Navigating Personal Challenges and Self-Reflection in Business

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s especially relevant given the current global climate: finding stability in your business amidst chaos. Are you feeling more stressed, burnt out, or anxious? Are you questioning your path as a solo professional more frequently?   If so, you’re not alone.   The Ever-Present Chaos   Life is full of uncertainties. Whether it’s the economy, AI advancements, elections, or geopolitical tensions, there’s always something that can induce fear and anxiety. However, history shows that this is a recurring pattern, and often, things are better than they seem when viewed through a historical lens.   Reasons for Optimism   Despite the chaos, there are many reasons to be optimistic:   -          Technological Advancements: We live in an era of unprecedented technological growth, from healthcare advancements increasing life expectancy to technologies that connect us globally in an instant.   -          Improved Standards of Living: Global poverty rates have significantly declined, and more people have access to education and essential services than ever before.   -          Greater Awareness and Action on Social Issues: There’s increased awareness and robust discussions around social, environmental, and political issues, driving actions towards equality and sustainability.   -          Resilience and Adaptability: Humans have consistently overcome challenges, often emerging stronger and more united.   -          Access to Information: The vast availability of information today allows us to make more informed decisions and educate ourselves better.   -          Scientific Understanding and Rationality: Our improved understanding of the world through science helps us address problems more effectively.   The Hedonic Treadmill   We’re all subject to "hedonic adaptation," where we quickly normalize our experiences. This can make it easy to lose perspective during setbacks. Recognizing this can help us maintain a more balanced outlook.   Personal Reflections   I’ve been self-employed for 18 years, experiencing many difficult periods that made me question my career path. Recently, my business revenue has trended down, partly by design and partly due to uncontrollable factors. These challenges led to a period of grumpiness, fear, and anxiety.   However, through coaching, self-reflection, and a shift in perspective over the past 18 months, I’ve managed to address and manage these feelings much more effectively. My journey included soul searching, which has intensified and brought about positive changes this year.   Questions to Guide Your Reflection   If you’re in a funk or questioning your path, revisiting your core principles can help. Here are key questions to ponder:   ·       Why do I do this work?   ·       What do I do better than most people?   ·       As I look back at my career, what activities or parts of my work tend to put me into a state of flow? What have clients and colleagues commented very positively about before (i.e., When have they said, “Wow, you’re really good at this!”)   ·       Why does my business exist beyond making money?   ·       What are my top-3 core values? How well is my freelance business enabling me to live those values? And if I’m not happy with the answer, what do I need to change about my business so it’s better aligned with those values?    ·       What are my biggest financial fears as a freelancer?   ·       Reflect on a time in your business when you were really fearful? Did that fear materialize? And if it did, how did you deal with the situation? What did you learn about yourself in the process?   ·       What am I fearful about right now? How is fear and anxiety guiding my actions?   ·       If you find yourself in a really bad situation right now, ask yourself... How much worse could this be? What would be the worst possible thing that could happen here? And what would I do if that happened—how would I address it?   ·       Reflect on a time or two when adapting to change led to unexpected opportunities. How can I apply those lessons to my current situation in freelance writing?   ·       How can I leverage AI and new technologies to enhance my value proposition to clients rather than replace my services?   ·       What is the vision for my business, and how does the current situation match that vision?   ·       What would a perfect workday look like for me? Make it up! Design it however you want and describe it in detail, hour by hour. Use your imagination. No rules, restrictions, or constraints!   ·       If I’m seriously looking for full-time work, what am I trying to run away from? And what do I honestly feel a full-time job would give me that my current business can’t?   ·       Who do I need to become to have a business that brings me joy again?   Find a quiet space, open a journal, and think through these questions. Let the words flow, then take a walk to clear your mind. Answers might not come immediately, but they will. This process of thinking and connecting with your Higher Self is an act of self-love.   A Request   If you found this episode helpful, please forward it to a friend or colleague. I suspect that many solo professionals out there could benefit from these reflections.