These are my confessions 🤫
Issue: 07 - Small change adds up
My overriding emotion this week has not been sadness, it hasn’t been anxiety or fear, it’s been guilt.
Specifically, guilt that I’m not doing enough to move my business forward.
I’ve always prided myself in being the kind of person that jumps headfirst into madness, chaos and crisis. I’ll jump to do whatever I can to protect others. To protect myself, my business. To create. To innovate.
But I haven’t done that this week and I’ve felt so guilty about it.
It’s hard when you don’t have a big business, there are fewer people relying on you - it’s “only” future opportunity that you’re missing out on, and you can’t touch that.
And then that feels like an excuse. And the guilt turns to shame.
I’ve watched others rise up with creative ways to pivot their business or support their communities, and I’ve fallen down that awful comparison hole and criticised myself for not doing enough. For not being enough.
And then I reflect and the shame grows.
I want to inspire you guys with something special, or at least bring some lols. I want this newsletter to be a beacon of light at the end of this weird week. You know what?
I WANT TO FIX THIS WHOLE GOD DAMN CRISIS WITH MY FINGERTIPS.
But I’m human. We all are. Which sucks, btw. And I know that if I’m feeling like this then someone else out there is too.
So instead, I’ll share my guilt and shame because as Brené says, there’s power in vulnerability and shame can’t survive if we share it.
So thank you for being here.
It’s time for a reality check
Nobody knows WTF we’re supposed to be doing
There is no “right way” right now. Now is not the time for guilt or shame. Now is a time for kindness and patience. For community. For connection. For survival.
Are you surviving? Yep? Just about?
Excellent. That’s enough.
Be compassionate with your expectations
For me, I’m acknowledging that Balpro is a baby. It’s young, it’s agile, it’s nimble. The business has taken some hits over the last few weeks, but I have time to create something special and I will build it in a way that works for me, supports my mental health and provides value to others.
We help companies grow whilst looking after their employees. See ya, shame 👋 I must practice what I preach.
…But also - Feeling more motivated than ever to take over the world? Go for it. Again: There is no right way.
There’s great power in purpose
I’ve been so distracted this week that I wasn’t sure if this newsletter would get out the door. I didn’t know if I was up for it - every task I’ve done has taken 10 times longer than it normally would. However, now more than ever it’s critical we have purpose.
Doing stuff - being productive - it helps.
Whether that’s making moves on a work project, getting out for a little jog or cleaning out your wardrobe.
Just do something.
Balpro OG’s know what I’m talking about here: GET THAT WIN A DAY.
Ask for help
I’m a proud person and struggle here, but I’ve started asking for help. I wanted to join a program to help grow my business, something that a year ago I would have been too stubborn to even look at #missindependent.
Of course, I procrastinated and missed the intro discount. I set aside my pride and asked for the promotion to be extended, it was and I’ve been welcomed with open arms 🤗
People are willing to give more than ever, people want to help support you. Ask for it. Accept it. You don’t always need to be the hero.
Just keep connecting
We’re social distancing and yet we’re more connected than ever. We’re texting back. We’re answering the phone. We’re turning our cameras on and doing video calls.
And corporates are finding the fun again, I’ve spotted…
Virtual pub quiz
Cyber dance parties *introverts everywhere shiver*
Fancy dress meetings
Group guided meditations
FaceTime coffee clubs
We have a “Quarantini? 🍸” family WhatsApp group which basically consists of memes, weird selfies and videos of us cheers-ing each other when cocktail hour approaches. I’ve also joined a WFH Run Club on Strava.
And of course, there’s always this…
How are you getting on? Hit reply, I’d love to hear from you,
Amber
Every day I’m balancin’
Ps. I’m hoping that at least one person on my mailing list remembers Usher’s Confessions album or else that top GIF provides nothing but a nice set of abs… Could be worse.
Don’t forget about Shout
Everyone’s mental health is being put to the test right now, remember that you can text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7 support.
This service is being used more than ever and we’re looking for volunteers to join the team. It’s really one of the most special things I do each week. Find out more here or send me an email and I’m happy to chat to you about it.
Stuck for a WFH playlist?
Someone has put together a COVID-19 Quarantine Dance Party playlist on Spotify featuring Britney’s Toxic, Nelly’s Hot in Herre and MC Hammer’s U Can’t Touch this.
As always, here’s the Balpro logo, #Branding.
