, feelings, goals, and challenges. While some people take it to the extreme, using it effectively can create a strong connection between you and your followers.

Have you ever visited a page for someone you admire and look up to? When reading some of their statuses you are reminded that they are only human too. Sharing personal stories, struggles, and how you overcame them can give your admirers the same relatable experience. It can start a conversation that engages Facebook or Instagram followers. A visual way to do this is through sharing photos that show them what happens behind the scenes. This creates a very exclusive perspective that people can relate to, that also makes them feel included.

By being transparent and relatable, you make yourself (or business) seem more personable and approachable. Everyone has their battles, and some people are better at others at overcoming failure and using what they have learned.

What personal story could you share with the world?