Facing Challenges
Danielle is an intuitive genius when it comes to business and life. Check out her wonderful guest article on facing challenges and a quick exercise to identify tools you can use to overcome challenges.
When I got fired from my own company, I cried myself to sleep and got up the next morning and did crazy Kundalini yoga in my living room to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Soul, soothed.
When my marriage hit the snowbank, I knew just the poetry book to read obsessively, the right astrologer to call, and that Green Smoothies were better than the pack of Marlboro’s I craved.
When I had a book deal in jeopardy, I knew just the person to call to give me straight up strategic counsel, and that if I dropped everything that afternoon and went to my favorite beach, the right answer would come to me.
Life throws you a curve ball…. Your dog dies… The relationship isn’t working and you can’t deny it… You got canned…. A surprise diagnosis… The tough meeting that it’s time to have… These are all things that you can handle.
You can rise to the occasion after you remember what you’re made of — but you need those reminders.
The thing about being afraid or in crisis mode is that we can get so spun out that we forget where the emergency exit or the rip-cord is. Where’s your bridge over troubled water? Who ya gonna call? How do you spell relief? Lunch with your best friend, a visit to church, a call with your mastermind group, a few laps in the pool, silence?
KNOW YOUR “COMFORTING” ZONE
Make a list of your soul vitamins so you can mentally, or literally, refer to it when the going gets rougher than tough. This will serve as your go-to list, your secret stash of pick-me-up’s, your 911 Life Operator.
Answer these questions for yourself — now — before the curve ball hits.
1. INSTANT AWESOME FEEL GOODS: “When I do the following, I am guaranteed to feel close to 100 percent improved, lighter, and focused…”
2. MODERATELY HELPFUL: “When I do the following, I will likely feel a sense of relief or improvement…”
As for downing a carton of cookie dough ice cream, drunk-dialing your former flame, sneaking a smoke in the airplane bathroom, watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels reruns instead of going to yoga class, and all manners of vengeful vandalism . . . let’s put that “comfort list” in its place. Answer this for yourself:
3. TEMPTING, BUT NO. REALLY…NO.: “Even though I might think that doing the following things will bring me relief and comfort, they actually aren’t helpful at all…”
So much of being resilient is about having good emotional reserves. You just need to remember what fills you up when you need it the most.
Editor’s Note:
When it comes to business advice, one of the few people I trust and learn from is Danielle LaPorte. She is an intuitive genius and (to me) the goddess of prosperity.
Danielle did to my business like what Eckhart Tolle did to my soul. And that’s a big statement.
Last year, I did a one-on-one consulting session with her, and it marked a pivotal point in my business’ growth. The clarity and confidence I gained from that experience allowed my business to grow twenty-fold. I am deeply thankful to her.
Her new book—The Fire Starter Sessions—is just divine. It’s not your typical self-help book. Not only is it beautifully designed (Make sure to get a physical copy instead of kindle to get the full experience), it is immensely practical, action-able and inspiring.
Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, you will find incredible value and juicy ideas all throughout it. And if that’s not enough, the book is based on a digital product that used to sell for $150 but is no longer available. The book will ignite you into action, and before you know it, your life will be changed for the better. Be sure to get a copy here. Really.
Thanks Danielle :)
I have found after getting over the emotions around the challenge alot of them turn out to be positive turns in my life.
The thing that relaxes me the most is using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on what is stressing me in that moment.
I also usually combine it with some chill out music, Enigma, Amethystium, Delerium and whatever else I can find. I just tend to get in the zone and feel much more peaceful.
I’ve had to work on finding this healthy way to do it instead of reaching for food or whatever.. and i’ve made a massive improvement since doing so!
-Ben
Hiking and spending time outdoors puts me in my comfort zone…
Hiking and spending time outdoors is my comfort zone!
Thank you for the tips! :)
Let me answer the question, “What activity puts you in your comfort zone?”
Grab my DSLR and out for street photography – probably will be a day activity. When I see those beautiful shots, I feel AWESOME! Not only that, I will end my day with a positive thought and say, “Today I did something great and I feel AWESOME!”
Cheers,
Dennis.
P/S: Thanks for giving away a copy of this awesome book and congrats on your book launch, Danielle – all the best! =)
Hi :]
been following think simple now for a while.i like how real the contributors are, people who know and understand what it is like to go through the highs and lows of life. and how they share from within them.
well what puts my in my “happy/comfort” zone is getting/giving a tight hug! really warm and fuzzy. can’t see how someone can do this and not feel 100% better.
Playing in a soccer game really puts me in my comfort/happy zone where I can just completely forget about everything else and my mind turns off to all the negative internal thoughts I may be having. But as soccer isn’t something always available my backup is making something – either origami or ceramics.
This came to my inbox at the perfect time. My position at work was eliminated with my last day being this past Friday. I am in the process of figuring out what it is that I want to do next and was issued a challenge by a friend of mine to take this week to do nothing, and anything that fills me up and nurtures me…..no lists, no meetings, no schedule. The thought of this makes me nervous and yet excited to see what will come of the week!
Your questions came to me at the perfect time. I may not have answered them before the curve ball hit me but the answers will help me remember what I am made of and what I need.
Thank you!
Needed to read a positive upbeat article this morning. Would love to have the book. Spending quiet time with myself or my husband is always healing for me.
Pam
intresting article.thank u for sharing
A comfort zone for me can be found in doing something out of the comfort zone: Middle of the week, forget the “to do” list for the day, drop the kids of at school, grab a couple girlfriends and go sit on the beach for a couple hours. And come to peace with knowing I deserve it.
Running! As soon I start running, as unappealing it may be sometimes, it makes me feel good right away! Plus, running moderately is great for your health!
one item that is an instant feel good for me – reading a book or an article that responds to a question that I’m looking to answer. I also like to remind myself of my ultimate goals. It takes me out of the here and now.
thanks! excellent article!
Anytime I can talk over whatever is stressing me out with my husband, I almost always feel better. And it’s not because he can solve my problems but because he is so good at helping me gain perspective without judging. We always end up laughing and appreciating our relationship and life together, that’s what it’s all about anyway.
instant feel good: not sure i have a definite one. must fix that!
I find writing very therapeautic – I’ve always kept a journal (since my teen years) and last year started a blog to write about the life-altering journey I’ve embarked on. Putting my thoughts, worries and the ‘stuff’ I’m going through down in words, just helps clear my mind.
whenever i find my life momentarily turned upside down, i often find myself cleaning up my diet. i don’t know why, but my natural instinct is to cut out sugar, cut out dairy, eat clean and whole foods. i’ve never really thought about it, but i suppose this is part of my ‘comfort zone’: a drive to balance out my emotional upset by getting back to simple foods. this article got me thinking!
Thank you for your thoughts on resilience. I resort to nature walks to get clear on my committments and the journey. I call a friend who reminds me who I am for people and that the journey can be fun. Love, Raveen
I would like to have a copy of that awesome book!
What puts me in my “comfort zone” taking a walk on the beach. Listening to the waves crash against the shore. Feeling the sand between my toes. Then just sitting down and watching the waves roll in – it is so peaceful.
interesting article.. excellent advice too, i appreciate guidance that prompts and prods you in the right direction rather than presuming to be predictive!
Without sounding like a dandy, one of the things that puts me in my comfort zone is Ms. La Porte! Her sound, kick-ass, no nonsense advise pulls me out of the trenches and back on course followed by sitting down, closing my eyes and letting my soul work it’s Universal magical powers to put it in perspective.
xo, Lisa
When all the options and emotions are swirling around just sitting down and getting it out on paper is an amazing release valve for me. After a few pages I literally feel a hundred pounds lighter. I am able to think more clearly and act more intentionally. And when the journaling is followed by some delicious silence where I listen into my own intuition – look out!
Roller skating (although its starting to be most physical activities) puts me in my comfort zone. As soon as I strap those wheels on my feet and take off, its hard not to smile.
Super excited for the release of Danielle’s book – I already preordered it for my Nook, but would love to win one of the giveaway copies so I can share as needed with friends & family :)
thank you for this generous and exquisite offering. love danielle’s wholehearted wisdom. comfort zone: ocean gazing.