Welcome to our new reality.

During this pandemic have found ourselves in, it is imperative to stay focused and motivated. It is also essential for us to maximize our abilities and gifts to go for our goals, and to keep us sane during this time. Mindset coach and Founder and CEO of Headstrong, Danielle Mills, has made it her mission to encourage people to reach their fullest potential. Her upcoming book, “How to Master LinkedIn and Separate Yourself from the Masses” uplifts her readers to stay unapologetically themselves, and says that the call-to-action items will “still you, we are just going to elevate, and push out this version of you to the world.”

I was able to have a (virtual) conversation with the mentor, and find out ways that we business women can maximize our best assets:

1. Be a leader

Leaders can maximize by focusing on things they can control. It is too easy to focus on the uncontrollable, and that only distracts you from things you can be doing. This is a great time for everybody to work on a skill, learn a new language, take that course you have always wanted to take, read multiple books on self development. As well as clean your house, donate to charity, write a book, play, or screen wright a movie.

2. Manage stress

I manage stress by my preparation. If I am stressed out, I try to prepare myself by writing out a to do list, a routine, affirmations, or anything I can do to give me a leg up on the stress. Many people are stressed right now because they are unsure about their jobs, or maybe their health. I would suggest to be proactive and take all the necessary precautions that the CDC is suggesting in regards to your health, and preventing Covid-19. If you are stressed about losing your job, I would manage that stress by making my LinkedIn profile stronger, finding ways to stand out at work so your company sees you as too valuable to let go, and being proactive about your actions. 

3. Show empathy

Being empathetic to peoples situations is extremely important right now more than ever. I think it is important to show people that you care. People like to know you care, but most people still want to be treated normally. The normalcy of work can be therapeutic when things are hard at home or with sick family members.

4. Job search

While many companies may be halting their hiring efforts, many are still hiring. I would continue my job search, but be more strategic in my searches. Make connections with key people from the company on LinkedIn and develop relationships versus just submitting a resume.

5. Think outside the box

Depending on what you want to do in your career, you can focus your energy on that. I would suggest taking it one step forward and work on some things that are out of your comfort zone. For example, if public speaking makes you nervous or uncomfortable. Focus this time on taking a class to better improve your speaking. In most industries you will have to sell in some sort of way, so it can be beneficial to take sales courses.

6. Be social (virtually)

I think its best to be safe and utilize FaceTime and video chat instead of putting your family at risk. These are very challenging difficult times,  but everything will pass eventually. Staying positive is crucial, and focusing on what is in our control. 

7. Focus on your Mindset

This is the one area you have complete control of. Try to think, read, watch, be around things that are positive. This will make you feel more at peace. If you feel like its very hard to control your mind, think about getting a Mindset Coach. This is somebody who will help you, and challenge you to think more positively, and give you tangible exercise you can do on a daily basis to help you. 

Content courtesy of  Lara Ashley, Founder and Editor of Brenley Magazine, Redefining what it means to be a Southern belle; an online magazine that helps women wear their crowns with grace.

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR, LARA ASHLEY

Lara Ashley is a multifaceted Journalist. Lara Ashley obtained her Mass Communications degree at Southern University and A&M College and is obtaining a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism in the U.K. from Cardiff University. When she’s not watching her fav reality shows (LOVES the Real Housewives franchise), spending her afternoons watching Netflix or with a good book, she’s writing and journaling.

Follow Lara @brenleymag and connect with her on Facebook