How to stay resilient?
In the mist of Covid-19 (Corona Virus), we at JDS WebDesign are hoping everyone is safe, washing your hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, and practicing social distancing. Over the next several weeks, we are planning on blogging about how to make your website more business friendly. We will have some tutorials on our favorite plugins and features, which will make your site more efficient.
A few weeks ago, I had a faith based organization client of mine called me. She was very upset that the donation button was not working correctly. After about five minutes of hollering and yelling, I waited patiently for an opportunity to access the situation. Finally she asked if I was still on the phone, I responded that “this issue was brought to her attention a couple of months ago.” I sent a couple of emails to confirm my statement. This was meet with some a hard hang up.
Staying Resilient
Staying resilient is not an easy thing to do. One must practice a couple of things in order to be resilient in tough times. Believing in your ability. Managing your impulses. Understanding the Grief Stages. Breathe and relaxing. Leaning on others, or having a community for support. These things are need to stay resilient.
My client needed to blame someone for her frustrations. I am sure the stress of not receiving money, played a major role in her tone. My quietness probably did not help to settle her nerves. And having to accept that it was not me, but her inability to respond to a prior email. All these things cause her to hang up in frustration.
Believing in yourself
One of the most important thing is self belief. Not allowing anyone to determine your worth. Reading and take a moment to understanding your self value. Understand relationships do not mean levels. Your clients are not above or beyond you, you are performing a much needed task. Making sure that you understand your value. Rewarding yourself for good jobs. Allowing fellow trusted friends to provide feedback, and making corrections. Reading and keeping your skills up to date. Understanding the relationships.
Managing your impulses
When someone is angry, it is important for you to manage your impulse. If you become angry, then nothing is accomplished. This does not mean, that you need to stay quiet. You can make your points, without being angry. Smile and say “no”. It is okay to say no. Breathe. Again know your worth and value. No one is above you. My silence was taken as a weakness, but I was just waiting for her to finish. Then I sent her the email, and pointed out this was an issue 2 months ago. I needed her to changed platforms.
Understanding the Grief Stages
Mental Illness is real. One of the ways to combat Mental Illness is to know certain things. Grief did enter my mind, as I was being ridiculed. Shock. Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Testing. Acceptance.
At first, I was in shock that she would speak to me in such a manner. Then I felt like denying the situation. Next I became angry and wanted to yell back. Not wanting to be looked at like the bad guy, I thought bout bargaining with her. Maybe I should have put up another donation platform. Her yelling did depress me. Feeling like I had failed a test and but remembering my email. I sent her my email, and did not get an acceptance from her. But received it from myself.
Breathe and relaxing
Sometimes you just need to breathe and relax. No one should have a say over your happiness. You control your destiny.
Leaning on your support system
In my office, I have several picture to remind me of my support system. Whether it is a family member, fellow developer, or just a friend. My office is filled with images and saying to keep me positive.
Conclusion
My client’s colleague called an apologized for the outburst. He was present and could not believe it. He also remember the conversation about the donation plugin not working. He made excuses about our current situation. I thanked him.
Image courtesy of Jesus Kiteque.
JDS WebDesign is a Web Design and Brand Marketing Agency located in Marietta, Georgia. We create AWESOME on line presence for Start-ups and Influential People/Organizations. To learn more about us or how we can help you and your organization, you can contact us or schedule a meeting.
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