I SEE YOU
LETTERS FROM DIMANCHE
Good Evening,
Last weekend I had a Soleil meeting, a community created for women who wanted to grow together beyond our professional identities. The group meets bi-monthly and chooses a theme to apply to delve into. Each time the 3-hours together reinforces the importance of community.
July's theme was an accomplishment check-in. We dedicated this time to reviewing our wins and learnings. Surprisingly, we had a lot to celebrate.
When my turn came around I saw the work of those wins on paper. As I looked at the paper these accomplishments in reality were days that felt like huge failures.
As I’ve written before, August 2022 to November 2023, was a professional and financial hit for me. Layoffs had started to ramp up leaving little hiring, and impacting recruiters. On my part, I made several mistakes during the process
I started a business with a friend that ended a 12-year friendship
I entered into the world of freelancing game with no preparation for slow periods of business
I didn’t see myself operating a business,
I did not open an LLC, instead, I filed in the US under a self-employer (yikes)
I was in a new country with an old mindset
I slid between a state of desperation and worry. My fear was in high gear and calling the shots. I needed to find a solution to make money so, I began reaching out to potential clients. By the end of November, I landed 3 new clients after months of outreach. And guess what? Lessons kept coming. Ultimately, I landed with clients who did not align with my ethos. I also didn’t have an ethos at that time. I didn’t know how to articulate my value since up to that point I worked in-house with agencies. I was used to people understanding the process and importance of recruiters. There also were my poor boundaries. Plus I didn’t know how to speak proactively up for myself before I became frustrated. To summarize I might as well have been railroad tracks.
Yet, as they say, that learning curve set me on track to get clear on clients, how I work, who I decide to do business with, ethos, and my process. Experience is the most efficient teacher. Please remind me of this next time I write about life handing out lessons.
Reflecting on the failures there were many more accomplishments. Now I know how to write a contract. Cold outreach emails are less scary. Most importantly, I am still alive, more knowledgeable, aware, and respectful of my values. Ultimately, I showed up to the teacher's classroom each day. I was proud of myself. As each of us shared our accomplishments the people are now, became clearer.
Below, is my accomplishment list. I also include a copy of the document for you as well. I hope that you take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments. Our takeaways reinforce the growth that we've earned along the way. If you have a group of people to do this with even better.
Lastly, if you do end up doing this exercise I’m working on a future project and would love your help. If you are comfortable with sharing your accomplishments and takeaways via a voice message, here is the Google folder where you will find the instructions and drop-off for your messages.
I look forward to hearing about your wins.
Now go celebrate yourself.
Instagram : @monicasheral
Email : hey@monicasheral.com
Website : monicasheral.com