7?? Feelings That Drive My Transformation

I wanted to share some insights and takeaways from the?International Women’s Day event I spoke at last week in beautiful Buncrana on the Inishowen peninsula in my home county of Donegal. I was invited by the Donegal Women in Business Network as part of Local Enterprise Week supported by LEO Donegal. We were joined by the fierce women of Enterprising Women of Mid and East Antrim.?

I was invited to share some experiences that have shaped me and my business. It was an epic event, with an epic audience and important networking.?

So while I won’t share the specific stories, I thought I’d share the feelings that have been pivotal in me taking quite a number of leaps of faith in my life.?

I know talking about your feelings on LinkedIn can be frowned upon. But lessons can be learned by sharing life’s pitfalls.

Nevertheless, those that want to read on, will benefit. So, let’s go.?

#1 FEAR?

Fear, my old friend, you are holding me back! But what if my fear was just an idea in my head? A thought? Not my current or future reality? In the starkest of situations I’ve shifted fear to fearlessness. But how? Simple. I took action. Move the E(motion) by taking action! This is the best life hack I can share. It lifts paralysis and procrastination. I never knew every step, but I took the first one, the next next one showed itself and suddenly I’m jogging forward.?

#2 SHAME?

Shame is a sinister emotion. It’s really destructive and debilitating. I hate shame! But I’ve been trying to rid myself of this emotion by getting comfortable with my decisions. So how did I move from shame to self-acceptance? I was kind to myself and talked out this feeling with a professional. And I found/am finding peace. I also then open up about certain decisions to others. It also helps build self-confidence, essential for entrepreneurs!?

#3 VULNERABILITY?

Sometimes I feel like vomiting when I think about being vulnerable. It’s stomach-twisting. I’ll regress, retreat, rewind and more to avoid it. But as humans we need to show up as the real us, and that includes being vulnerable. So how did I get better at vulnerability (apart from studying Brene Brown’s work)? I opened up to people I trusted and practiced small moments of vulnerability. Baby steps here.?

#4 STRESS

Pressure is for tyres, right? Stress management is essential as a self-employed, single parent. I’m really good at planning, processes and prioritising. That keeps overwhelm at bay. I also have a great team and we have shared values and help each other out. I also communicate to my clients openly and frequently. I’m accessible. People may think this isn’t a productive approach but it works. My team is behind me supporting the big goals. If I know anything, I know good communication is essential.?

#5 LOSS?

Losing is part of life. But also, when we lose we learn. The greatest lessons are during the darkest days. How do I move from disappointment to acceptance? I always give myself 24 hours to feel it. Longer if it’s life-altering. But after that, it’s time to move on. I also try to take the lesson (on the chin).?

#6 LOVE?

I love love. Love drives me in life and in business. I need to be inspired to do my best work, and so I choose the projects I work on. I need to know I can make a difference, so purpose is part of this too. And love also helps when things are tough, being surrounded by people that have your back and believe in you. I also surround myself with great people, positive people, real people.?

#7 JOY

Joy is one of my core values. Being joyful can be contagious, and having good energy and a positive disposition makes you a person that others want to work with. Clearly I’m not joyful all of the time, but I know how to flick the switch (play loud music, go for a run, have a good night’s sleep, have a wholesome conversation with a confidant, get cuddles from my granddaughter Maisie).?

In work or business it’s impossible to leave our feelings at home. As I get older and wiser, I’m more aware of how I show up in the world.?

But I’d love to hear from you. How do you feel, and how does it manifest in your positive progress??

Leave your comments below.?

Thanks to DWIBN, LEO Donegal & Enterprising Women Mid & East Antrim for your friendship and network.?

Yours in digital, Joanne.?