This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer.

At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated.

This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed and out the door. Some days, I'm truly happy if she just joins me for dinner and a little TV before turning in for the night.

While Mom is living in the perpetual now as her short term memory shrinks to mere seconds, I've been forced to adjust and adjust and adjust some more.

For me, there is no new normal. There is only ever-changing movement of the goal post. What defines success on Monday isn't even a possibility on Tuesday.

As a first-class strategist, this is humbling, to say the least.

No amount of thinking through the could bes, might bes, maybes and what ifs has prepared me for the daily little joys of getting mom to do something she couldn't or wouldn't the day before and the feelings of abject failure when the opposite occurs.

Even if you're not facing the same challenges—and I sincerely hope you're not—odds are you're dealing with your own situations and uncertainties. So maybe these lessons and perspectives I've shared in the past will be as valuable to you in navigating what's to come as they continue to be for me in this new phase of life and its impact on me and my business.

• It pays to prepare for the worst even as you're hoping for the best.
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• Sometimes, you just need to trust in your abilities and your gut, even when 'logic' says otherwise.
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• ​Don't get so attached to your own idea of how things should be that you ignore a better strategy.
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• Stop living for the future and engineer a present that gets you where you want to be.
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• ​Protect your peace and get plenty of quality sleep.

Should you like some help coping with the present while mapping out the future of your business and livelihood, let's talk.
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Until next time,

PS—If you missed it, last month I affirmed that This Is NOT Normal and we shouldn't act like it is.

Build a Foundation for Growth Lauren offers insightful, tailored advice. Her guidance helped me put my goals into perspective and build a stronger foundation for growth. I’m truly grateful for her leadership and expertise. ​​ —Janiela Roachford, CEO, Steadfast Construction ​ Book Your Coaching Session Today!

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