Today’s message isn’t a fun one, but it can’t be avoided.
To say that what’s going on in this country is a distraction is an understatement.
My coaching clients are scared.
It’s my job to guide you in finding fulfilling work, creating a business that fires you up, and achieving success on your terms. And yes, it’s my job to help you focus, cultivate a growth mindset, and stay focused on your goals. But it’s also my job to be real with you.
I’m not here to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t.
We’re dealing with a dangerous situation in the United States, and the world is watching.
If you’re anything like me, you’re shaking your head and asking yourself, “WTAF?!” multiple times daily. What…The…Actual…🤬… is happening?
Corruption is rampant in our country’s highest office.
Illegal actions are gutting our institutions.
We’re dealing with the hostile takeover of our government.
We may have read about times like this in history books or watched similar scenes unfold in faraway places, but we’ve never experienced it. Not in our lifetime, not in what has been the most powerful country in the world for a long time.
THIS isn’t what most people voted for, even if they voted for this guy. The last thing I want to do is add to the divisiveness.
My coaching clients are talking about this.
Understandably, people are feeling despair.
I won’t insult your intelligence with feel-good platitudes, but I do want to talk about how to cope.
Should you act normal? Keep things running? Pretend like nothing’s happening?
Not exactly, but we also can’t allow them to get the best of us.
We have to forge on. Do our work. Stay engaged.
If you feel called to do more, find the courage to step up.
You may not know this about me, but I’ve run for office twice. I needed to fight for healthcare for my family and couldn’t think of a better way to do it than to put myself out there.
My kids asked me why I was sticking my neck out for people to step on it. I pointed at them and said, “I’m doing this for you!”
Ask yourself, WHO are you working for? Use your distress to motivate you. WHAT more can you do?
It’s not time to give up or give in. It’s time to get behind what matters most.
You could contribute by funding charitable organizations, causes, or candidates.
Volunteer your time and skills to uplift your community.
Write letters, call, and show up at your representative’s offices.
Or maybe your best service is in the work you do with clients.
We must stop saying, “Why doesn’t somebody do something?” and do something!
Love yourself to keep standing up for what’s right.
Our careers and businesses and all we hold dear depend on us — caring enough to do something and keep doing something.
I’ll leave you with a helpful exercise we use in improv: “Yes, and …”
It’s simple; someone says something outrageous, and you continue with “Yes, and…” For example, if I say, “Wow, I just bought a magic car!” You say, “Yes, and… I’ve always wanted to drive from New Jersey to Paris. Let’s go!”
Now, let’s try it —
Things are chaotic in our government right now, I’m scared, AND I can keep showing up in my work, career and business.
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