It does not seem to stop lately!  Bad economic news which seems to inspire the market to tank nearly every day.  (There was an impressive rally yesterday though!)  Small business owners are definitely feeling the heat.  Perhaps you have even considered going for a full out panic.  You could do that.  Imagine yourself running around in circles and screaming that the world is coming to an end.  How useful would this be?  How does this meet your business goals?  On the other hand, you could just allow yourself a Freak Out Moment.  Take 5 minutes (set a timer if you need to) and give yourself the time to notice your reality. Here is how to use your Freak Out Moment productively:
  1. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling?”  A lot of people try to cram their feelings somewhere in the backroom of their minds.  If you are feeling anger, frustration, or fear, this energy will come out somewhere and it may not end well.  Conversely, if you are feeling competent, calm, or confident, relax into this. 
  2. Express the feeling.  I have coached clients where we made room for just talking about the reality, writing it on paper, or even had a mini-tantrum.  The great thing about these options is that you get it out of your head. They do not last long, really.  Trust yourself that you learned something when you were 2 years old. 
  3. Take a 5-7 deep breaths and stretch.  Breathing and movement can break the negative cycle.
  4. Review your business goals and brainstorm all the ways you can meet them.  PIck 2-3 options and go to work. 
This article also adds some ideas to how you can stay calmer amidst this roiling economic mess.  If you would like to learn about what traits you share with resilient entrepreneurs and get some tips and strategies, go to www.abilitysuccessgrowth.com/benddontbreak.html.
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