We were lucky to catch up with Andi Byers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I learned at a young age that my reality looked drastically different from most. I was often the only person that looked like me in a lot of spaces I was in. As I got older the difference was no longer just that I was a women or even a woman of color. It became those things plus chronic illness.
That trifecta can make you retreat. That is what initially happened in my case. I started to believe that my thoughts, opinions or expertise didn’t matter. I convinced myself that all people saw when they looked at me was the “sick” woman. I allowed the voice in my head to mute me. While initially that seemed like a bad thing, it allowed me to study my spaces and learn to read the environment. I learned how to better communicate with people in a way that they can actually interpret the information. I began to understand that it is not that what I had to say wasn’t important; I just didn’t know how to communicate well and I was scared to own that.
There is no secret formula or recipe. The key is to own who you are and what you bring to the table. Your input is valuable. When we communicate from a place of understanding, success will naturally follow. Dare to stand out. Foster the connections. Step outside of your comfort zone. Build your network.
It’s not always easy but stay the course. Stay the course. Stay when it gets hard. Stay when they don’t believe it can happen. Stay when you feel invisible. Stay when you feel unheard. Just STAY the course, it’s so worth it!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Andi, the Founder and CEO of Chronic & Iconic Coaching, Iconically Holistic, Invisible Apparel Co and ICONIC Business Solutions. I am a registered nurse, holistic wellness practitioner, master trainer, process improvement and business strategic alignment expert, published author, Air Force veteran and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree. I guess you can say I’m a woman of many trades!
My purpose in this life is to make the journey JOYFUL despite the circumstances that life throws at us. I help women maintain joy using holistic methodologies to advance strategic growth in health, life and business without stress, overwhelm and burnout. I absolutely love what I do. I help women redefine what joy looks like, for them, unattached from the pressure of the expectations of others.
My mission is to help women find their voice and use it to advocate for their wellbeing in all aspects of their lives.
What I love the most about what I do is the relationships I get to build with these amazing women. I am grateful to be a vessel that provides tools to help them live the thriving lives they deserve.
We’ve been crazy busy behind the scenes over the last year planning, testing, writing and curating experiences. This quarter we are excited to announce that we are officially releasing the Iconically Holistic Wellness bundles. These bundles include three books (“The Happy & Healthy You: 30-day Anti-inflammatory reset guide,” “You Are More than Enough: A Mindful Guide to Better Self-Care,” and “Chronically Stressed: A Guide to Help You Manage Your Stress & Wellbeing”), a custom anti-inflammatory and stress loose leaf tea blend with a tea infuser, and a 30-day supply of sea moss+ capsules. Additionally, you can shop for essential oils and supplements with an ICONIC discount.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Before starting any type of endeavor , it is important to have a well thought out plan. It needs to be so well constructed that you could hand it to a stranger and they could do it too. You are creating the roadmap to bring your vision into fruition. That map needs to be clear because it will help you build your processes to accomplishing your goal. Your plan helps keep you organized and on task. It helps identify the tools you may need now or in the future to help you strategically grow.
Organization and efficient process management are important in business for several reasons:
– It helps to streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase productivity
– It enables businesses to respond quickly to changing customer needs and market conditions
– It helps to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently
– It promotes consistency and quality in products and services
– It can lead to cost savings and increased profitability
A lot of the time we go into endeavors without a clear picture of what the entire process looks like. We rush through the beginning, and often uncomfortable, stages due to excitement of the possibility of quick gains. This often results in regression, overwhelm and burnout; leading us to re-evaluate the process.
Be a good steward of time, yours and others. Time management is crucial because it helps individuals prioritize tasks, increase productivity, reduce stress, and achieve goals efficiently, both in their personal and professional lives. Effective time management also promotes work-life balance and helps individuals develop discipline and focus. In business, good time management is essential for meeting deadlines, managing resources efficiently, and achieving overall success.
Communicate effectively. You have a voice, use it for good. People shouldn’t have to interpret or guess what you are saying. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the space to get your message out and you don’t always have to have an answer in the now. A lot of progress gets lost in the struggle to effectively communicate with others. As a society we have become accustomed to instant gratification, creating the habit of needing resolution now instead of taking the time to see all angles. One of the biggest and most important aspects of effective communication is active listening. Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating on and understanding what someone else is saying, rather than just passively hearing them. It involves paying attention to not only the words being spoken, but also the speaker’s tone, body language, and emotions. It is important in building relationships because it helps to establish trust, respect, and understanding between individuals. When we actively listen to others, we show that we care about their thoughts and feelings, and we are better able to respond in a way that meets their needs. This can lead to stronger, more positive relationships in both personal and professional settings.
Change can be scary and growth is uncomfortable. Remember your why. Write it down and put it where you will see it often. That reminder will help you stay the course when times get hard.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Overwhelm may be a formidable opponent, but it’s not invincible. Through my personal journey, I’ve discovered that taking intentional steps to pause, reflect, prioritize, seek support, practice self-care, embrace mindfulness, learn to say no, and disconnect when necessary can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. By incorporating these strategies into my daily routine, I have been able to reclaim my sense of control and find inner peace even in the face of overwhelming circumstances. I remind myself that I have the power to navigate through it. I then pause, reflect, and prioritize.
My strategy is simple:
1. Pause and Reflect:
When overwhelm strikes, I’ve learned the importance of taking a step back and creating space for reflection. I allow myself to acknowledge and sit with my emotions, rather than pushing them aside. This pause allows me to gain clarity and perspective, helping me understand the root causes of my overwhelm.
2. Prioritize and Simplify:
One of the key strategies I employ is prioritization. I start by creating a list of tasks and responsibilities, then ruthlessly prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps helps me regain a sense of control. By simplifying my to-do list, I can focus on the most crucial tasks and avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work.
3. Seek Support:
I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to face overwhelm alone. Seeking support from my loved ones or a trusted friend has been a game-changer. Sharing my feelings and burdens with someone who understands and empathizes with me not only lightens the load but also provides fresh perspectives and valuable advice. It’s incredible how a simple conversation can provide the comfort and encouragement needed to tackle overwhelming situations.
4. Practice Self-Care:
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when overwhelmed. Engaging in activities that nurture my well-being is crucial to restoring balance. I make it a priority to carve out time for exercise, meditation, or indulging in hobbies that bring me joy. Taking care of my physical and mental health equips me with the resilience and strength needed to confront overwhelming situations head-on.
5. Embrace Mindfulness:
In the midst of chaos, practicing mindfulness has become my anchor. I find solace in taking a few moments to focus on my breath, allowing myself to be fully present in the moment. Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises help me calm my racing thoughts and bring a renewed sense of clarity. By grounding myself in the present, I can navigate overwhelming situations with a greater sense of composure.
6. Learn to Say No:
A lesson I’ve learned the hard way is the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no. Overcommitting myself only fuels the fire of overwhelm. I’ve realized that it’s okay to decline certain requests or delegate tasks when necessary. By saying no to additional responsibilities that don’t align with my priorities, I create space for self-care and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
7. Disconnect and Recharge:
Technology can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to overwhelm. I’ve learned to recognize when it’s time to disconnect and give myself a digital detox. Stepping away from screens, social media, and constant notifications allows me to recharge and rejuvenate. Instead, I engage in activities that nourish my soul, such as spending time in nature or enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Remember, the path to overcoming overwhelm is not linear, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to experiment with different strategies and adapt them to fit your unique needs and circumstances. The key is to be gentle with yourself and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
So, the next time you find yourself on the brink of overwhelm, take a deep breath and remember Seek support from those who care about you. Embrace self-care as a non-negotiable aspect of your daily routine. Practice mindfulness to find peace in the present moment. Learn to set boundaries and say no when necessary. And don’t forget to disconnect and recharge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://
chronicandiconiccoaching.com/ be-iconic - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ chronicallyiconiccoach/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ chronicallyiconiccoach - Youtube: https://youtube.com/@
Chronicallyiconiccoach - Other: https://
patientadvocatematch.com/ listing/chronic-iconic-health- coaching/
https://www.alignable.com/smithfield-va/chronic-iconic- coaching-llc
Image Credits
Linnea Blizzard
