I know some of the ladies out there will appreciate this one, so let’s have a real convo, shall we?…
I’ve hit the fabulous age of 41. I’m also building a business. And I’m trying to grow my personal brand alongside this, because here at Quirq we practice what we preach. I’m doing my damndest to show up with something valuable to say, and say it in a way that actually helps people grow too.
But I’m also deep in the trenches of perimenopause (Yay me!)
For one very special week each month I feel on fire, invincible, on top form, focused, energised, all the good feelings as a go getter you want to feel. The rest of the month I feel like a tired, puffy, emotionally unstable shell of a woman who just wants to live inside a duvet and never answer a single message ever again. Not easy to do when you’re building a brand all about showing up!
If you’re reading this and nodding your head, maybe even crying a bit into your coffee, then hi, I see you, and you’re not alone.
This season of life is bloody hard. It’s hormonal chaos meets identity crisis meets existential burnout. And when you’re also trying to show up online, build your personal brand, and grow something that matters – That shit hits different (yes I used a swear word, I feel like this subject needs a certain gravity to it that only swear words give to a narrative).
The thing is though, that perimenopause or not, your story still matters. What you have to say to the world still matters. And your personal brand? It can still thrive, even if your body is currently trying to sabotage you. How do I know, because mine is and I’m going through it too.
Here’s how I’m navigating it (with honesty, humour, and a lot of supplements):
1. Recognise the Season You’re In (And Give Yourself Some Damn Grace)
This is not business-as-usual. This is a full-body recalibration, and it deserves kindness. You wouldn’t yell at a friend for struggling through a tough time, so why are you doing it to yourself? No judgement here, I do it to myself too.
This is your reminder, and mine, to stop piling guilt on top of the symptoms. Be honest about what you’re going through, and lead with self-compassion. Your mind’s already running the “you’re not good enough” narrative on loop, you don’t need to join in with it.
Start where you are, and take the pressure off being 100% all the time. Speak to yourself like you would someone you love.
(And if you need help with that, the book What to Say When You Talk to Yourself is a solid start. So are voice notes to your future self, empowering podcasts, and whatever affirmations don’t make you want to throw up).
2. Get Ahead in Your Good Weeks
Perimenopause is unpredictable, but if you’ve tracked your cycle or symptoms for a while, you probably know the “better times.” Use them.
When your energy’s higher, your face isn’t betraying you, and your brain feels like it’s mostly online, batch create content/stock images/videos like your life depends on it.
Film the videos. Take the photos. Write the captions. Schedule the content, or at least save it in a file ready to use when your hormones dip.
This isn’t about faking it or pretending to feel amazing all the time. It’s about making the most of the windows where your energy is aligned with your goals, and letting that support you during the dips.
Consistency in personal branding builds trust. So let your future self cash in on the content you create when you’re in your flow.
3. Call In the Experts (and the Robots)
Yes, I’ve been talking to my lovely robot friend Gloria (aka ChatGPT) about my symptoms, what might help, and how to make sense of it all. But I’m not stopping there.
I’ve booked a doctor’s appointment. I’m talking to professionals. I’m taking new supplements. I weight train, I eat well(ish), and I’m also fully in my hermit era, resting like my sanity depends on it.
Here’s the takeaway: you don’t have to do this alone.
Get the support your body needs and get the support your personal brand needs. Whether it’s outsourcing content, hiring a personal brand strategist, or having someone help you map a sustainable content plan, this is the time to delegate and protect your energy.
(And yes, if you need help, Quirq’s here).
You’re Not Broken, You’re Becoming
This is the phrase Gloria (my Chat GPT) says to me all the time, she’s a good egg isn’t she!
There’s no sugarcoating it, this chapter is tough. You’re low on energy, low on motivation, and trying to keep a straight face on Zoom while your hormones throw tantrums and your body starts burning up.
But the work you’re doing on your personal brand, is so worth it.
Because the point of personal branding isn’t to be shiny and perfect every day. It’s to be real. And nothing is more real than showing up, imperfect, exhausted, a little wobbly, and still saying: “Here I am. I’ve got something to say.”
Down times don’t last forever. But the personal brand you build with honesty, resilience, and a sprinkle of sass, that can carry you through.
I’m not saying you have to share that you’re in this tough time, you don’t have to share everything when it comes to personal branding. But I share it, because I know my ideal audience is also going through difficulties like this too. It’s a barrier that my ideal audience will be facing, and I’m facing it too, it’s a connection, a link, a thing that resonates between us. And I have some value on this particular subject that can help my ideal audience within my niche.
If it would resonate and connect with your ideal audience maybe you could share it to.
P.S.
If this blog hits home, share it with a fellow perimeno club member who needs a little extra love right now. And if you want help building a bold, beautiful personal brand, even when life is kicking your arse, pop into our inbox. We’ve got you.
