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Inspiration

Persistence is key in difficult times

e have been facing extraordinary events in biggest fan, give yourself a shout out or high five at every
recent years—the pandemic, soaring infla- step achieved even if this feels so embarrassing you can't
tion and climate disasters being just a few. envision doing it even in private.
W Some are having lasting negative effects on
us, our families, friends, colleagues and merchant clients. Speaking of steps, when overwhelm has landed in your
lap, take action. That doesn't mean you need to organize
In the face of such setbacks it is often more difficult to and pull off a stellar client presentation by the end of the
persist in pursuing goals. But given the entrepreneurial day. It means determining one small thing you can do
nature of the payments industry, and the array of right now that will move you toward your goal. Just one.
opportunities that unfold in our sphere during good times The key is to focus on action. For it's the small, productive
and bad, most payments professionals do indeed get going steps we take overall that lead not just to a satisfying
when the going gets tough. However, when hit especially career but also to a life well-lived.
hard, some put on a brave face but have a difficult time
pursuing objectives with customary gusto. Another thing: while it's always good to track progress
and reassess goals and action plans as new information
Is there something you can do when this happens? I comes to light, refrain from delegating just to make things
believe so. The first thing is to pay attention to self-talk. easier when they seem too hard. Think this through. If
When embarking upon a goal, it's easy to visualize the you wanted to do something yourself before the setback
finish line, such as shaking hands with skilled partners, because you sought to acquire knowledge, make new
boarding a record number of new merchant accounts, connections or gain something else that would help your
and big residual checks to pay for that new home remodel career long-term, determine what you will gain and lose
underway or long-awaited family vacation. When a setback by turning it over to someone else. Don't let overwhelm,
occurs, however, visualizing the desired outcome can slip which is likely temporary, be what guides your decision.
away as worries and self-doubt creep in. Awareness is key
here. Pay attention to your thoughts and never lose sight That said, we all have limitations. You may discover you
of what you want. simply aren't the right person for a particular project. If
that's the case, you're lucky, because expertise in payments
Become your own best friend abounds like a delicious buffet table, and you can partake

Having a support network is also critical no matter what of exactly what you need to realize your goals.
circumstances throw at you. A mentor, mastermind group
or regular check-ins with a colleague who cares about
your objectives can be extremely helpful. However, in
the final analysis, your support system will not make an
ounce of difference unless you become your own best
friend. You must cheer yourself on. You must become your Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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