How Covid19 changed my "normal"

I used to believe that work life balance was this magical peak of a mountain that through hard work, boundaries and sacrifice, you can summit. I was wrong. And you know what, it’s probably a good thing. 

See, when I first started out in my post-college life, I looked to those around me for inspiration. The coffee manager who loved her job and her team, the hairstylist who prided themselves on working multiple industry jobs, the high level exec who sadly missed a lot of their kids activities. The common thread was the varying levels of stress and the sacrifices it took to be good at their job. I started to make a list of the things I did and did not want in my future career.

I knew early on that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I loved the complex problem solving and that at the end of the day, if I wanted to make more, it was on me. Now, I'm also aware of the invisible hours of work that pile up: responding to emails, scheduling social media, creating courses, marketing, business planning, the list goes on. So I worked hard to build a schedule that I felt would optimize my time both personally and professionally.

I constantly preach about setting strong boundaries in life and the importance of taking time for you. Which is why I always take a spring break. And then Covid19 happened. My salon was forced to close, vacation cancelled, and I had nothing else but time to focus on my real dream of becoming a business coach. In the beginning I was a mess. Binging Netflix, and crying, then locking myself away in my room and "working on my new business." 

Some days I listened to business podcasts, read business books, and took online classes. Other days I snuck out with my boyfriend and drove all around Washington just to sight see and get out of the house. In both scenarios, all the structure I built totally disappeared.

I've learned now, more than ever to identify a true north but be flexible on how I get there. I've ditched the idea that balance is a destination but rather a constant reminder to check in. Ask yourself, where is your time being spent and where is your money going, knowing those two things tells you a lot about your priorities. And how your ever evolving balance is showing up.

What I'm trying to say is that the time has changed. Whatever was "normal" won't be anymore, and maybe that'll be for the better. But right now you have a chance to make some positive changes, embrace this new normal, and find a new sense of balance.  If you're feeling totally lost like I was, use this FREE guide to help you find your true north. It helped me really pay attention to what my gut is trying to tell me. It knows best.

Happy Hustling,

Kelsey