What are you waiting for?

We spend a lot of time waiting for things. Waiting for the right time. Waiting for results. Waiting for someone else to do something. Waiting for something to happen. It’s struck me recently that this time waiting could be put to better use in doing something. What are you waiting for?

Waiting for others

what are you waiting for. WhyThis year I’ve spent a lot of time waiting for others. The main one which I’ve wanted to talk about for a while, is waiting for my Father in law to pass away. This was emotionally draining, as well as physically draining. He’d been poorly for a long time, and ever since last September we’ve been waiting for the call, or waiting the next step of the illness to take hold. I felt I was holding everything together for the family, (my two teenage sons and husband), whilst supporting Mother in law by visiting, taking her shopping and visiting.

I’ve also spent weeks waiting for clients “to be ready” for the next step, or for the moon cycle to be correct, or until “x is in place”. Whilst the customer is always right, I’ve been left waiting for them to be ready to carry out the next tasks they’ve asked me to help them with. Whilst not as physically draining as the first example, it’s still emotionally draining, when I’ve been ready to move forward on their behalf. I can see potential which I feel they’re holding back on, which frustrates me. (Maybe I shouldn’t get frustrated and do what the client asks, but maybe that’s something to explore another day).

I’ve done it myself in the past – waited. I remember I wanted to wait until I felt ready to launch a website. I’ve felt I’ve had my fingers burnt when I’ve rushed into something too soon, (employing someone who was sort of right, because I didn’t want to wait any longer, being one example).

Why wait?

Maybe the summer break has given me the kick I’ve needed to stop waiting for others to do my thing. Or maybe it’s my age, and knowing that life is often shorter than we’d like, so why waste any time? I won’t say I’m wiser as I don’t think that’s true, but I have more understanding now that waiting instead of doing is often redundant energy. You put energy into the waiting process, or being frustrated with others, or juggling all the balls you need to keep in the air at the same time.

Whilst I love my clients, I’m my own person too with my own needs and I don’t have to wait until their ready. I can still progress my work, and business, and interests.

Why wait when you can use your energy to do something other than wait? If you’re waiting for an appointment you can read a book, or catch up with your emails rather than getting frustrated that they are running late. Would that work for you? Turning that waiting energy into something more positive.

What are you waiting for?

As September dawns, and the schools are about to go back, and a new cycle and season is upon us, I’ve decided not to wait for others any more. I know how to handle emotional waiting better now (I should have taken my own advice and listened better!), and I’m no longer going to wait for others. I’m ready now! I have so much energy and so much I want to offer other people, waiting for others is a distraction.

If you want some help in working out if or why you’re waiting for others, I’d be happy to help you – book a discovery call. Don’t wait. You’re ready now too, aren’t you? Would love to hear your views on waiting – let me know below.

 

Waiting is the most difficult thing

Waiting is the most difficult thing

Sometimes we have to wait for things to happen before we can move on in our lives. Usually it’s just one thing we’re waiting for, and we have to be patient.

At the moment I’m waiting for quite a few things to fall into place & I’m finding it hard to motivate myself. I know, not like me is it? I’m always so positive and supportive of others. Well, lacking motivation happens to all of us. That’s life and we have to deal with it!

We’re waiting to move house: We’ve accepted an offer on our house, but the wheels are just starting to turn. It’s been 10 years since we moved house, and that means we’ve got 10 years of rubbish to clear out!

I’m waiting for a legal dispute to be settled: It started over 2 years ago now, and I’m now fed up of waiting and chasing. I know legal cases take time, but when you’re a small business, it has a massive impact on your work doesn’t it?

I’m wanting to sell one of my businesses: I’m ready to move on to focus on the bra fitting side of the Bra Lady business. I’ve put bras4mums up for sale. A ready made business for someone looking for a niche online shop. Despite lots of interest, it’s still up for sale.

I’m ready to put the past behind: My Mum died over 3 years ago, and my Dad changed into someone I don’t recognise about 3 years ago. I’ve struggled with losing the living person I love so much, as well as my poorly Mum. I’m ready to move on, but am finding it hard to let my Dad go.

One of these is challenging I know, but all at the same time? I’m not moaning, I’m just telling you how it is for anyone of us sometimes. Those of us busy Mums with businesses have a lot to deal with. We can only take so much can’t we?

My plan? A holiday with my family to enable me to take a step back and get things back in perspective. I’m lucky to have such wonderful family and friends who’ve supported me over the last 4 very difficult years. I know that all I need to do is get back to basics and focus on the goals I’ve set.

Yes waiting is difficult and we have to be patient. But we can also make the waiting easier by being easier on ourselves, not beating ourselves up when things take a bit longer than we think they should, and revising our plans.

Any other advice you’d give to those who’re being impatient?

I’m fed up of waiting

There are lots of things I’m fed up of waiting for. Some things that I know will never really happen. Others that I still hope will.

  • I don’t think my husband will ever throw out the boxes that moved into our marital home 13 years ago. These have been unopened, but are taking up space.
  • I hope, but have been particularly fed up this morning, that my 2 boys (9yo and 7yo) will start to respect their own things and put them away. It’s also about respecting us as parents that we’re not here to pick up after them; and also the people that bought them toys and books that they disregard without care or attention.
  • I’m fed up of waiting for everything to be fixed on my bras4mums website. It went live over 18 months ago, and still isn’t quite right. Will it ever be? (I think I know the answer to that one…..change is good, I know!)
  • I’m frustrated with things that are outside of my control. Other people saying that they are doing something, and then take their time to do it. I’m waiting…..patiently. Until today…..
  • I’m fed up with waiting for the economy to turn upwards again. To hear positive things on the news
  • I’m surely not the only one who is fed up with the weather? Waiting for the spring warmth to be consistent so you know what clothing and footwear it’s ‘safe’ to wear.
  • I’m fed up of waiting to win the lottery….OK, I can’t. I don’t do it. But when is my luck going to change? Why is it always me that things happen to? Why can’t it be someone else for a change?
  • When will some people ever learn that communication is a two way process? That you can make contact just as much as I can with them….

So what’s happened today to bring on this tirade? I’m tired. I’m not sleeping well. I’m concerned about some people in my family and friendship network.

I’m questioning my vision for my business and my family.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m very grateful for my lovely, loving family and friends. And my support networks. And the lovely bra lady team I work with.

But sometimes, we all get fed up. And I think that’s OK. Don’t you?

Today? I’m just fed up of waiting.

(Apologies to the lovely lady I made really happy and comfy this morning at a bra fitting. It was a lovely positive experience. I’ve just had some disappointments since then, that have set me off  moaning!)