Breakdown to breakthrough: how to learn during hard times

We all get lost sometimes, you know?

It’s how we learn, and how we grow.

(Thank you, Major Lazer and Justin Bieber for this killer opening.)

In all seriousness: even the most mentally strong people sometimes reach a breaking point.

I consider myself a strong person and I have a pretty high threshold for stress—so, when I finally get to a breaking point, I’ve already put up with a lot.

And that happened a few weeks ago. I wrote about it in my last weekly letter.

Today, I want to discuss what I learned, in hopes that you can learn, too. Maybe even before the breakdown hits. 😉
First: it’s important to know that there are ALWAYS signs. If you’ve reached the point of breakdown or burnout before, you should be familiar with them. For me, it’s often at the tail end of a perfect storm.

A team member leaves. A client leaves. We’re in a cash crunch. Personal relationship drama. Vacation becomes not a vacation because I feel like I’m too busy to take off. The kids are struggling or in trouble at school. I can’t keep up with the work on my plate. I’m missing deadlines or dropping the ball, and guilting myself on top of it.

I start to feel constantly exhausted.

I start to make cracks about my mental health. (Dealing with humor, maybe not the best way to cope or communicate. But I digress…)

Then BOOM: the spiral.

There are always signs. Get to know them. When you see them, take immediate action. Here’s how:

Communicate. Tell the people that need to know what is going on with you. It is not weak to feel like you’re not 100%. It’s not weak to tell people that you’re not doing well physically or mentally. It’s not weak to be honest.

Cancel. My word is my bond and I try to always follow through. Sometimes, it’s just not possible, and I am still trying to accept that. Cancel the meetings and cancel the social plans. You will never regret choosing yourself.

Sleep and exercise. Unfortunately, many of us have the tendency to sleep less when we are busy (not helpful) and skip workouts because we “don’t have time” (not helpful). Sleep allows your body and mind to heal—giving you the tools you need to stay in control of your emotions. And exercise helps your mood, even just 15-20 minutes a day.

Avoid alcohol or other depressants. If you are one of those people that copes with a couple of cocktails: don’t. I tell you from experience that it doesn’t help. In fact, I’ve started the 75 Hard journey twice during my heaviest times of stress—it helps me stay focused on my goals, instead of numbing them.

Last but not least: learn from your experience. Recording my podcast and writing content that openly discusses my experiences as a business owner, mother, and friend, forces me to reflect. And from reflection comes learning.

What are you going through right now? What are you learning from it? Reply to this email and let me know.