Episode 017: Create an Escape Plan for Your Bad Day

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Last week’s challenge: Apply to Speak at an Event or a Conference

Folks, it’s Alex and I have a confession. I was harangued by a vicious group of angry pissed off Middle Age Mutant Ninja Turtles. They harassed me so much that I was unable to complete the challenge last week. Truly, I need your sympathy, dear reader. Natalie thinks I’m a bad human, but it’s not my fault I was mauled by aging mutant ninja tortoises.

Natalie applied to speak at Freelancer Conference. When you listen to this week’s episode, you’ll catch a glimpse at my supreme omniscience! Not only did I tell Natalie she’d get into the conference but that I was completely right. Turns out that I was completely right!!! I’m very cool. Natalie thanked me profusely.

Some takeaways here, though: Apply for conferences, Meetups, or volunteer to speak at networking or chamber of commerce events. Look up opportunities at SpeakerHub to find a good event to apply to.

If you happen to not be selected don’t fret! Choosing a speaker is often the most difficult thing in any conference. Keep applying!

This week’s challenge: Create an Escape Plan from Your Next Bad Day

Resetting your mind is essential if you’re having a bad day. When things turn to shit, how we choose to cope with tough stretches matter. Bigly. I like to run or do something active.

But sometimes when you’re having a crappy day and you need to hit the reset button. Maybe a client yelled at you or you ordered five million paper clips and you just need to call it quits.

Creating an escape plan for your week is one of those things that we can help ourselves get out of that funk. The idea is to identify things are aimed at self-care and getting out of your workspace for the rest of the day.

Some Ideas for What to Do When You’re Having a Bad Crappy Day and Turn it Around

• Doing something physical, like taking a walk, going to the gym, getting some sunlight.
• Phone a friend and share your frustration. I’ve reached out to friends and family and said “I just need someone to listen to me.” and then opened the flood gates.
• Go outside and find a place to meditate.
• Go see a friendly face and grab an ice cream.
• Go to a museum.
• Visit a park and take a nap on the grass. Yes, seriously.
• Go somewhere, take a pad of paper and something to write with and write about what’s eating at you.

Resources for this challenge

• What to do when everything sucks (Leoni Dawson)

Show Notes:

• 3:19 — Alex didn’t do the challenge this week and now owes Natalie cookies. The challenge is to speak at a conference.
• 17:12 — Natalie and Alex start talking about this week’s challenge as Alex drinks humble soda. Mmmm. Tasty. I’m the most humble person I know!

As always, don’t forget to leave us that gushy 5-star review on iTunes and what not. And remember, kids, keep it simple and most importantly Keep it Doable!

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash