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Strategies for Staying Motivated During This Crisis

Maggie Borden

April 22, 2020

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Cooking shrimp photo Eric Vitale
Photo: Eric Vitale

ICYMI, this spring we're hosting daily webinars as part of our Industry Support learning series. Over the past three weeks we've touched on deciphering government relief options, developing a cookbook concept and proposal, navigating the Paycheck Protection Program, and more. Below, keynote speaker and behavioral analyst Rachel Sheerin offers guidance and advice on staying motivated when the world seems to be spinning too fast.

1. Try to stay positive—hopeful over hurtful thoughts. Remember that if you feel the world is spinning, you are normal.

2. Keep Kanter's Law in mind: "Everything looks like a failure in the middle. Everyone loves inspiring beginnings and happy endings; it is just the middles that involve hard work."

3. A new normal requires new definitions. "Being there" now means:

  • Double the meetings you had before (say, from weekly to daily).
  • Overcommunicate with your team.
  • Check in privately, as some people may not feel comfortable speaking up or may need time to process.
  • Live by the 3 C's: congratulate, celebrate, and console.

4. Look for empowerment opportunities for yourself:

  • What control do you have over your own schedule?
  • What new systems of connection via social media are available to you?
  • Can you read a new book? Join a book club?
  • Can you take a course to learn something new?
  • Can you find power in how you're communicating with your clients?
  • Can you share your own skills and knowledge through webinars or online classes?

5. Lean on daily habits—this will help your brain conserve energy.

Watch the full webinar for information on dealing with fear, coaching yourself, and more.

Check out what's on-deck for our webinar series.

Our team would like to know what topics you would like us to cover. Please email us at impact@jamesbeard.org with your suggestions on speakers, resources and issues you would like us to host