By Meeta Vengapally
The other day I went to the grocery store and bought a red pepper for seven dollars. Through my sticker shock, I told myself this had to be done. Peppers are incredibly healthy, I use them in many dishes, and I wasn’t going to let my kids live on fries alone.
What kept me in the produce aisle anxious about this decision is the same for all of us: Vegetables shouldn’t cost this much, and neither should everything else. Standing there in dismay, I looked at the other shoppers and realized we were all in this together. Our world is pretty crazy right now, so I asked myself: How can we create reason in an upside-down world? Most important, How can we and our businesses thrive?
Overcoming disillusionment in our personal and professional lives
It’s no surprise that inflation, crime and poor mental health go hand in hand. We are human. Everyone is doing their best and we are at the point where people are having to make desperate efforts to survive. America is one of the richest countries in the world, but the wheels seem to have gone off the rails. People are struggling and it feels like their moral strength has been lost.
We live in an increasingly marginalized, politicized, and hateful world, and the root of it all is deep-seated fear – fear in our personal and professional lives. But this disillusionment can either bring us down or lift us up together. Given the problems we face, we can choose inaction or innovation. Many businesses are going through this period in difficulty, but those that manage to get through it choose to look for new solutions. The truth is, what happens in the world can make us better and stronger if we adopt the right mindset. Here’s how.
1. Understand that you are not alone
My personal key to thriving through disillusionment and worry is to focus on knowing that if I’m afraid of something, countless others are afraid of it too. When mental health issues arise, well, someone else has to deal with them too. My terrifying grocery bill to feed my family gives me the same heart palpitations as everyone else. If I struggle with making leadership decisions, you better believe countless leaders do too.
Even if we can’t control In our world today, we can take a moment in the produce aisle to realize that we are not alone in this situation. The pandemic, the protests and serious crime on the rise: none of this is within our control. More than ever, it is time for us to focus on what we can control: what we do for ourselves and our relationships with family, team members, and our customers or followers.
2. Lead with the heart
I’m an Instagram influencer and I’ve been questioning that term lately. How can we influence? What impact do we have? These questions are more important than ever because we can rise above negativity through the decisions we make in life and business. “Influencing with the heart” may not be a widely discussed leadership tactic, but as business owners, content producers, and entrepreneurs, we absolutely must lead with the heart and encourage our creative spirit in the face of challenges. .
Our customers, our team members and even those we pass on the street want to be seen. The best way to do this is to do it with sincerity. Businesses that are thriving today understand this key principle. The world has changed and they have changed with it. There is an old adage that the customer is always right. My point of view, in our modern climate, is that the customer is always right in saying that they need that sincere, human touch. We all need it in this time of disillusionment.
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3. Get over the “I’m fine” myth
“I’m fine” is one of the biggest cop-outs. Even as a manager or owner of a small business, sometimes things just don’t work out! Admitting this is an expression of your humanity and contributes to the health of everyone around you. Our society is geared towards looking good: strong, resilient and fashionable. I think these qualities are great, but we gain more strength and resilience when we admit the times when we feel weak.
This is especially important in the business world and most don’t realize it. If a team member is not feeling well or suffering in some way, their resilience increases when leaders let them know that It’s okay not to be okay. When we give each other strength in difficult times, we all rise and become more resilient. If your business or sales are not doing well, the same principle applies. Being honest about what is happening opens the door to what needs to be done. Ignoring it creates the opposite effect.
4. Take a step back from the chaos
When I step back from this maddening world, I ask myself: “What do I tell my children? The answer came to me with this red pepper in my hand:
Look around you. Everyone is in trouble. People who break into stores have a hard time (but that doesn’t mean they should). Those suffering from depression and anxiety are struggling, and those trying to make ends meet are struggling.
Entrepreneurs and leaders often feel the need to move forward. People depend on us and success is the main goal. However, the modern superhero must step back and evaluate. There are so many new variables in our world. Responding out of fear is not the right choice. In a crisis situation, of course, you need to think quickly, but if you face circumstances in which you can take more time, do so. Allowing yourself this moment will help you rise above it and gain perspective.
Thriving despite disillusionment
The entrepreneurial spirit teaches us to be strong, confident and resourceful. Our current upside-down world teaches us to be something greater: both vulnerable and strong in our communication with one another. We see what we see. When it comes to news, we are fed what we are fed. More than ever, our interactions are complex, stimulating and extremely important.
Being disillusioned in America feels a bit like a pandemic hangover, but there’s a more important lesson to be learned. People don’t feel good sometimes. Maybe You I do not feel good. Maybe your business is affected. But it is important to know that not being okay is okay. This greater understanding and recognition is vital for your family, your entrepreneurship and you.
Take a break from the world and focus on what you need give. It’s the most important life and career decision you can make.
About the Author
Meeta Vengapally, a pioneer in the world of startup technology and social media personality, is the founder and CEO of Garnysh and a sought-after influencer. Meeta has a portfolio orchestrating over 1,000 brand partnerships and serving as an advocate for leading companies. She balances her entrepreneurial achievements with being a devoted mom to her two talented teenage actors, Winston and Sitara Vengapally. Stay connected with Meeta on Instagramread his Forbes profiles showcasing his expertise in world of startups and on social networksand explore his articles on AllBusiness.com.
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