The end of this Financial Year is fast approaching, with mostly bad news in the air for the coming year. Recession (and a pink one at that), job losses, and projections that our grandkids will still be paying off the debt accumulated through the pandemic.
That said, I don't think anyone would argue with a move to lessen the lock down restrictions - to at least get out and see more people. Personally, I've loved the forced home time. It's been a time to really sit back and reflect on what's important, spend quality time with our kids, and not feel like I'm rushing from pillar to post every day!
I'm lucky that I work from home anyway, so there wasn't much of a change when it came to the lockdown. It was, however, quite an adjustment to manage my time around helping with kids schoolwork and to find a quiet place to hold a conference call.
I also took the opportunity to invest in myself and my business during the lockdown. I have just completed 6 weeks of training with Fempire, run by Founder and CEO Marnie LeFevre. (ladies, do yourselves a favour and check it out!) Whilst I already knew a lot about running a business, particularly the marketing elements, what I was missing was a big shot of confidence, the support and backing of a group of like-minded women and the opportunity to both validate my knowledge and learn new tips and tricks. If you don't learn something new in these types of courses, I don't think you're working hard enough!
…what I was missing was a big shot of confidence, the support and backing of a group of like-minded women and the opportunity to both validate my knowledge and learn new tips and tricks.
Needless to say, I learned a lot. I learned about myself, how I don't like to promote myself even though I'm happy to promote others. I was reminded about balance, about being grateful, and setting realistic goals. I considered who will help and who might hinder my dreams moving forward, and I really thought about my values.
Some of you may ask "Why bother with all this?" and “don't you know this already?” Well I did....and I didn't. I never really took the time to take stock of my business because I was busy looking after other people's businesses!
So here we are (in Victoria), on the brink of a second wave. There's every reason to feel frustrated and a little defeated as the promise of 'freedom' feels like it's slipping further away. But I'm actually feeling really positive about the future; I’m rejuvenated and ready to take on my existing and future clients with an energy I haven't had for some time. I hope that that positivity is reflected in every part of my life, not just at work.
Whilst we can't control the recession or the pandemic, what we can do is remain positive. Be kind - to yourself and others. Open yourself up to new challenges. And in the words of Dory from 'Finding Nemo': "Just keep swimming."