Startup Sanity

Patience is not a trait I profess I have.

Considering the frequency in which we've had to deal with incompetence and nonsense, I deserve a cookie having refrained myself from strangling and hurling insults on a regular basis. Known for being too blunt and sarcastic, I've been fighting all my natural urges just so I can maintain my cool. No easy feat.

Here's a sanity checklist that's worked wonders so far:

1. Never take "no" for an answer. 

My most overused phrase. Usually directed at my mac, phone or thin air.

Sometimes people assume they can push us around or take advantage of us. Just because we are young females doesn't mean we are naive and gullible. We aren't afraid to call someone out when we think they are being ridiculous. There is always a way to get things done even if we're told it's impossible. We show them who's boss!

2. Be persistent. 

Don't interpret a lack of response as a "no". Keep asking till you get an answer, but know that there is a fine line between being irritating and persistent.

3. Be aggressive. 

If it works for Anna Wintour...

One look. That's all.

4. Be patient.

Most challenging for me. While yelling at someone in response to their sole existence or incompetence might be momentarily satisfying, you don't want to have to swallow your words later

. Suck it up and be nice. Or scream into a pillow.

5. Be kind.

Self-imposed ban. Thing's I don't say anymore.

Self-explanatory.

6. Laughing & smile when necessary.

Better to grin and bear it than let hell roll off the tip of your tongue. I've had to sheepishly apologize to my parents for being temperamental in my teenage years, it wasn't fun! You don't want to have to do that with clients! Plus, laughing releases stress waaaay better than meditation and brain yoga.

7. Be frugal. 

Not anymore.

Not having an income isn't the end of the world, just your social life (kidding). Don't be a brat- take public transport, eat leftovers multiple times a week, drink as many free cups of tea as your body allows and go to free yoga (piggyback off someone else's Groupon deal or go for free trials). It's easy to adapt, just be flexible and make adjustments accordingly.

8. Do what you love. Love what you do.

Don't settle for a 9-5 job that feels like this.

Instead of drinking myself into oblivion last Friday, I ended up going home early to settle pending issues with our lawyers (I was done by 2am). If I was at my previous job, I would have been extremely annoyed that I had to sacrifice my precious weekend (closet drama queen right here!). Work is no burden to me because I'm doing something I love. Don't let the fear of uncertainty keep you at a job you find unbearable. If going to work feels like going to jail, it's time to throw in the towel.

9. Step outside your comfort zone. 

For liquid courage.

Whether it's going solo to events, approaching new people or facing your fears. Just. do. it. Pushing yourself to do different things will change your attitude and outlook. I mentioned in an old post that I forced myself to go to a bloggers event alone, only to end up hiding in the bathroom stall for 15 minutes while I contemplated running out of the restaurant and cabbing home. Instead, I headed to the bar, downed a drink and started talking to 2 strangers for the next hour. The most FML moment was when I realized they were not bloggers but BANKERS. Seriously, how could I not differentiate?! Well, at least I tried (and got multiple drinks out of it)!

10. Have (really) thick skin.

Adopt this attitude and you're good to go.

It's not easy to ignore every nasty/pathetic comment that comes my way. I've had family tell me that I didn't have what it takes to start my own company and that I wasn't capable of running my own business (in front of large family gatherings). Talk about humiliating. I could have cried (which I did in the privacy of my room) and given up (never an option that entered my mind), but walking away is not a solution. If I perpetually let others' criticism discourage me, I will never be happy or satisfied in anything that I do. Ignore the crap people tell you, whether they are family or friends, and just do what you believe in. Channel your frustration into work instead of complaining and sulking. Hard work always pays off. Plus, success is the best revenge.