the SPARK ~ 148 I couldn’t believe she said this

 

 

 

Hi, Reader,

“You’re a little dramatic,” she said.

“I wouldn’t say I’m dramatic. I’d say I’m more reactive.”

“OK, you’re reactive with a capital D,” she replied. 🤣

This is still one of the funniest truths my therapist ever told me. It must have been about 18 years ago when she used that line on me, and I still love it to this day.

Not only because it was pretty funny (she’s quite witty) but because I could look at my own behavior in a whole new way.

Learning to observe our own behaviors is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

I’d love to think that at this point in my life, I know better than to “react” – especially if my mood is slightly off.

But that’s not always the case.

Which is what happened one morning this week.

One of my dogs was being a little whiney one morning and wanted out (they’re older dogs and never pester me to get up and let them out).

I wasn’t quite ready to get up, and for whatever reason, my “dramatic self” kicked into overdrive and I begrudgingly got up (all while telling her to stop whining).

Then I had a few interruptions while I was trying to acclimate to the day (you’d think I was trying to solve world peace or something, not just have coffee and read a bit), and I could feel myself getting more and more pissy by the minute.

Instead of focusing on tasks where I wasn’t engaging with people (at least until my mood shifted), I jumped in and overreacted with a new hire.

Having spent 15+ years in management before starting my business, sometimes my ‘old self’ kicks in, and instead of waiting until I’ve calmed down a bit and can look at things objectively, my inner dictator shows up.

It’s a little ridiculous.

If I’m not careful, my mind can jump into overdrive. “I don’t want to manage people, this is why I don’t do this…” blah, blah, blah.

Heaven forbid I do anything I don’t “love” to do to create the life I want. 🤣

In an email I sent earlier this week, I talked about doing the easy stuff vs. the hard stuff (below is the doodle I shared):

The stuff that we “see” in our business tends to be the easy stuff (and usually more fun).

Creating new operating procedures for a new hire is not what I’d call fun. 🥱
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But it’s my responsibility to set my new hire up for success, so this is a case of “suck it, buttercup.” I need to ensure we’re both on the same page, my instructions are clear, and she has everything she needs.

And note to self: stay out of your head and how you “feel” about doing this work.

This applies to any task in your business, even the things you tend to enjoy doing.

Example: If you’re out of alignment and social media triggers you, stay off it. You can doom scroll another day (and warning: your ego will probably fight you every step of the way).

Paying attention to how you react, er, respond can be golden if you use it as an indicator.

Maybe you…

• Need more sleep
• Need to meditate
• Go for a walk
• Vent to a trusted friend
• Turn off your phone
• Reschedule an appointment
• Journal
• Take the day off

Whatever it is, give yourself permission to do it.

You’re not serving anyone by showing up in a “mood.”

And when that’s all it is (a mood), by taking a step back, you can remind yourself that “it’s just a moment” or “just a day,” and it will pass.

One day, afternoon, or moment won’t throw you off your path. In fact, I’d say it’s the best way to ensure you stay ON your path.

This also falls under “entrepreneurial adulting.”

It’s not just about ‘sucking it up’ all the time.

You’re the only person who can determine what you need. To create the life you want, you need to be able to be gentle with yourself just as much as you are firm.

​Be good to yourself.​
(That one’s for you, Gen X 😉)

SPARK Spotlight 🔥

Ever thought about writing a book? Look no further…

Christine Sheehy is a dear friend of mine and is an incredible book coach. We started outlining my book last year – then I had back surgery, moved, etc. It’s still on my list, and she’s who I’m hiring.

If you’re not quite ready but want to get the ball rolling, download her “1-Page Book Plan” here.​

A Little Brainpower 🧠

Looking for a little inspiration for your newsletter? Read “40 uniquely crafted newsletter subject lines from successful creators.”​

If you’re still on the fence about YouTube shorts, this might change your mind. “I started publishing YouTube Shorts from a new account, and the results are insane.”​

This is a great behind-the-scenes article on the power of using Substack to grow your list. “How to Get Your First 2000 Subscribers on Substack.”​

This issue is brought to you by Events Calendar Pro​

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Stay tuned for next week when I share a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at how I’m using the Virtual Events add-on for my own marketing and workshops!

Tool Time 🛠

• Processes: I actually purchased this years ago (and am finally using it). It’s for training, onboarding, processes, and procedures for your business. Check out Waybook here.​
• Community: This looks like a great alternative to Circle, and at a much better price. Try Wylo free here.​
• Ad inspiration: A great collection of FB ads for newsletter growth. Check out Writer Ads free here.​
• WordPress Blocks: This is a great roundup of Block Builders for WordPress from Pluginsly. Check out the full list here.​

Boost Your Digital Presence 🚀

If you want copywriting, email & content writing, or social media done for you, look no further!

Yes, this is my offspring. 😉

However, she’s been working with me for 12 years, has a screenwriting degree, and plenty of work to show how incredible she is at what she does.

She has room for two more clients right now! Click here to download the zip file of her portfolios & services.​

Talk about reframing… I love this! 👇

So, did anyone watch the Apple event this week? (And to my Android friends, be nice 😉).

I didn’t watch it, but read about the updates. I’m pretty tempted to upgrade my phone because it’s been doing a few wonky things lately (I mean, it’s a whopping two years old… #plannedobsolesence, #sarcasm).

Because I’m doing a lot more video, I’m super interested in all the camera updates. My sister has a 14, and I’m floored at how much better her camera is than mine (12 pro).

At least it’s a write-off.

AND… it comes in pink! #simplepleasures

That’s all for this week.

Have a fantastic day,
Kim