It Doesn't Have to Be That Hard!

One of my family values growing up was that we were "hard workers." The work ethic in my family is very strong and we can "push through" anything.

That work ethic has allowed many in my family, myself included, to advance in our chosen careers and win a number of industry and community awards. I come from two long lines of people that worked hard and made big impacts in the communities they served.

That hard work mindset has also put a number of us, myself included, into health situations that could have been avoided if we had just thought a bit differently about what hard work means to us.

When I was younger, hard work equaled MANY HOURS of work. It equaled SACRIFICE of friends and family. It meant DENIAL of my own self care. It wasn't that I did not value my friends or family and I certainly believed that I needed to take better care of myself; but I was dedicated to my work and I had a good work ethic, so I did not see any other way. I CARRIED THAT WEIGHT on my shoulders for years.

It wasn't until I was so sick that I was told I would possibly not live to see the coming year, that I started looking very carefully at what "hard work" had done to me and started shifting my perspective. I'm here today, litterally, because I figured out how to do that.

Back then, I thought that success had to take a long time. I had not defined what a long time was, just that I needed to work really hard for a really long time before I could attain it.

That does not have to be the case. Today, I'm sharing Kevin's story as inspiration that things can shift in your business very quickly.

Kevin Seymour Director, ROE SchoolWorks

"I remember well the day Stephanie visited my office. I had stacks
of books and papers on every horizontal surface, including some of the floor. Oblivious to the disorganization of my office, I felt that I
was functioning at a high level, but was frustrated that I was always preparing for everything at the last minute. I justified my procrastination by telling myself that I “function better under pressure.” I didn’t really believe that I needed much help, but Stephanie came highly recommended by a friend, and I felt she was worth a try. I was confident that the professional angst and anxiety I felt was just part of my job and that there was nothing she could do
to relieve the pressures I felt.

"I was wrong. Stephanie changed my life in one day. She started our visit with a series of questions that made me reflect upon my modus operandi. Through gentle, but firm inquiry she helped me realize how the cluttered look of my office mirrored the near-chaotic process with which I tackled every day activities. She listened, provided encouragement, prodded for understanding, and provided helpful and pertinent strategies. One of the most important things she did was invite my administrative assistant to be a part of the improvement process and helped us realize how much more effective we could be if we worked as a team.

"Stephanie’s visit occurred four years ago. I am proud to say that my office remains stack free, my assistant and I now work together in a very effective manner, and I plan for most activities at least a week in advance. I still stumble every once in a while, but it is during these times that I remember her gentle, but firm question, “Do you really need to do it this way?” My assistant now quotes Stephanie’s wisdom when she sees me allowing myself to return to “old” ways.

"I have called upon Stephanie on other occasions for different topics since her original visit. As is very evident in the text above, I hold Stephanie in very high regard. I respect her strong sense of proactivity and purpose. I admire her ability to understand and work with people. I am amazed by the professional network she has built. And I appreciate her direct and forthright approach. I am a better person, both personally and professionally, because of Stephanie. For that I will ever be thankful."