The fastest way to self-sabotage is to believe everything you tell yourself.

I learned this the hard way (and, honestly, I’m still learning). Recently, as I navigated a business funk (read all about it and how I fixed it here), I let a bunch of negative thoughts take over my usually hopeful and optimistic attitude.

It happened slowly… slowly… slowly… until suddenly, I was telling myself my work sucked, my business sucked, I had no time for anything, and I might as well just give up altogether. My habits and rituals changed, and I felt like I was living in the depths of despair (probably a bit dramatic, but hey, I love a good excuse to quote Anne of Green Gables). I threw myself a massive pity-party for one. Even though I was going through the motions in my business, internally, I have to admit…

I stopped trying.

Until I got so sick of hearing myself (in my head)…

Words and Thoughts Hold Power

I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure we...

Facing the Seven Year Itch + how I got my business motivation back

It hit me like a pungent waft of bourbon and coke. I had itchy feet.

For months I’d been feeling so lost in my business. Oh-so-befuddlingly-lost. It’s happened before, so I wasn’t in panic mode yet. But usually I can pinpoint the exact reason I’ve lost momentum, motivation or energy for all running my branding studio entails. And once I’ve done that, the fog clears and the pathway is illuminated once more. Peace is restored and my very patient husband can breathe a sigh of relief.

This time was different. It felt eerie, and disconcerting. And it went on for months.

Just between us, for the first time in 14 years, I tentatively dipped my toe into “job hunting” (I use quote marks here because really, who was I kidding?). Now obviously, there are always going to be external factors that influence our overall business experience, such as market changes, the doom-and-gloom...

I’m here to sprinkle a little sunshine on your day. Although there is so much uncertainty, unease and upheaval circulating our business community at the moment, it’s not ALL doom and gloom. Even if your business is temporarily stalled, you CAN keep your brand healthy through uncertain times.

Some businesses are temporarily closing for the greater good, and the amazing people behind those businesses have my heartfelt gratitude for their selflessness and sacrifice.

Others have cut off their core service or product offering in favour of entirely different substitutes that still fill the needs of their customers, and these businesses deserve a medal for bravery!

There are some very brave souls who are pivoting quickly, adapting to the current climate either temporarily or for the long term. The inspiring owners of these businesses deserve our support and a massive pat on the back for thinking outside the box.

Some businesses are seemingly unaffected, but are perhaps feeling...