This blog was originally sent as an email to my subscribers on September 18, 2020. This is an archive, so it’s possible some links are missing or expired. If you want me to deliver these emails directly to your inbox, click here to join my email list.
Subject: running your business during the apocalypse
The world is on fire!
Literally. Figuratively. Everything is burning.
I’m writing to you from the apocalyptic hellscape of Portland, Oregon. I’ve been shuttered inside my home for over a week due to hazardous smoke conditions.
I’m feeling crushed by the collective pain of my community, my country, and my planet.
Here’s how I feel about 2020 👇
This week, I’ve identified two things I need to maintain my sanity:
- Some good news
- Permission to stop being productive
It’s hard running my business when all I want to do is pull the covers over my head until a qualified adult says it’s safe to come out. (I’m currently accepting applications for said Qualified Adult — let me know if you have any recommendations.)
But our businesses are living, breathing organisms. They need to be nurtured and cared for.
Our clients, our employees, our financial systems — they need us to feed them something in order to survive. Even when we feel we have nothing to give.
Here’s how I’m making it work…
- I found some good news! There’s a new season of Great British Bake Off starting next week on Netflix! 🎉🎉🎉
- I’ve given myself permission to do the bare minimum needed to keep my businesses alive.
This was inspired by an employee who, when I asked how her kids were doing, told me that they were “still alive”. I love that.
“Still alive” is my current baseline for success.
Okay, that’s my advice for you. Get excited about the new season of GBBO and give yourself permission to stop being productive.
Let’s engage in community care for each other by taking a deep breath and committing to rest.
Warmly,
Maegan
