*A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to three classes of sales students at the University of Cincinnati, and they had some really great questions. REALLY great questions...and a lot of them. So I thought it would be good to share them, and my answers, with you, gentle reader.*
How do you stay positive during the really difficult parts of starting a business or new job?
Ooh, I love this question. Emotional resilience is so important, and it is a skill that has to be developed over time, just like any other. And honestly, it is what separates successful salespeople and business owners from the pack—if you get discouraged and quit, you'll never be successful. So here are my favorite tactics:
Be honest. So often, we feel compelled to spray-paint over everything with Insta-worthy sunshine and rainbows. Cut that shit out. Be honest about when you are struggling, and ask for help, whether that's from your co-workers, your boss, your spouse, or your friend group.
Stay connected. It can be really tempting to curl up in a ball and hide when things get rough, but that's when you need people more than ever. Reach out to your circle and keep those connections alive, even if it is just through regular Zoom meetings or texts.
Stay healthy. Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of paying attention to your health and mental wellness when you are starting something new. You have to do it when you are in the messy middle, too. Take a break. Walk. Breathe. Lift heavy weights. Dance. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself healthy.
Perservere. The only way out is through, folks. You'll never succeed if you quit. The only way to get to the good stuff is to work through the tough stuff, and sometimes, you just have to remind yourself of that. When things get really tough, I might take an afternoon to wallow or cry, but I get up the next morning, stretch and meditate and get back on the horse.
There are a million more things I could say, but honestly, these are the big ones. Starting something new is really, really hard, but if it were easy, everyone would do it. Take care of yourself and keep going.
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