Life and business seem to be cyclical and definite all at the same time. We have the ups, we have the downs. It starts and then stops, and then starts and stops again. We're motivated into action, and then take time to rest. There's time to sow, and there's time to reap.
In business you have the highs and you have the lows, and we've all had our share of both. But what happens inside of us that causes this professional ebb and flow? Is it a change in circumstances, surroundings, personality, attitude or approach? It could be any number or combination of things. Regardless of why, what truly matters is not whether you're currently in a valley, or upon a peak, but more how you're responding to it.
Nobody with a pulse can honestly always be "level-headed". What is important though is that when we're going through a lull, be it personally or professionally, we're not simply trying to "survive" or "stick it out". The economy is what it is, and we can't afford to simply be a passenger. We have to hop in the drivers seat, strap in, and throw this thing into over-drive. Seth Godin describes this as "The Dip" we all experience prior to things getting really good, or at least back on track. The worst thing we can do is just "ride it out", rather, we need to LEAN INTO IT!
When it's good, enjoy it. Not just to a level of content, but thoroughly and totally enjoy it. Feeling great, while continuing to do the things that got you there, will hopefully help you get the absolute most out of this time of harvest, and keep you motivated during the times of greatest challenge.
Figure out what or who gives you that extra motivation. I've been fortunate enough, as of late, to find myself in a position of working for something much bigger than me. The age old adage "when one door closes, another opens", seems to be true. This time, the door that's opened is far better than the one that closed.
For some, the money and recognition alone wont always be enough. Whatever it is that stirs your soul, think about it, and hold onto it. Remind yourself of it as often as you can - write it on your mirror, think about it when in traffic, or before you go to sleep at night.
Sometimes it takes one thing ending in order for us to create a new beginning. A lost job that drives you to start your own business. A failed marriage or relationship that brings you to the person of your dreams. Or losing a loved one that helps us appreciate life, and strive to make this one opportunity we have the best it can possibly be. Thanks Pops!
In no way is this meant to be "preachy".....I write this for me, because I can internalize it when I write it, read it and share it. If you take anything at all from any of this, I'm glad I shared.
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