Gusto & Grace Journal, Volume 2, Issue 10

A monthly letter from the desk of Sarah Fejfar

Wanted to tell you… My favorite adventure from September is hands down, getting to drop my daughter off for her first day of in-person school since March 2020.  Wow.  What a gift.

I hope something amazing happened for you too in September.

And now it’s nearly mid-October!  Bring on the gorgeous Fall colors and chai tea lattes!

What did you learn last month?

Here’s a quick recap of my favorite learnings from September:

1. I’m not managing stress as well as I thought. I came down with a case of shingles while planning a hybrid event for a client last month.  The first thing out of the doctor’s mouth was: “are you under a lot of stress…” it felt like an ironic question given what the world has gone through (and what I have gone through) over the past 20 months.  It’s been stressful, yes.  But seriously though… I thought I was managing it well so I’m putting shingles in the #win column for two reasons: a. I prioritized my health and went to the doctor right away to check it out and b. it’s been a wonderful reminder that there’s the next level for me.
   
   
2. Bringing back tours might be the answer right now.  Perhaps half of Americans would do anything to get in a room with other folks right now for an event, the other half isn’t quite ready yet.  My hypothesis is this: going to communities vs. asking people to travel might be the answer.  What do I mean by that? After helping produce that hybrid event last month (3 days, 3 cities, 3 iconic outdoor venues, 30+ presenters) I noticed that presenters and guests said yes to being in-person and I hazard a guess that was because the show came to them, in a relatively safe format.  And perhaps that’s going to be the new norm for a while… getting back on the old fashion tour bus because. Yes, for the moment, events have changed.  Now they’re about what we, as leaders, are going to step up and make them be.  I think it’s our JOB to find ways to bring our communities together in a safe way and socialize and feed everyone’s mental and emotional health.  Because it was never about the big fancy stages and lights; it was about making people feel good, together.  And I love seeing leaders get back to the business of fostering community and creating connections and delivering needed content in event settings – whether that’s on Zoom or asking for in-person guests to provide negative Covid tests before entry or keeping things small and outside… we have lots of exciting options right now.
   
   
3. I get to vs. I have to: My life coach was coaching me over the summer on a language/mindset shift around referring to my obligations with an attitude of “I get to” vs. “I have to” and it was challenging for me.  With my daughter re-starting, in-person school after a year and a half comes new responsibilities like taking her to/from school and packing her lunch… and I feel so grateful to have these responsibilities again; I feel an “I get to” attitude, and it’s a different mindset than I had pre-pandemic, and I like it.  I think the concept has finally landed for me.

What are you working on this month?

Here’s what I’m focused on:

1. Securing work. In the three years I’ve been out on my own I’ve never put a focus on this, but now it’s game on. I’m finally in the swing of networking and having lots of conversations with new and old faces via Zoom and having a lot of fun getting in touch with folks (seriously! Even as an introvert, it’s exhausting, but fun.)  I know it’s going to turn into something awesome.
   
   
2. Learning about podcast guesting. The time for me to start growing an audience was years ago, but the next best time is now.  I’m going to start with a focus on podcast guesting.  So, it’s time to learn how to research shows and pitch!
   
   
3. Finishing The High 5 Habit. I’ve been reading and loving Mel Robbins’ new book The High 5 Habit.  It’s one of those books that entered my life at the perfect time with just the right messages for me.  So far, my favorite chapter is #9 “Isn’t It Easier If I Say Nothing?” (Guilt) and #12 “How Come I Screw Everything Up?” (Resilience.)

And there you have it, my October update for you.  Just thought I’d share and keep in contact.

I hope this note finds you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

Make it an outstanding rest of the month!

Warm Regards,
Sarah


Sarah Fejfar
Founder of Live Event Academy™
Coaching | Consulting | Courses
www.sarahfejfar.com | @sarahfejfar
Subscribe to The Greenroom Central Podcast here.