Mindset In Challenging Time
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Hello, simpletons!
We’re back with a new episode, this time an ISO version that went live on our Facebook page a few weeks ago. It was an interesting experience for all of us, for sure! Apart from the tiny technological hiccups and our old tendency to talk over each other, we were excited to have this little get together while social distancing.
In this chat over Zoom, we talk about how important mindset is in challenging times and how it can make a whole lot of difference, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, because life will always present itself with a challenge.
Take it day by day
Travis felt the full blow of COVID-19, with his businesses being seriously impacted by COVID. The worst part for him was having to let go staff, which is obviously a huge burden for any entrepreneur.
In such situations, it’s hard not to succumb to despair, but it’s absolutely vital to stay on top of overwhelming negative emotions. Being the balanced guy that he is, Travis felt that the best approach is to take things day by day - take precautions, but keep chugging along.
Breaking the thought pattern of rumination is not an easy task. For Travis, talking to people and maintaining connection is an essential part of stopping the emotional rollercoaster. His self-development journey has also helped him take this challenge on with a better mindset, catch his reactions quicker and save himself from a downward spiral.
Understand the data
In order to save a business in such uncertain times, you need to know when to pull the trigger and have a great sense of what needs to be sacrificed in order to survive. Doing all the unsexy work, like knowing the numbers and letting go of staff where necessary can provide a lifeline that eventually brings those people back to work. If the business thrives later on, people can thrive too.
Focus on purpose and gratitude
JB is on the other side of the spectrum - his business actually signed some deals and is on top of sales objectives. Even so, anxiety is still there, because of the uncertainty of it all. JB has been focusing on reminding his team of their vision and purpose and on the feeling of gratitude for having work.
It’s also important to not bottle up feelings and spend some time acknowledging what’s going on without getting sucked into the despair other people are going through. Focus on what you can control is JB’s main advice.
Seize the opportunity
When he first started off as a videographer, Marco decided he wanted to be good enough that when people don’t want video, they would still want video from him. He feels like he didn’t improve enough to be sought after during COVID-19 restrictions, which dried up all his work.
To get over this crisis in his business, he is focusing on setting new targets and learning new skills in his area. The lockdown and the lack of other work are pushing him towards becoming a better videographer and seizing the opportunities that arise.
All this comes prepackaged with gratitude and self-awareness, which help him stay balanced.
Communicate and maintain a routine
Duncan’s business is in a good position, mainly because he’s spent the last decade consolidating his enterprise. Communication is key for him and his team, as is maintaining a routine, even though it might get smashed about quite a lot during this time. It’s the small things that keep us sane during insane times.
Relationships within the family can strengthen and quality time spent with the ones we love also has a positive effect on our mindset.
“Hug a little bit tighter. Just connect. That’s it” - Duncan
Stay healthy and connected
Conrad’s always had this dream of living on an island, away from it all and it’s sort of coming true now. Not that it’s not tough, but he’s not hating it either!
Isolation got to him around day 7-8, when he started feeling the weight of it all. When you’re stuck inside, you have to get creative and adapt, because you can’t live the same life as before.
For him it’s been really important to stay healthy - mentally and physically. Meditation, prayer and eating healthy - all of these make isolation a bit more bearable. Lack of connection can be very challenging, especially when you can’t be there for the people you love.
Be present
Matt is more on JB’s side of things - he’s lucky enough to have a stable base of clients and an efficient team behind him. He’s been through a few rough patches emotionally, but he’s been heavily focused on helping his team and their clients thrive during this time.
Has he felt fearful? Sure. But he tries to be present in every situation. There are many worse circumstances around him, with many people having to face the hard truth that everything they’ve worked for is crumbling. Being present in the now and acknowledging that there is a lot to be grateful for and a lot to be gained even in the most challenging situations is what has kept him going.
Thanks For Listening!
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Credits
Host: “Magic” Matt J Hanham
Co-Hosts: Conrad “Cone-rad” Francis, Travis Hayto, Michael Duncan, Marco Noe & Justin Bourn
Production: Alexandra Cho