It’s pretty strange out there right now, mama.

Our parents (and grandparents!) are learning how to use Zoom. We’re discovering everyone’s natural hair color. And we’re learning that a heck of a lot of things can be done from home, even though people tried to convince us they couldn’t. 

Thousands of companies are losing money, and people are suddenly not so sure about the “security” of those 9-5 jobs. 

All those people who thought you were crazy for going freelance and starting your own business are suddenly a lot more interested in what you’re doing.

And still. 

Even with all of this, you’ll still come across the people who are full of negativity. 

This isn’t the time to start a business, are you crazy?

Who’s going to hire you? You’ve never even done this before!

Do you really think it’s appropriate to be charging people for that right now?

The thing is, you don’t have to listen to those people. 

And I’d strongly encourage you to consider very carefully what kind of friend you are — and what kind of friends you have. 

Recently, I watched two women validate each other’s excuses. 

“This is going to be really hard,” one would say. And the other would agree. “Yeah, now might not be the best time.” 

They held each other back and simultaneously made each other feel okay about it. 

“It probably makes sense to just set this aside for a few months.”

“Yeah. Or, like, go a different direction entirely. That’s what I’m thinking about doing.”

“Plus, I need to do a lot of research. And you really need to put more time into thinking about your business name.”

“That’s true. And you’ll be in a much better place if you first finish that course.”

I gotta tell you, mama, this conversation disgusted me. This is enabling at its worst. 

(Breathe, Lauren. BREATHE.)

Listen up, Mama. 

I will never be the friend who tells you what you want to hear. 

That’s a promise — and it’s one I take really seriously. I’ve lost friends over this, and I’m totally okay with that, because I speak my truth, and I will not let you lie to yourself. 

I will not let you hide your skills and value from the world just because you’re scared. 

I could not live with myself if I did that. I wouldn’t be worthy of your respect if I did that. 

I am the friend who will hold you to your highest standard. I will call you out when I hear 💩. I will help you adapt your business during COVID-19.

I will not let you make excuses — not to yourself, and not to other people. 

Are we clear?

Yeah, Coronavirus sucks. It’s affecting my life and yours. It’s affecting the whole world. It’s horrible.

But business is going on all over the world. The changes we’re all making aren’t designed to destroy business. They’re designed to make it possible to continue working, building and growing economies, and doing the work we need to do.  In order to succeed, you have to adapt your business during COVID-19.

So if you’re looking for an excuse to play small and hide, look somewhere else. 

In the Free Mama Movement community, we’re moving forward.

P.S. Ready to take action? Join me in the Work Your Way summit now through April 24. You get instant access to the ENTIRE thing — which is PAAAAAACKED with resources — FOR FREE.