Business...when life feels really hard.

I’m not exactly sure what it is, except *waves hands around in a general direction* ALL THE THINGS, but life feels really hard right now.

My business friends would say that the fear around the economy collapsing is causing customers to tighten their wallets. Companies are laying off employees, and people are SCARED.

My spiritual friends would say the planets (venus retrograde and whatnot) are causing a ton of tension between people, especially those in relationships of all kinds.

My political friends would say that the new government and state of politics is causing a ton of fear (and rightfully so).

But no matter who’s talking, the general consensus is that things are HARD right now, and I don’t disagree.

They’ve been hard. It’s not like things were amazing and then all of a sudden, they’re hard. It feels more like it’s been a slog for a number of years, starting perhaps with the collective trauma that was covid and shutdown, and then the consequent years of us all trying to get “back” to a sense of normal in a world that now feels very unstable and out of control.

2020 changed the game in almost every way, for almost every person I know, and five years later, we’re still seeing those affects.

This week, I led a live business Q&A session for one of the communities that I’m a coach in, and the questions all had a similar feel.

We’re afraid. Things are changing. People don’t know what direction to head in and what decisions to make. We’ve been trying and it’s not working. We’re tired. We’re losing our jobs, our work, our sense of stability, our sense of wonder, and purpose (because who can be in awe all the time when you’re not sure if you’ll be able to pay rent next month). We’re in transitions that feel necessary but also really scary. Kids going off to college. Aging parents. Declining health. Too many screens, not enough connection. Too much advice on how we can all be better and do better. It’s exhausting. And too much.

And so for my business advice for today, I want to say this…

It’s ok for things to be a struggle right now. It’s ok if business isn’t working out perfectly. It’s ok if you’re feeling scared and unsure. During times like these, when you’re in survival-mode, the goal isn’t usually to reach a bunch of goals or hit a bunch of targets. Instead, the goal is to give yourself compassion, love, grace, and space to be where you’re at. The goal is to reach out for real connection with others, so none of us feel alone in this. Don’t skip over the part where you’re having feelings.

If I have one bit of advice, it would be to find people you can talk to about your feelings, about these fears. Since most people in business, in some way ARE the business, in that if they aren’t able to function within it, the business doesn’t happen, then the most important thing is that you take care of yourself. Business is much more a feelings game than people think.

You might be thinking: “Cool, yeah, I can do that but how do I pay the bills?” and I’m not saying to not try to figure that out. I’m saying that the first step is to unwind the tangled web of emotions that is making you probably feel paralyzed and numb. It’s really hard to be creative and make decisions when we’re in survival mode. So…

1. If you don’t HAVE to make a decision right now or take any action, don’t

2. If you DO have to make a decision or take some action, try to handle your emotional state first, and then lean on others for support (I’m here…ask all the questions you have in the comments below)

3. Either way, find some ways to practice self-compassion

4. If you need some ideas about how to run your business during times like these, keep an eye out for my next article

#3 will be different for everyone, but my favorites are talking to people I feel really safe sharing with to get some validation and understanding, and doing nervous system calming meditations (I’m loving the Hello Inner Light podcast right now).

When I first got into business for myself, it was 2008…the last period of significant financial decline in America. And it seemed like the worst time ever to get into a business that is seen as a luxury (life coaching). This time feels similar. We got through it then, and we’ll get through it now, with each other.

And now I’d like to know…in the comment below, let me know…

• Do you resonate with this feeling of uncertainty or fear?

• What questions do you have about how to navigate it (either in life or business)?

Sending giant hugs your way. This is a hard time. You’re right.

Are you stuck in your own business? Do you have a question you want me to answer? Here’s a form to drop your question anonymously and I’ll answer it in future columns.

ALSO…my mission is to help as many folks as I possibly can with free business advice. I believe business can be a beautiful and fun experience that allows for a life of fulfillment and freedom, instead of an overwhelming rollercoaster. I want to save you that overwhelm.

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