Joy Ubani

Okay so we are nine whole days into the new year, and while some of us felt the high of inspiration during the first few days of the month, that inspiration has died down for others. You might still talk about your goals and share them with others (because this makes them more real, right)? But after a while, your lack of discipline and your desire for inspiration will hold you right where you are and keep your goals from coming to fruition (reality check!). It's true that you can't always feel inspired, creative, or motivated. We can't always depend on this high to fuel our work. You can have every intention to thrive and accomplish every task, but if you never discipline yourself to sit down and work, honestly, you might never achieve what you need.

Let's talk about discipline:

Discipline is more than motivation. Discipline pushes past the desire to quit when inspiration or motivation run out. Discipline is the habit of acting in the moment based on a decision you made in advance, regardless of your feelings. It's the action that binds you by your will, not your emotions. - She's Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst

Through my experiences with my brand and with clients, I’ve worked out tips to stay disciplined so that your brand (and you) can flourish this year (even when you feel like hope is lost).

1. Implement the "first five minutes rule":

My friend and client, Mahawa Kamara (founder of The Soap Connoisseur) recently told me about the “first 5 minutes rule” she started implementing. She schedules time to work on a task and in that first five minutes she must work on it, non stop. This is for tasks you’ve been reluctant to do because they might seem difficult or overwhelming. Do it any way…commit to working for just 5 minutes. Oftentimes you’ll find that an hour has passed and you’ve actually completed your task!

Check out The Soap Connoisseur here.

2. Create a routine and be consistent:

I’ve found that committing to one thing every day and doing it the same way, helps to keep me organized and work more efficiently.

Lately I've been really into monochromatic looks, trousers, and all black. I went on a shopping haul a few weeks ago (okay when I say "haul" I mean I bought 2 items because my bank asked me to calm down). When I picked up these wide-legged trousers from H&M I couldn't wait to pair them with this Forever 21 black turtle neck. As a petite girl, all black makes me appear more slender, and the wide-legged trousers gives me the appearance of "legs for days!" To complete, the monochromatic look, I carried a berry red handbag for the final pop of color.

How to wear all black? Confidently and with a pop of color.

In light of adding some sass to your wardrobe, let's chat about adding value to your community, shall we!

I recently had dinner with a friend of mine (in my all black ensemble but of course). He recently moved to another state for work and we got on the subject of making new friends, and rebuilding community in his new home. In conversation, he gently asked if I were part of a community. See, I pride myself in "doing bad all by myself." In my ability to balance counseling, entrepreneurship, and a "social life" (aka lack thereof). So coyly, I shook my head "no" to answer my friend's question.

Then more stern this time, my friend emphasized the value of being a part of one. This question really made me think -- about the importance of community, my community, and the greater question: how to build a community.

In the Bible, we read several scriptures highlighting the importance of community. In Genesis 2:18, God points out that "it is not good for man to be alone;" Hebrews 10 discusses the importance of encouraging one another; and 1 John 1 advocates for having fellowship with one another.

As Christians we are called to support, love, and grow...together. We're called to blend our lives, not balance busy. We can't do it alone.

Now when building your brand (or even developing yourself as an individual) the essence of community is not to be overlooked. Community is encouraging, life giving, and helps to strengthen.
I've shared 3 tips below on ways to build your community (which can be applied to your brand or your personal life).

Always (actively) engage: 

• As a brand, you likely use social media to reach your target audience. In order to build community in this space, be sure you are actively engaging with your audience/followers. Be present; express your thoughts by not only liking photos, but also writing comments. It goes a long way to also reply to comments posted under your product photos. The goal is for followers to see that you are present and that they are visible.
• As an individual: it's likely that there are people around you who reach out to you! Avoid isolating yourself and try saying "yes" to a dinner party invitation, or one on one coffee dates. While you're there, be present. Do you best to carry conversations, and show that you care by listening and responding.

Collaboration is key: 

• As a brand: A great way to ignite more conversation is through collaboration. Find a blogger/brand ambassador/influencer that mirrors your values and pair up! Curate a giveaway or a blog post. Team up to charter a social media campaign. Collaboration lets your audience know that you are plugged in and care about the greater mission that's backing your brand's story. Also, its a fun and easy way to build buzz around your brand!
• As an individual: The festive season is upon us! This is the time of year for not only celebrating, but also giving. Team up with friends and family to give back to the community. (Hint: gathering your small group to feed/give to families in need?) Work together to celebrate the reason for the season by organizing a holiday party. It's true that two heads are better than one!

Be inclusive (and kind): 

• As a brand: Strive to make people feel like they can be a part of something special. Take a look at your target audience personas and make sure each person is being reached in your messaging and imagery.
• As an individual: Invite everyone! (Well, not everyone...keep it safe, y'all). When in conversation, make an effort to make sure you've included everyone you're out with. Spare the one-on-one conversation for duo coffee dates. If you're the shy type (like me), make an intentional effort to approach a (small) group of people and get involved!

Lately I've been stuck in somewhere in between recognizing by dreams, and creating a strategy to (successfully) achieve them. The obvious fun fact here is that while there might not be one clear cut way to success, the clear path to failure is to sit on your dreams, and allow the weight of "what if I fail" to trap you in your "safe" place.

But what if you simply just began? What if you pushed past the fear and dove straight into the deep end going after after every single dream that has kept you up at night, that has fueled your fire, and that has given you life? I'm committing myself to pushing past fear, procrastination, "what ifs" and anything else in between that's designed to keep me from accomplishing every single vision God has so graciously placed on my heart.

I don't have a cute step-by-step guide to offer you on how to do this. But steps I can can proffer are these:

1. Allow yourself a chance to re-dream. If you've lost sight of the vision somewhere, go back to those thoughts that set your heart on fire. If good things yielded excitement once before, surely they can be rekindled! Consistently do what you know to do.
2. Pray for God to give you the blueprint. I taught my Sunday school students that Noah is a prime example of God laying out the strategy and provision after He provided the vision. 
3. As you wait for the master plan, begin to build in faith. In your season of waiting for the blueprint, grab whatever resources are available to you, and go to work. (For example, I am currently in "school" again, aka, using the internet & pdf books to learn everything I need to know about building my vision...ahem..is this the blueprint?)
4. Practice the art of patience. Your vision is a masterpiece that should be crafted diligently and carefully. Don't let the pressure of next prevent you from being present now as you wait for the vision to unfold on God's perfect timeline. I'm guilty of rushing through a season of preparation simply because of my desire for instant gratification. 

I had dinner with a new friend a few weeks ago (heyyy, Chinelo) who reminded me that God is so merciful He gives us time for our vision to manifest (queue Travis Greene "You Waited"). This concept of God giving us "time" is made evident in new days, new months, and new years (helloooo all the dreams that didn't happen in 2017! We're coming for you in 2018!).

Here's to stepping into the life our Maker has designed for us.

What I'm Wearing: