Once, maybe twice a year, I get in a funk. I feel uneven. I’m in my head.
It’s like my spirit is stuck. Trying to find it’s way back to the surface.
For as many years as this has been going on, I’m caught off guard every time it happens.
I wonder how I went from being on top of the world – to feeling worried about everything. And I mean everything! Even if there’s nothing to worry about.
Clearly, hanging out in this place isn’t fun. And it can impact my livelihood. So I’ve come up with a few things over the years that ease me out of my funk faster.
Whenever you find yourself in a similar situation, freely take what works for you and leave the rest!
I accept.
“Oh yeah, this happens sometimes.”
When I remember that it’s part of my rhythm of expansion and contraction, it’s easier to accept — as opposed to feeling defeated. I’ve learned, through experience over many years, that my funks fuel the next big burst of energy — which will usually last for months and months and months!
Knowing this, I try to stay conscious that any fears that pop up during the funk are noted (Hello, Fear. What are you here to teach me?)
And then I remember that this too, shall pass. And that beauty and fabulousness are on the flip side — just giving me time to process the funk.
I scan.
On a personal level, I look at my relationships (anyone toxic?), surroundings (uncluttered and comfortable?), style (do I have killer outfits?), overall health (feeling fit, active and strong?) to see if there’s any wonkiness going on there.
Recently, I was sidelined from kickboxing for several months due to intense shoulder pain that wouldn’t go away. Between travel and ineffective physical therapy, it persisted. I finally found dry needling to be a quick, painless and totally effective solution. I’m back at kickboxing – pain free! Well, except for the muscle aches, which are welcome. ????
I also scan my thoughts and beliefs (do I have some wonky limiting belief that I’m able to spot that might be contributing to my funk?) — as well as what’s going on in the world around me (am I taking on extra stress around the economy or politics — or absorbing the stress my clients may feel about what’s happening around us?)
Business wise, I scan my pillars to assess where I’m off kilter. In my case, it usually falls under Marketing Strategy (#3) or Time, Mindset & Priority Optimization (#5.)
It’s been a long while (don’t want to jinx this!) since I’ve been in The Dip, but knowing that 78.2% of entrepreneurs find themselves there at any given time, it’s possible that might be the reason for your funk. You can find out here: https://carolynherfurth.com/ee
I create.
Life is about creating yourself
Draw. Read. Dance. Listen. Write.
(Not necessarily in that order.)
I put on a lot of miles walking in NYC so I love to listen to audio books. My recent favorites are Big Magic by Liz Gilbert and Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley. I’ll listen over and over and over again until I feel like I’ve “got it” — or am ready for a new voice or message.
Movement grounds me. And my all time favorite dance song is Happy by Pharrell. Leave it to Pharrell to have a website that plays his song around the clock with different people dancing through the sidewalks of LA. Super fun to have virtual dance partners! Or maybe it’s Pandora or Spotify. My friends made some great playlists for my 50th birthday party which hold extra special meaning – and great beats!
Hearts Make Me Happy!
I draw hearts. I love hearts. They’re inspiring and calming. And love-y. ❤️
I toggle between reading something on my Kindle and whatever hard copy book that’s been gifted to me at some point.
Plus I love to keep magazines in the rotation, especially if it’s visually appealing. I tear page and pages out the really, really good ones. It might inspire an idea, an activity or go into a pile of images for my vision board. I love Oprah for this.
In addition to writing about what I’m thankful for, my friend Patty Lennon suggests journaling a few pages that answer, “I need. I want.” Fill it in for a couple of pages. Give it a voice. And I do notice that I journal and write more articles than usual so my Evernote app sees a lot more activity during these periods because the process of creation fuels a lot of thoughts and ideas!
And because I love how learning fuels my creativity, I’ll sometimes study a new topic. Most recently I’ve been studying to become a certified trainer in Infinite Possibilities which is right up my alley of believing that our thoughts become things. Stay tuned!
I love.
I practice gratitude. Yes, you knew that was coming. I do it because there’s so much to be thankful for! And how can you possibly get more if you’re not even thankful for what you’ve got? We live in an abundant world. I try my best not to take it for granted.
I leave love notes for my clients, family, friends, strangers, waiters — and even myself. It might be a message or poem that I write myself. Or sometimes I like to give these little cards that pop open with inspirational messages inside. ❤️
I 10x my love for all my city has to offer. I might spend an afternoon at a museum (Francis Picabia: Our Heads Are Round So Our Thoughts Can Change Direction at MoMa is fabulous!), art gallery or among flowers. Or maybe I’ll venture into parts of Central Park that I don’t ordinarily visit. See a show. Or visit a neighborhood I don’t often get to. All for fresh perspective — and to appreciate how rich life truly is.
I give.
Particularly if I’m feeling money stress, I tithe. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s an act of faith to remind myself that we live in an abundant world and that there’s plenty to go around. The longer I hang onto my money, the less that comes in.
This was a reaaaallllllly difficult and scary practice to start. A great book on this topic is The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity by Edwine Gaines.
Or maybe I’ll go all out on a special gift for a friend. With so many of my friends turning 50, there are no shortage of opportunities to choose someone to surprise.
I also give to myself and my business. Although I no longer irresponsibly and blindly spend like I used to. Instead, after I’ve scanned my pillars, it’s easier to make decisions about what I need to invest in to improve my position and optimize my growth opportunities.
And I give my time to people who are in a funk of their own. This is usually a current or former client, friend — or someone I’ve never even met! That includes you — especially if you have big dreams and goals but aren’t sure how to bounce out of The Dip to make it a reality. I’m a big believer in looking for solutions to getting out of the funk — not dwelling in it.
I remember.
Funks don’t last forever.
It’s up to me to find the source within me — and tap into the resources around me — to ease myself out of the funk and back into the fun.
It’s important to be gentle with myself. Stay away from harsh judgement or negative self-talk.
Because, yes indeed, thoughts do become things.
