The Nervous Breakdown That Saved My Business
Last summer, I had a nervous breakdown. I don't mean I was overwhelmed, I don't mean I was more stressed than usual. I mean a sitting in a closet, needing help to walk to the bathroom, unintentional hunger strike type of nervous breakdown. It was really something. And, while I never, ever want to experience that again, I'm not sorry it happened. There is something freeing about a lifetime of anxiety exploding out of you all at once.
You might be wondering why I would share this personal bit of information on the internet, let alone on a professional networking site like LinkedIn. Well, going through an experience like that really shakes things up. After I began to heal emotionally and it was time to get back to work, I wasn't really sure who I was anymore as a business owner. It was like I didn't know myself at all. And, as it turns out, I probably didn't know myself very well before that either.
I kept trying to do things the way I did them before, but it wasn't working. I wasn't motivated by the same things anymore. I didn't have the same priorities. After a while of trying to force it, and a lot of frustration, I realized that I needed a better plan.
So, I started on a mission to get to know the new me better. I became a student of myself. I know it sounds cheesy, but I started taking personality tests and learning styles quizzes. I worked on uncovering my core values and personal mission for my life. I compiled all the information and cross-referenced the results. I looked for similarities and differences. I looked for things that stood out or resonated with me. I analyzed every detail. I created Kerriann's Guide To Kerriann.
And, not to be biased, but I blew my own mind. All of a sudden, things started to fall into place. I used my guide to craft routines that created ease and flow in my life. I used the guide to revamp my entire business and the services we offer. I stopped working against who I am and started to leverage it to make my life easier. I doubled down on my strengths and stopped worrying so much about the things that didn't come as naturally to me.
Since then, I've experienced a peace about owning a business I didn't know was possible. Even before what I now affectionately call "The Great Meltdown of 2021," I had become a little disenchanted with CEOing. I was feeling stuck and stagnant. I was antsy and unsure of where to go next. Creating a Personality Profile on myself gave me clarity and freedom that I didn't even know I was looking for. The Great Meltdown of 2021 not only helped to save my business it has also allowed me to help others find clarity and freedom for themselves.
I consider this a true example of "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." And, since I love to share, now there is lemonade for everyone! I consider it an honor and privilege and take great care and responsibility when I build personality profiles for others because I know the impact it can have. And it brings me such joy to see the impact that it has on their lives.
Personality Profiles are not just for post-nervous breakdown business owners! Getting to know yourself better can help you find the right job culture, ask for the right projects at work, or even just bring more ease and freedom to your personal life.
If you've made it this far, thanks for bearing witness to my story! And, even if you're not in the market for a Personality Profile, I hope you discover some ways to get to know yourself better to create a more peaceful and easier life for yourself.
-Kerriann
