7 Steps to Process & Grow Through Challenging Situations

Hi Reader,

How are you doing?

I had some interesting conversations yesterday with friends and clients. To be honest, I’ve been numb off and on for over a year as I’ve opened my eyes to what’s really going on in the world.

As a Filipina American growing up and working in mostly white spaces, I’m not surprised. Tired, but not surprised.

What’s helping me is finding local and online community where our values are in alignment. Ultimately, I value collective liberation. Because if the most marginalized person is free, healthy, and, secure — we are all free, healthy, and secure.

Now what does this have to do with business?!

As business owners, we ARE the business. If we’re not feeling calm, grounded, and safe — it is hard to work on our business. Sometimes I think, “What’s the point?”

However, I know there is power in small business. We support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We may not have control over what the country or the world does, but we do have a say in our own pods.

Here are 7 steps you can use to process any challenging situations:

1. Reflect and Reframe​
   What is the lesson here? The small mindset shift can transform your challenges into valuable learning experiences.
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2. Create Grounding Rituals​
   Even if you’re not into meditation, you can take a moment to breathe and remember who and what matters most in your life. Check out Sass n’ Soul’s 30-day Gratitude Challenge for inspiration.
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3. Seek Connection and Perspective
   ​Talking it through with someone you feel safe with can bring insights you haven’t considered. And sometimes, just venting for 5 minutes allows us to let go and surrender.
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4. Focus on Small, Actionable Goals​
   I’m a fan of setting 90-day goals. If you’re facing a hurdle, look at what you can do in one day or in one week. I think you might surprise yourself when you give yourself a short deadline.
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5. Visualize the Bigger Picture​
   A visualization that resonates with me is the image of a dragon flying through a storm. The dragon isn’t deterred by the storm; it flies with strength and resilience.
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6. Use Challenges to Enhance Your Skills
   ​I’ve learned that my personal challenges can serve as a source of empathy and insight. What can you learn, improve on, or maybe just implement? We often know everything we need to know to grow our business, but it’s our doubt or self-talk that stops us.
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7. Emphasize Impact, Not Perfection
   ​One of the most grounding questions I ask myself during challenging times is, What would I want other aspiring changemakers to take away from this experience? By shifting the focus from personal achievement to collective impact, I find renewed motivation to keep going, even when things are tough.
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I’ll write more and post it next week. Stay tuned for that.

If I can be of any support, let me know.

I’m open to networking one-to-ones, complimentary discovery sessions if you’re interested in group or private business coaching, and I now also offer laser-focused coaching sessions – The Clear Path Strategy Session.

If you’re interested in learning more what you can do to dismantle oppressive systems, reply back. I’ve been on a deep unlearning/learning path about collective liberation. I’m happy to share my resources and organizations that are truly doing the work to help marginalized people.

Also, if you’re unsure on how to publicly support causes you believe in, check out my video podcast episode on Business and Politics. I apologize for the sound quality. The episodes after that one are much better sound wise. Lol

Take care of yourself and let’s continue sharing our gifts, making the change you want to see in the world.

With love,

Gail

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