I know I am not the only person in the world who gets stressed out and one of my favorite things to share with you all on the blog is ways to better ourselves. So here goes today’s topic that has helped me overcome days when I feel lost and helpless: the power of a positive mindset.
Last month I was in incredibly stressed. For those of you who do not know, I run Laura Lily as a full-time blog. I am constantly editing photos, writing blog posts, pitching brands, negotiating contracts, reviewing expenses, keeping a budget, etc. No assistant, no manager, just me. Of course, I have wonderful photographers and a website developer to help out, but the day to day business transactions fall on my shoulders.
Six months ago I left a high-paying finance job to pursue this blog full-time without knowing what would happen. Leaving behind the consistent bi-weekly paychecks for the unknown. Why? Because THIS is what I love to do. This blog (and Instagram) bring out my creative side that I sheltered for so long and give me the power to create my own success. But it comes with its downsides….
Last month, in particular, I found myself constantly worried about where my business was headed. Where would I be in five months, one year, and even five years? Trying to plan a business with so many unknowns is scary. Questions such as: How do I grow my numbers when Instagram is constantly changing? When can I hire help so that I can focus on the bigger tasks? Where will influencer marketing be in a year? All of these thoughts, PLUS the pressure within myself to be successful, and a never-ending to-do list started to wear on me.
My mental health started to suffer. I would find myself unmotivated, constantly tired, and depressed at times that I would never be able to take my business where I want it to be. Sure being a blogger is absolutely wonderful, I don’t deny that. Working for myself is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It’s also one of the hardest. Every ounce of success is up to me at this point. I get what I put into my business.
Then something changed….
My sister mentioned a book she wanted to read ” The Universe Has Your Back” and it reminded me of a book I read last year and absolutely loved called “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. I wrote a review on it HERE. While looking for the book my sister mentioned, I found out that Jen actually has a sequel to her original book called “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth.”
While listening to this book, it reminded me that so much of what happens to us has to do with our state of mind and our attitude. For example, do you ever notice how when you’re on a high everything seems to be going your way? Or when you’re having a bad day everything just seems to fall apart on you? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. When we don’t allow ourselves to be dragged down and keep a positive mindset positive things continue to happen because we attract them. Not everyone believes this, but I do and I promise you that it’s worth giving it a shot.
Not wanting to be down on life anymore, I started to put myself back in a positive mindset of success and focusing on the aspects of my business that I could control: the quality of content I create, the days and times which I post new content, teaming up with my beloved photographers to have fun shooting photos, finding inspiration through other blogs or simply a walk through the mall. Within days things started to turn around. First one collaboration came, then another, then another and before I knew it, the month was filled with projects I am excited to create, relationships I was looking forward to building and a bank account that had me smiling.
I constantly hear that meditation is a great habit to develop. It’s on my to-do list because getting control of your thoughts is so important. Being able to visualize the things in life that you want is the first step to achieving them (a little excerpt from my post on manifesting the life you want.) So if you’re going through a rough patch in life just remember that you’re not alone. Someone else has dealt with the same or similar thing you have. I know it can be difficult, but try and see the positives.
Take roadblocks as a sign to steer you in a better direction or hurdles as challenges that will make success all the more worthwhile. When I graduated from undergrad all I wanted to do was get my MBA. I got rejected from every business school I applied to do to lack of work experience. Looking back, that rejection saved me from more years of school and tons of student loan debt. Phew! Instead, I found blogging and my dream career.
I also recommend you read Jen Sincero’s books “You Are a Badass” and “You Are a Badass at Making Money.” Her stories are fun, funny and honest. I listen to the books on Audible while I’m driving and it helps me forget about being stuck in traffic!
And if you ever have any questions about the business of being a full-time blogger I am more than happy to answer them. Just leave me a comment, a direct message on Instagram or an email: laurayazdi@outlook.com. Thank you for reading my blog and supporting what I do. It means the world to me. Now go out there and kick some butt today!
xoxo,
Laura
Shop My Look:
vest: Zara | top: Forever21 | skirt: Express | booties: Ami Clubwear | belt: Gucci | bag: Tory Burch | sunglasses: Prada |
Photos by: Brittney Christie
Follow me on Twitter,
Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Bloglovin’ for more outfit inspiration.
Fantastic post! Really helped me get through my day and the rough patch I’m going through. Thank you!
Hi Roomie!
I am really glad to hear that. Please know that you can call me anytime. I’m always happy to hear from you.
xoxo,
Your Roomie