You’re busy. I’m busy. Everyone—including my retired mama—is busy.
[But seriously, I’m really busy this month. See how I just one-upped all y’all.]
Whenever I find myself wanting to quit e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for more than 11 days in a row, I take a time out.
During yesterday’s time out, I realized something.
I realized that I’m in the center of chaos. Like first world chaos, the cushy non-life-threatening type of stuff.
And I invited 99% of it into my life…
…like bumping fists with new clients. Selling our house to move back to Brooklyn. Entertaining an 8-month-old and 3-year-old while my partner travels for his new job. Edu-copy-ing myself (in my spare time) on the ins and outs of conversion copywriting (because how else will I improve my skills?). Travel to and from weddings (congratulations Randy & Teryn!). Hosting my AirBnB (want to visit?). Etcetera.
It’s cuckoo. I’m sure you can relate.
So in order to cope with the chaos, I’ve created a few rules for myself. (Who knew these rules would also clear my skin? Bonus!)
- Schedule quiet time. I’ve found I’m happiest during the wee hours of the morning. Like 3AM. Waking up crazy early has been the best decision for my business and life. My brain functions best first thing in the day. I avoid distractions. By the time my kids wake up around 7AM, I’m ready to give them lots of love and attention, because I already feel accomplished. And when I feel accomplished I feel f’n’ awesome. (WARNING: don’t try this at home without an afternoon nap. You’ll wither away.)
- Listen to music. You know what makes the morning madness (AKA changing diapers, packing lunches, dressing the kids) easier? Listening to Enya. Yeah, I’m not embarrassed to admit it – Enya accompanies me while I twirl around the kitchen each and every morning. Don’t judge.
- Reduce sugar. Notice how I didn’t say, eliminate sugar. I am a sugar addict. I was raised on sweets and feel an affinity for holiday baked goods. Damn you, gingerbread! When I feel exhausted and overwhelmed by Life, I tend to shove down even more sugar. So, in celebration of coping with my chaos this season, I’ve severely limited my sugar and alcohol intake. Not forever—just for now. <<< My motto. Sure, I’ll savor a glass of wine and/or a few chocolate chips here and there but mostly I’ve been sugar-free. My energy levels have seriously skyrocketed AND my skin looks better than ever (email me to see before/after photos). Now, if only I could eliminate those dark circles underneath my eyes triggered by rule #1.
- Lift weights. Whenever I’m cranky—which is like, ummmmm, every single day—I head over to the gym for a weight lifting class (like Les Mills BODY PUMP). The class leaves me feeling reenergized and more confident in myself. And confidence leads to increased creativity, which leads to better copy.
- Learn something new. It’s easy to feel like your brilliant self has been replaced by a zombie during seasons of chaos. Once your “me time” disappears, losing yourself is inevitable. Next time you feel stretched thin, commit to learning something new. Learn something you’re excited about. Learn something you’ve wanted to dive deeper into for a long time. Learn something that will make you feel good, really good. Schedule the time in your calendar and join an accountability group if needed to ensure you do what you say you’re going to do. I recently joined the Copy Hackers Conversion Copywriting Mastermind group and have learned a TON. It’s motivated me during a challenging month.
So, what about you? How do you cope with chaos?
Write down 5 rules that work for you and tape it to your fridge.
And remember, chaos comes and goes.
Take advantage of it.
You have the power to turn chaos into creativity for your soul, business, and life.
