Do you find yourself weary and broken-hearted right now? Are you tired of opening your phone, or turning on the news and seeing updates of the death and destruction in Ukraine? Innocent people, fighting for their right to freedom being slaughtered by evil. Are you stressed over the rising cost of living, the racial tensions, the fear of what is to come?
Every person I talk to is at least a little bit tired and worn out, myself included. We are worn out from war, the pandemic, the drama, the politics, inflation, the hate, anger and frustration of people, the evil in the world that seems to be winning, and the list goes on and on. It seems like every time we turn around there is something negative being thrown at us. It is exhausting. Many people feel helpless. But the truth is, there IS something you can do about it.
I’d like to offer you a few suggestions of things I find that have helped me.
First…stop. Call a timeout. Take a break. Put your phone down. Spend a few minutes in silence. Turn off social media, the news, the notifications on your phone and computers. Stop the intake of negativity. Even if it is only for a few minutes. The more negativity you focus on, the more negativity you will see.
Second, Pray. Turn to God. In your few minutes of quiet time, throughout the day and whenever you feel overwhelmed, burnt out and frustrated…pray. Again, whoever or whatever is on your heart is there for a reason. Listen to that still small voice and turn to God. Ask him for help, peace and comfort. He promises He will provide. God will move! If you don’t believe in God, or don’t think He can make a difference, then simply speak positive words into the universe. Bless those around you. Bless those suffering. Bless those in need.
Third…look for the good in the world. Be thankful for what you have and find the positive and good things going on in your life and around you. Every day write down three to five things you are thankful for. You can put them in a notebook or in your phone. Each of us reading this has so many things to be thankful for. We just need to focus on them. You are not being naïve and burying your head in the sand, you are shifting your focus from the negative to the positive. The more positive you look for, the more you will see. Eventually it can help shift your perspective.
Fourth…BE KIND! It may seem like something so simple, but right now, it seems to be one of the hardest things to do. When we are under stress, frustrated, angry, tired and feeling beat up, we have a tendency to take it out on other people. This is where stopping and calling a timeout can be helpful. Don’t take your anger and frustration out on others. Be kind, to the coworker who irritates you, to the sales associate that can’t give you what you want, to your servers or baristas, to everyone you come in contact with. Smile. Open a door for a stranger. Say please and thank you. Everyone is trying their hardest, and you don’t know the battle other people are fighting, so instead of being part of the problem, try to be part of the solution and just simply BE KIND! And there is no where more important to do this, then in your own home. Pay extra close attention to how you are with your spouse, your kids, and those closest to you. They often take the brunt of our frustration.
Fifth…Help those in need. Whatever or whoever is weighing on your heart is there for a reason. Find a way to help them. Look for a non-profit impacting the lives of others and donate, volunteer or simply spread the word about the good they are doing. God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents and He has called us to use them. Our job is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Use your gifts and talents to positively impact the lives of others. You were made with your unique and special set of gifts for a reason. Don’t let them go to waste.
Finally…this is for all of the leaders out there…Your team needs you to lead by example. Right now, words are cheap. Remember that your team is made up of real people, not robots. There is a limit to what each of us can do and can handle. I believe, the reason for the Great Resignation of 2021 had more to do with leadership than anything else. People will put their lives on the line for a good leader. They will follow them to the ends of the earth. If your company looks like a revolving door of employees, it is time to check your leadership. If your employees are not at their best, stop, and look and see what is going on. What are the demands you are putting on your team? Yes, growth is important, productivity and profits are important, but at what cost?
I’m seeing far too many companies throwing money away because their turnover rate is so high. They are spending thousands of dollars on training and onboarding new team members, only to have them leave a short time later. It is not because there is a better offer out there, it’s because your culture and leadership is toxic. I know it can be hard to admit. People are not willing to put up with bullshit anymore. It is not worth it. People deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. If you want to thrive as a business during this time, make your employees your number one priority.
Billionaire Richard Branson has said,
“Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of the business. It’s as simple as that. Healthy, engaged employees are your top competitive advantage.”
If you feel stuck, frustrated or feel like you are at a loss for what to do in your own life or to bring out the best in your team, I can help. This is a key time to hire a leadership and success coach. My job is to be brutally honest with you and to help you see what is preventing you and your team from being your best. My leadership coach training will help you get unstuck and move you and your team to a new level of productivity, joy and passion. My 360 Leadership Assessment will help you determine what areas to focus on. And my ELI Assessment will provide a clear picture of how you deal with stress (and every day life) and what you (and your team) can do to thrive during this time.
What are you waiting for?
I am offering a free introductory coaching session. Simply click on my calendar link below and schedule.
https://calendly.com/maryann-nspire/introductory-session
Or feel free to email me at maryann@nspirecoaching.net.
I’m here to help! I hope and pray that you have a truly blessed week.