I’ve been feeling a little meh lately. Not down and out, not depressed or anything, just meh. Life has been pretty good really, but I’ve had no oomph, no creativity. I sit down to write and I have nothing to say. I try to brainstorm new concepts for my client and I just stare at the Word document. It’s as if my brain is completely empty.
My internal radio is currently set to elevator music when I’m craving Ludacris, Bruno Mars or maybe some Nikki Minaj. But something’s been stopping me from changing the channel.
My days are pretty much the same.
- Get up
- Eat breakfast
- Get kids ready for school
- Drive A to elementary school
- Drive E to preschool
- Drive home or to a coffee shop
- Check client email, Gmail, create to do list
- Create and schedule client social media posts
- Update editorial calendar, edit blog posts, write blog posts
- Eat lunch
- Pick up E at preschool
- Come home, have snack, play Zingo or Guess Who
- Turn on Netflix, Open computer back up
- Finish blog posts, respond to social media posts
- Pick up A
- Come home, start dinner
- Eat dinner
- Play with kids
- Get kids ready for bed, read books, sing songs
- Hang out with husband, watch TV
Wash, rinse, repeat with a smidge of variation.
It doesn’t help that it’s been raining most of the week. I was hoping a little color would brighten my spirits so I went out on Monday and bought flowers for the kitchen. It helped a little. The bright colors pushed their way past the grey and gloom that seemed to settle around my spirit. I needed some sparkle.
Actually what I needed was a kick in the ass.
Yesterday I got it. A big ol’ slap in the face, wake up and smell the marketing roses kick in the ass.
I decided to go to a local marketing association meeting. I hadn’t been in ages (read: years) but the topic that popped up in my email intrigued me. Avoid Extinction: Ensure You Have A Marketing Job in 10 Years
Since I am planning to go back to the full-time work force at some point, I knew this meeting would be good for me. I just didn’t know how good.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I’ve learned just how much I thrive on being around people while I work. So being in a room full of marketers for an hour and a half was almost intoxicating for me. Then the speaker got up.
My favorite thing that Chris Moody said was this…
You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Be good to people and don’t be an idiot.
See, I have this thing where I constantly have imposter syndrome. I’m always waiting for someone to ask what the heck I’m doing, that I don’t belong in this field, that I don’t know what I’m talking about.
It’s not true, of course. I know I’m good at my job, deep down that is. But on the surface, I am continuously questioning my ideas and skills. I’m human after all. I know a decent amount about a lot of things.
I’ve always worried that I’m not an expert on anything. But then Chris said this…
A true generalist trumps a specialist. In marketing, you have to be a master of lots of trades.
YES! YES! YES!
What is my problem? I didn’t get my job as Marketing Manager at my last job because I was an expert at one thing. It was because marketing skill set was diverse. I could do PR, event planning, social media and more.
Then he showed this slide.
It was as if the heavens opened and the angels started singing. I am always chasing the next thing and I need to stop. It prevents me from doing the job I love and know how to do. As a marketer, I don’t need to be first out of the gate, I just need to be aware and educated on what’s out there.
Let’s just say Chris said a lot more…all EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I left the meeting jazzed, excited and ready to work. I rejoined the Triangle AMA. I pulled out a notebook and made a new list of to-dos and blog post ideas. I wrote down a myriad of questions for my client that will help me do my job better. I was on fire.
Today, I’m a little less jazzed, but the flame is still burning. I’m ready to work. I’m ready to change to channel.
Bye-bye Kenny G. It’s time to REGULATE.
Tamara says
What a great way to get inspiration. I’m a marketer + blogger also and working from home can be isolating. Sometimes when I leave to pick up my daughter I feel like I’ve been in a bubble for hours and I have a hard time focusing on the road and getting my head into mommy mode. I’m glad you found a good tribe to get you jazzed up.
Kimberly @ Red Shutters says
I love that you got your mojo back! It’s so hard to hold onto inspiration when routine sets in – kudos to you for perserving!
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
Not only did you get your mojo back, but you’ve inspired me. Thank you! Sometimes it’s so important to do something a bit outside the box to bring inspiration and excitement into your every day routine. So glad you went to this meeting. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Pilar says
Loved that you traded the meh for some inspiring mojo. It can be hard not to chase the next big thing – we all do it.
Andrea says
I love this! So many good truths here. Thanks for sharing!
Leticia Barr says
Wise words, indeed! It’s hard not to think big picture and what’s ahead without realizing the importance of being in the moment whether for work or family! I’m glad you are finding your mojo and hopefully hanging out at Mom 2 next week will also help! Can’t wait to see you soon!