Everyone gets stuck now and then. Plus, we all know it’s been a really challenging four years, and expectations for performance haven’t let up in our careers. The key to success is to put one foot in front of the other, show up, and conquer the day.
But we all want more than that. We all want to thrive while we rise.
Recently, I left my full-time corporate marketing job to take the leap and start my own business and write a book. Was it scary? Yes. Has it been exhilarating? Heck yes!
Here are the nine steps I took to get here:
STEP 1: STAY RESILIENT
Resilience is key, and what’s important is the capacity to recover quickly from setbacks and to be able to bounce back. Resilient people have the ability to cope effectively through challenges, and often demonstrate a positive outlook and humor about life.
When I left my corporate job to become an entrepreneur, I broke down how I’d start my own business into my Full Focus planner and set goals for the start-up.
STEP 2: RECHARGE
Recharge and do things you love to do. This could be getting out in nature, exercising, or spending time with people in your network who bring energy and joy.
I recharged through spin classes, a weekly HIIT class with a friend, walks through Emory University, and fun dinners with friends.
STEP 3: REIMAGINE AND REFRAME YOUR SITUATION
Use this time to write out the best possible scenario, and articulate the steps to get you there. Identify obstacles that might be roadblocks on your journey and work to squelch them. Sometimes, hiring a coach or working with a mentor can help the brainstorming process and get you to your next chapter.
I met with a coach and sought the advice of role models who had started their own businesses.
STEP 4: RETREAT
Retreats or short getaways can help reimagine new possibilities. I recently spent the weekend with a new business partner at her lake house with the sole intention of articulating and crafting our next business chapter. It was fun and inspiring, and now we have mapped out the first phase of our business plan. We plan to have these retreats quarterly, so that we can keep our north star in front of us while we are reaching for the stars.
STEP 5: FIND MOMENTUM
Finding “rhythm to the algorithm” is a way to break out of the doldrums and bring inspiration to the perspiration.
For example, I am in the process of writing a second book, but I’ve gotten stuck. I decided to go ahead and start the design of the cover so that I could be inspired and bring back the creative juices to the writing process, which can be a grind at times.
STEP 6: REBOOT BY MAKING YOUR CHORE A JOY
I am a big fan of journaling, and I like to write out my next chapter in life. I also believe in the power of vision boarding and putting ideas on paper. I keep my vision board in front of my desk and on my screen saver so I can see my goals daily. I also share my goals and vision board on LinkedIn. I do this to hold myself accountable for reaching my goals.
STEP 7: BEGIN AND END YOUR DAY WITH RITUALS
Rituals are a great way to start every day and close out the evenings. In the morning, I start with exercise and write down my intention for the day. In the evening, I review what’s going to happen the next day and prepare.
Incorporating rituals is a great way to foster a sense of routine and passion, and break free from work monotony, thereby creating renewed energy and focus.
STEP 8: SHARE
Ripple effects are created by sharing what’s next with your community and friends. Your contagious energy will encourage others to help you reach your goals sooner. No one can do it alone, and people love helping others be successful. And when you invest in yourself, you invest in all the others around you. Everyone benefits!
STEP 9: CELEBRATE
Rewards and celebrations for reaching milestones are key. Make the journey rewarding and fun. For me, I am celebrating the launch of my book by going to the Canyon Ranch with friends.
The rewards can be for small wins, too—a weekend trip for winning a new client, new tennis shoes for reaching exercise goals, or a nice dinner with my husband for his help on a proposal. Mostly, I am grateful for how far I’ve come in a few short years and I appreciate the hard work, the grit, and the help from the people in my circle.
Reaching new heights and retrenching requires revolution and evolution, especially when you are in a rut. The key is finding the reboots that work for you to reignite growth and drive passion into your work. These are the “Reboot R’s” and the ways I was able to become unstuck and write my next chapter.
Jo Ann Herold is formerly CMO of HoneyBaked (twice), Interface, Inc., and VP of Brand @ Arby’s. Now is CEO of Herold Growth Consulting.