Difficult things happen all the time in our fashion businesses. It seems like almost every day there is a decision to make and a consequence to accept. Sometimes those consequences are great. Sometimes, they’re not. And when they’re not, it’s up to us as business owners to learn how to handle it.
One of the biggest skills we need to nurture as fashion business owners is our ability to cope.
“Coping Skills, Don’t Fail Me Now.” There is a giant sign in my favorite local coffee shop with this written across it.
It really resonates with me.
There is a lot we all need to cope with when it comes to our businesses, and when I read this sign I’m always reminded of how coping is a skill.
And that’s a great thing because a skill can be learned.
With practice, time, and commitment, we can get good at coping with the ups and downs of our businesses, making it far easier to keep going when things aren’t looking so great.
And there’s something else that’s important to remember about coping. Coping doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to feel what you feel.
It’s not meant to numb you. You’re human. Take your moment.
Coping is a skill that we implement when we are doing something that will inevitably have ups and downs (like living life LOL) or running a business and when we realize this we can create practices in our lives to activate that coping skill when we need to.
So do you think that you’re skilled at coping?
What happens when things go wrong in your fashion business?
Do you get frazzled? Cry? Scream? All of those reactions are perfectly acceptable. Have them. Then, when you’re ready, decide how you will cope with the thing that went wrong.
Acknowledge that you are smart and capable and will figure it out.
The more you start acknowledging yourself for what you are– smart and capable– the more you will strengthen those coping skills to the point that when things go wrong in your fashion business you are ready to problem-solve like the boss you are.
And here’s a little tip: Once you’ve felt those immediate feelings and you’re ready to shift into problem solving mode, say out loud to yourself: “Coping skills, don’t fail me now.” or “OK, that sucked. Now how do I fix it?”.
Phrases like this are so damn powerful and really shift you back into a place of determination, action, and forward motion.
Lots of love and encouragement,
