How to Keep Going when Life isn’t Perfect
After doing my own reflections in preparation for 2021, I decided that in January, whether I have everything in place or not, I’m Just Doing It: whatever I want, however I want, whenever I want.
What do you get when a neuroscientist, a creative director, a former prisoner and some cool coaches talk about just doing it?
I’ve been chatting with friends about how they move forward even when their ducks aren’t all in a row, when they don’t see the full vision, or when the world is crumbling around them.
The convos on are Instagram, but here’s the reader’s digest:
1. What do you want? Moving forward with your vision, your desires, your dreams, your life, begins with knowing what exactly you want.
I spoke to Creative Coach Zach Kleyn right after rioters surged the US Capitol building - our plan was to have a super fun light conversation about business, haha. But Zach has a deep desire for justice, and for him, he needed the space to listen to his body and focus on his feelings in order to move forward.
Leadership Coach Sanne Marcusse is known for calling her clients out when they whine or give excuses. She expressed that when the going gets tough, it’s vital to come back to your deepest desires, keep going, and don’t settle for anything less.
2. What are you telling yourself? When new journeys are on the horizon, it’s natural to meet resistance in our heads. Moving forward without the full vision in place can be uncomfortable. But if your gut is telling you to do something, it’s time to listen.
You can literally train your brain to say yes and negate the voice in your head that says you might fail, you’re not good enough, it’s not going to end well (all that negative self talk - yuck!).
Tip: Start using sentences that start with “I am…” I am a great leader. I am going to be successful. I am powerful. I am going to win!
Clinical Neuroscientist Aden Eyob literally wrote a book on this. She herself didn’t see the full vision to write her book and start a business until she stepped into it. Although she was physically uncomfortable at the thought of it all, she made the decision to move forward rather than stay stuck and stagnant. She said, “We have to move [our own] boundaries even when we don’t have the answer.”
3. Just Do It!
What if your job was to come up with million-dollar, award-winning campaigns every day? What do you do on days when you don’t feel funny or smart, but you still have to do good work?
Writer and Creative Director Anthony Taylor will tell you it’s about commitment and process. When he and his creative team have to create what he calls that “good, good work,” they stay committed to doing it. They fight the resistance, they go through their process of creating ideas, step by step, and get it done.
Host of The Close the Deal Show, Terrence McRae, made some bad decisions in his youth and spent almost 25 years in prison as a result. Did that stop him? Nope! He shared some of his master networking skills with me, which included knowing what you want (see a theme?), forming authentic connections, and finding the right support to cheer you on.
4. Just Celebrate!
Speaking of cheering you on (yes, you!), I’m in to win it…with you!
My brother/Seriously Though podcast co-host, Michael and I have created a group on Facebook dedicated to helping modern professionals create the life of their dreams and the wealth to go with it (see our invite video).
Along with LIVE podcast episodes, we’re also sharing tips on getting clear on your vision, preparing your retirement (how can an IRA help you?), and other finance-y things, hehe.
This Serious fam group is also all about CELEBRATION. It’s a place for you to share your wins of the week, what’s going well, and areas where you need support. Join us and let me and the Serious fam CELEBRATE YOU!
More Just Do It January convos and other series are happening on The Happy Cactus Instagram, so follow along and JUST DO IT!