Are you making things harder than they need to be? This week, I explore the belief that many of us hold, especially in Asian culture and immigrant upbringings: that for something to be truly valuable, it has to be hard. We often feel we need to struggle or overcome immense challenges before we believe our success is valid or that we’re worthy of it.
There’s this subconscious drive to make things difficult, as if ease somehow diminishes our achievements. But what if ease in success and self-worth could be just as valid? What if things could come naturally, without the struggle, and still count JUST as much?
I also talk about how, as we reach new levels of success or productivity, we may subconsciously sabotage ourselves and create problems or drama because it feels unfamiliar to be at this new level of capacity and success.
I discuss how to zoom out to broaden your perspective, allow your nervous system to settle into more ease, and approach your current challenges with more lightheartedness and playfulness.
Recently, I’ve been feeling pretty unmotivated at work. You know that feeling when your to-do list is piling up, but you have zero energy or desire to tackle it? Yeah, that’s where I’ve been. And let me tell you, it’s a pretty awful place to be.
I feel like people don’t share openly enough when they’re going through things like this. So, I want to open up about my recent low and share 3 things I’m doing right now that are helping me come out of this depressive, unmotivating rut:
1. GETTING MY ENERGY MOVING AGAIN
Newton’s First Law of Motion states: “An object in motion stays in motion, and an object at rest stays at rest”
You can apply this concept exactly to your situation right now.
This means getting your body moving again, instead of being still and sinking deeper and deeper into lethargy and inertia.
What is one simple, easy move you can do today in your life?
I also asked myself: “What would be a nice, easy task to do this week to reconnect with my business, without the pressure?”
The answer? Writing this blog post openly and honestly. So here I am! And writing this post is DEFINITELY helping me to slowly get back into the groove of my tasks again.
Sometimes, when you can’t get yourself into the right mindset just yet, actions & habits can help get the ball rolling.
2. LETTING MYSELF BE SEEN BY OTHERS AND ACKNOWLEDGING WHERE I AM
When I started writing this post and sharing about my feelings in my podcast, something amazing happened.
The shame and guilt started to lose their power over me, and I no longer felt held back by my situation.
This is a practice I turn to every time I’m in a low place (and seriously, it works every time!).
By acknowledging and validating my feelings, I’m signaling to the Universe that before my role as a life coach/business owner/content creator, I’m human first and foremost (with my natural seasons and cycles).
I’m not just some random faceless number plugged into the system, forced to keep up with capitalism.
3. PUTTING MYSELF INTO SPACES/COMMUNITIES THAT INSPIRE + NOURISH ME
For me, this looks like putting my ass back into the client seat again and getting coached by my amazing mentors. (About time, Shirley!)
It also means remembering (again) to redirect my focus back to service and helping people, instead of going down the rabbit hole of “I’m not good enough” and “nothing is working.”
I’m also adding more novelty and exciting activities to my life. By filling up my own cup first, I can let that energy overflow into my work and business – when I’m ready.
Here’s my mantra for this week: Gentle. Easy. Forward.
Thank you so much for reading this post as I slowly come back.
I really appreciate you, and if you’re going through something similar, know that you’re definitely not alone.
Remember, it’s okay to have ups and downs. We’re all human, after all.
The key is to be gentle with yourself and take small steps forward, one simple move at a time.
Today, I discuss the challenges of having difficult conversations with the people we love. It’s never easy to bring up tough topics, and often we either avoid them out of fear or rush into them without setting the right tone, which can be triggering for your partner’s nervous system.
I talk about how to approach these moments with intention and making the other person feel safe and heard. I also share practical ways to set the tone and prepare both parties for the tough conversation, and how to take responsibility of your emotions throughout the entire process.
It’s not easy, but you got this! Join me and tune in now!
