Then I said: âI hear you. I feel you. Like you, Iâve been there too. But âŚâ
Taking a deep breath, I rolled out my patented Anna Dower pep talk. It was well-worn, like a favourite pair of jeans, because not only was I used to using it on myself, but it was a tried-and-true conversation Iâd had with dozens of other women over the years.Â
So, if youâre feeling like youâre ready to break-up with your business and rebound by working nine-to-five for the man âŚÂ This pep talk is now for YOU.Â
I totally get that quitting would make your life easier.
All of that crushing responsibility and pressure? Adios, amigo!Â
And sure, for a while at least, life would feel good.Â
But âŚ
There was a reason you started your own business in the first place.Â
And if youâre anything like me, and the hundreds (if not thousands) of other women in the same situation, it was âcos there was something inside of you that wanted to make your own rules, be your own boss and create something amazing.
Those flames donât just go away.Â
And the good news? You probably donât really want to quit.Â
If youâre feeling fed-up, overwhelmed and piss*d off, chances are youâre on the road to burn out, NOT failure.Â
This time of year is hard; everyone is tired and ready for a break, so donât make any rash decisions right now.Â
Step away for a bit and listen to what your body and soul needs.Â
When I am reaching breaking point, this is what I do:
I get a health check-up:Â When your emotions are starting to overwhelm you, schedule in a visit to see your doctor and get a blood test to check your iron, folate and vitamin D levels. These could all be contributing factors to your feeling crappy.
Ask yourself the tough questions. Start with, âWhat do I want?â And then,Â
âWhat changes can I make to help me get that?â That could mean new systems, processes and boundaries for your clients, or even changing who you target. The most important bit though? Stop whining about it and make a plan to change it. Design Biz Bootcamp will be back in 2019, maybe it is the answer?
Decide on a reward! Yep, treat yo self. Set a small goal with a pressie forÂ
yourself at the finish line. Life is pretty dull when all you do is work.
Work less. Yeah, youâre tired which means you need to work less. This will not be forever, trust the wave and ride it out.
Lean on them. Know that you have people on your team to lift you up when youâre feeling down. itâs corny but I believe in you. I believe you can push through this and thrive again AND there is a whole possĂŠ of Designer Boss-Ladies that have your back.
Love you, boss lady.Â