Resilience for Empaths
I had some interesting conversations the day after the election with friends and clients. To be honest, I’ve been numb off and on for over a year as I’ve opened my eyes to what’s really going on in the world.
As a Filipina American growing up and working in mostly white spaces, I’m not surprised. Tired, but not surprised.
What’s helping me is finding local and online community where our values are in alignment. Ultimately, I value collective liberation. Because if the most marginalized person is free, healthy, and, secure — we are all free, healthy, and secure.
Now what does this have to do with business?!
As business owners, we ARE the business. If we’re not feeling calm, grounded, and safe — it is hard to work on our business. Sometimes I think, “What’s the point?”
However, I know there is power in small business. We support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We may not have control over what the country or the world does, but we do have a say in our own pods.
Here are 7 steps you can use to process any challenging situations:
Key notes
- 1. Reflect and Reframe.
- 2. Create Grounding Rituals
- Pre-arranged collections of blocks.
- 3. Seek Connection and Perspective
- 4. Focus on Small, Actionable Goals
- 5. Visualize the Bigger Picture
- 6. Use Challenges to Enhance Your Coaching Skills
- 7. Emphasize Impact, Not Perfection
- Moving Forward with Resilience and Heart
1. Reflect and Reframe
When things feel overwhelming, I take a step back to reflect on both the situation and my reaction to it. Sometimes this means journaling or jotting down thoughts about what’s actually happening versus what I feel is happening. Emotions are powerful, and getting them out on paper can often help me distinguish between a temporary frustration and a deeper issue.
One helpful question to ask is: *What’s the lesson here?* This small mindset shift can transform challenges into valuable learning experiences. For instance, when I first launched my business, I faced an unexpected financial hurdle. Initially, it felt like a roadblock; later, I saw it as an invitation to refine my budget and services. This approach empowered me to keep learning and adapting, instead of feeling stuck
2. Create Grounding Rituals
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3. Seek Connection and Perspective
Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel isolating, and challenging times can magnify that. I’ve learned that when I open up to trusted peers, whether in networking circles like Entrepinayship Toastmasters or other supportive communities, I often find fresh perspectives or simply the reassurance that I’m not alone.
Sometimes, talking it through with a friend or fellow entrepreneur brings insights I hadn’t considered. Additionally, I try to step back and think: *What advice would I give a client in this situation?* By coaching myself with the same compassion I offer others, I gain clarity and see solutions I may have overlooked.
4. Focus on Small, Actionable Goals
When challenges feel huge, I break them down into small, manageable steps. In business, it’s easy to feel pressured to solve everything at once. However, tackling small steps toward a larger solution can help build momentum and reduce overwhelm.
This is why I’m a fan of setting 90-day goals. If you’re facing a hurdle, look at what you can do within the next day, week, or month. By setting smaller, focused objectives, I’ve found that I can make progress without feeling bogged down. These incremental wins boost confidence and make the larger challenge feel more manageable.
5. Visualize the Bigger Picture
One of the reasons I chose a flight theme for my coaching business is the symbolism it brings. When I picture challenges as “turbulence,” it helps me realize that while they may shake things up temporarily, they don’t change my direction or final destination. It’s a reminder that I’m still on course, even if the ride gets bumpy.
Another visualization that resonates with me is the image of a dragon flying through a storm. The dragon isn’t deterred by the storm; it flies with strength and resilience. When facing my own challenges, this imagery reminds me of my own strength and ability to weather the storm. It helps shift my mindset from feeling powerless to feeling empowered.
6. Use Challenges to Enhance Your Coaching Skills
As a business coach, I often encounter clients going through their own tough moments. I’ve learned that my personal challenges can serve as a source of empathy and insight. They deepen my understanding of what my clients may be experiencing and allow me to offer even more genuine guidance.
For instance, when I faced a season of change in my business model, I used the experience to develop new resources for my clients. My LIFT program, focused on business growth and sustainability, grew out of that period, enabling me to help clients build resilience and self-sufficiency. This is a reminder that when we embrace our own growth, we have even more to share with those we serve.
7. Emphasize Impact, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of self-criticism when things don’t go as planned. In those moments, I remind myself that the purpose of my work is to inspire and support changemakers, not to achieve flawless results every time. Perfection isn’t the goal; making an impact is.
One of the most grounding questions I ask myself during challenging times is, *What would I want other aspiring change makers to take away from this experience?* By shifting the focus from personal achievement to collective impact, I find renewed motivation to keep going, even when things are tough.
Moving Forward with Resilience and Heart
Challenges are inevitable, but they don’t define us—they refine us. By taking time to reflect, setting intentional goals, and grounding ourselves in our purpose, we can transform difficult moments into opportunities for growth and service. I’ve seen this in my journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside others as they navigate theirs.
If you’re facing a challenging moment right now, know that you’re not alone. Take things one step at a time, find support where you can, and keep your vision in focus. Your journey is unfolding, one resilient step at a time.