More doing, less doubting.

I've been struggling with something. I know...this is a rarity that I open up and write anymore on this blog but sometimes you just gotta do it. I used to all the time until I decided to lighten things up a bit. So here it goes...

My husband and I work a lot. Like a lot a lot. For me, in particular, I love what I do. Lately, it's felt a bit like a big hamster wheel. I'm constantly taking feedback from clients, running ragged with wet hair and most of all, heading up our new business department all the while interviewing new talent to add to our team. I am not bored...trust in that, but there's something that's been clouding my brain.

While I love what I do - the real rush stems from closing a deal and interacting with prospects. It's what I've done my whole life. The difference is that now I where a CEO hat and have to do all the not-so-fun tasks like month end and logistical stuff. I would never trade it but there's something to be said for focusing on one goal and crushing it. In fact, I think this past year I've been so consumed with all the other aspects of my business along with a heavy dose of worry that I got a bit soft, less aggressive which is very unlike me.

Frankly, I got in a negative head space. And since my company is my third baby...there's no turning back. I'm in it for the long haul which meant I needed to change something. And fast. It hit me about three weeks ago. All this peripheral tasking needed to be put in the parking lot and I needed to return to my roots. In some ways, I guess today's post is about getting out of a negative cycle and turning it around for the positive. 

The good news is I have turned it around but it takes a lot of work. Daily. Like any relationship...this is a relationship that you have with yourself. Here's what I did:

1. I put everything on hold. Every little email that wasn't earth shattering - it was getting answered until the end of the day. I have one job and that's closing deals.

2. I started working out first thing. This was tough but your body does get used to waking up at 5am and the rest of your day is so much more productive. 

3. I started networking again. Life gets so busy and it becomes further compounded when you're a mother because any time not working is really meant to be spent with your family. With that comes sacrifices but everything in moderation. New contacts always lead to new business.

4. I added to my sales team. Someone who could help me carry the load and share in the everyday trials and tribulations can do wonders for your mindset.

5. I started saying "no" a bit more. This is a hard one for me but you have to know when you are spread too thin. Doing everything half ass isn't good for anyone.

6. I send out all my important emails between the hours of 6:00-8:30 AM. They say it's the best time to reach the decision maker. Early bird gets first slot in the inbox. (I made that one up, obviously)

7. I remove myself from negative conversations. That's not to say I don't have disagreements in the work world but when something begins to weigh me down...I put my head down and work. Having negative conversations impacts everything - that next call, that next meeting and most importantly, my interactions with my family.

8. Finally, and this is an important one: Surround yourself with inspiring people who motivate, cheerlead and support you. The two friends above, Jen and Joel, have reinvigorated my spirit and reinforced the fact that Rome wasn't built overnight. They understand the entrepreneurial woes and the wins. I cherish our friendship.

Sorry for the long post. I had to get this off my chest. Social media isn't always what it appears to be. I have a lot of fun socially and at work but not everyday is easy or glamorous. Still, I couldn't see myself doing anything else. Once you know this for sure, you take the good with the bad because tomorrow really is a new day.

Shop the direct links below to snag my dress from Friday's fashion event. The fit was fantastic! Happy Monday! xo

Check out today's link ups: Pink Sole, Musings of a Housewife, Fashionista Momma, More Pieces of Me, The Foley Fam, Watch Out for the Woetsmans Fizz and Frosting, Style Elixir, I Do deClaire, Garay Treasures