This morning, I have no idea how this email finds you. I wrote it before the polls closed on the US election. 

What I do know is this: most of us are feeling some kind of way today. And it’s not a time of year when we have the luxury of shutting down until we feel like working again. So how do you overcome the functional freeze that goes with anxiety and uncertainty?

I have two ideas for you. First, do low-stakes but meaningful things. These kinds of tasks -- small, limited, satisfying to check off your list, low mental load -- are key for pulling yourself out of functional freeze.  

Some suggestions: 

• Cleaning up something on your desk

• Opening, sorting, or shredding paper mail

• Reviewing last month’s books

• Categorizing transactions

• Organizing and updating your pipeline

• Paying a bill

• Organizing a category for a budget

• Updating your address list for the holidays

• Banking a few social media posts

Size the project to something you can finish, even if it’s just doing what you can in ten minutes or opening one piece of mail. Set a timer if that helps.. Many of the items on the 10 Weeks to Close checklist -- scheduling a meeting, checking status, finding a report -- qualify for this kind of functional box-checking..

Personally, I saved the task of breaking down boxes for election night. It’s active, it will declutter my space, and it’s cathartic to break things.

A second thing: take the moment to think about what matters to you. Use those feelings to hone in on a centering principle. 

I recently heard Jessica Alba talk about why she founded The Honest Company. She knew the chemicals in conventional skincare products were creating chronic issues for her, and she couldn’t find an alternative. She used those words, “centering principle,’ for how she decided what kind of company she wanted to start and how she wanted to build it. 

You might be familiar with developing a business strategy around a North Star or a Why. A centering principle is a bit different. It’s a non-negotiable value about something that’s important to YOU to achieve in the world. It doesn’t matter if you have a customer avatar, that can come later. You might not even have an idea for a product or a service. But there’s something happening and you feel called or compelled to be a leader in finding a solution. That’s a centering principle.

Sometimes it takes an acute event or stressor to figure out what really matters to you. This might be that moment for you. Don’t be afraid to lean into your feelings. Write down your thoughts and ideas without editing or censoring yourself. 

My centering principle is helping women build self-funded businesses around their centering principles. You bring the domain expertise and the vibes, I’ll bring the strategy, finance, and operations. Other examples from my clients:

• I want to have a four-day work week with fair pay and benefits

• I want to build an ethical, accountable supply chain 

• I want to give a first job to people who can’t normally access my industry 

• I want to reduce the stress of managing a loved one’s estate 

• I want to fight for the rights of individuals who were wronged by large corporations 

• I want to increase success in learning math 

• I want to train people to lead on mental health at work

Frustration can point the way to clarity and opportunity. You might not know where, who, or how, but you will know clearly why it matters and the impact you want to make.

No matter what, we will keep going. We won’t stop bending the arc of the moral universe by doing the best we can every day, and supporting one another. 

Call me if you want to smash some boxes.

Week 3 of 10 Weeks to Close

For reference, here’s the checklist. Alas, my friends, health insurance don’t care that we’re going through a thing. Or all the things. And decision time is coming up fast. If you want or have a corporate plan, you have a few days to a couple of weeks to choose your plan and start open enrollment.

Next week, I have two events where you can get live support:

November 12: Decoding 2025 Health Insurance

Something you can move forward: your health insurance choices. Insurance doesn’t care that we all just did a thing, deadlines are deadlines. So let’s deal with it together. Next Tuesday, join me for Decoding your 2025 Health Insurance Choices, 11 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific. I’ll speak specifically to how self-employed and small business owners evaluate and choose coverage, and take your questions. The cost is $27. Register here. 

And please feel welcome to share this info -- this event is open to everyone. 

November 14: Monthly AMA

My subscriber AMA is back on Thursday, November 14 at 10 AM Pacific. Bring your end of year and benefits questions. If you can’t attend live, submit questions here.

Media Kit

Netflix: While I haven’t watched yet, many of you have highlighted Netflix’s new Martha Stewart documentary as a must-see for entrepreneurs. Did you watch? What did you take away?  

CDF Law: On November 20, my California employment law firm is offering its public webinar on 2025 regulations and changes to know. Learn more and register here. 

AP News: The US Justice Department has levied its largest-ever money laundering fine against TD Ameritrade. The bank pleaded guilty to processing a significant volume of payments related to human and drug trafficking and will pay up to $3 billion. If you’re curious about the function of FinCEN, the organization that required you to register a BOI this year, it’s this.

ABC News: From mid-October, you have new consumer rights when you fly. If an airline automatically cancels your flight, you are entitled to a timely cash refund, if you don’t want to be rebooked. If the wifi doesn’t work or your baggage is delayed or lost, you are also entitled to compensation. Worth a read before you hop on your next flight.