This year, we’ve gotten lots of practice dealing with curveballs. We’ve had to adjust like never before.
In the last few months, we’ve faced a global pandemic, devastating lockdowns, social unrest, and unprecedented political craziness. Just to name a few. Sometimes it seems like 2020 has been nothing BUT curveballs…
But even in a non-pandemic year, we face major challenges in our personal and professional lives: relationships that go south, major illnesses, failed launches, etc. Challenges are inevitable. But it helps if you have a plan for dealing with curveballs when they come.
4 Quick Tips for Dealing with Curveballs
So I wanted to share some quick tips for dealing with the curveballs life sends you. This isn’t an exhaustive list, for sure.
1) Get support.
You’ve gotta be authentic and open about your fears and your struggles to let people in and get the support you need. This is NOT the time to fake it till you make it or put on a mask and pretend everything’s ok. (Sometimes I think God intentionally throws us curveballs to force us into authenticity whether we like it or not…)
Even before a curveball hits you, decide who you’ll include in your support network. Those people may well be different depending on whether it’s a personal or a professional emergency.
2) Make a plan.
Step one of your plan should always be “Get Support.” Because we’re not meant to go through life alone, especially when hard times hit.
Your plans should also include a plan for self-care, for your mental health, and an emergency plan.
As you face your challenge, many things will remain unknown until they pop up. You won’t necessarily be able to plan for them. But you will be able to anticipate some things.
Think about tasks or responsibilities that you rely on others for. Make a plan NOW to switch things up if you need to. For instance, you may rely on a graphic designer to create all your social media graphics. Make backup plans now so you’ll be covered in the event they quit, go out of business, etc. Purchase the template files they use so you can make them if you have to. Identify where you could hire another graphic designer, or which colleague you can get a recommendation from.
And let’s be honest: sometimes your PLAN is to just hang on and get through it. But taking proactive steps, no matter how small, gives you a sense of control and hope that you need.
3) Hold to your core values.
They say that, in the midst of crisis, you realize what’s most important in life. I’m a firm believer that the best way to face most situations and make most decisions is through a lens of your core values. They are a compass and a decision-making framework that guide you. Plus, curveballs can really shake your confidence. Core values are one of the pillars that support your confidence and self-worth. (Read more about that here.) And speaking of self-worth…
4) Know that your worth does not depend on your performance.
As a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, I KNOW this can be a tough one. It is for many of my clients, too. We’re so used to our worth being tied to what we DO. But your worth is based on who you ARE. You are worthy by design, and nothing can change that. Sometimes you just have to sit back into that truth and absorb it until you believe it with every fiber of your being. Whatever you’re going through, it doesn’t define you.
How do you handle it when life throws you a curveball? What are your best tips? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Take it further
Creating a life NOW that’s in alignment with your core values, priorities, and goals makes it so much easier to flex, adjust, and maintain your bearings when life throws you curveballs.
With Balance Your Life, you’ll take back control of your life, make time for what matters, and create a life of intention and purpose – no matter what curve balls life tosses your way.
Go from overwhelmed and stressed to aligned and at peace by creating a flexible life balance that supports you through all seasons of your life.
