What does it mean to be emotionally resilient?

Emotions are part of our design as humans. We all feel them, but many of us take far too many things PERSONALLY.

You know the drill. A client says, “Wow, that’s expensive,” and you go straight to, “They hate me, they’re never going to use me again, they are going to tell everyone that I suck.”

If this sounds familiar, you’ll want to tune in to today’s episode as Jessica Mackey helps us unpack how to be more emotionally resilient at work.

Let’s be honest - some clients can be a lot. Most days at work are fantastic, but other days, it feels like you’re walking onto a battlefield with no armor, Jessica joins us with a list of ways to help you shore up your emotional resilience.

Join us as we discuss how to stay calm when things get heated and ways to avoid taking negative feedback too personally. 

We discuss how to handle difficult conversations, avoid burnout and how to avoid sacrificing your mental well-being for your business. 

If you have ever felt emotionally exhausted by clients and work, this episode is specifically tailored for you.

In this episode, you will learn the value of:

• accepting conflict or negative feedback gracefully
• acknowledging our emotions without allowing them to control us
• recognizing that a negative client interaction isn’t the end of the world
• processing our feelings before acting on them
• avoiding making assumptions that are just plain wrong
• avoiding burnout and maintaining sanity while serving clients

Timestamps:

[3:05] Jessica feels at home with the ATJ family and credits them for her understanding of organizational psychology.

[4:33] Jessica shares having found inspiration in Oklahoma City's Survivor Tree.

[7:18] Emotional intelligence helps build both business and personal resilience.

[8:24] Strong business foundations require deep roots.

[9:42] Understanding a client's motivation behind negative behavior leads to empathy and prevents conflict.

[10:58] Jessica argues for reframing negative interactions as learning experiences.

[13:41] Assumptions can be misleading, so ask questions with kindness.

[15:13] Emotional regulation benefits personal and professional relationships by helping to reduce reactive responses.

[18:49] Jessica argues that pausing before reacting prevents emotional escalation and improves communication.

[20:02] Distancing yourself from making assumptions avoids unnecessary stress.

[23:52] Failing to define your services clearly leads to exhaustion from constant unwanted requests.

[25:47] Jessica stresses the importance of clarity in this business.

[26:11] Knowing what you love and setting boundaries keeps you from wasting energy on work you dislike.

[28:50] Jessica points out that clients hire you for your expertise, so assertive communication reinforces your authority.

[31:11] Jessica argues for the importance of having good relationship skills.

[33:38] Jessica explains how assertiveness adds value and how social awareness helps refine one's approach based on responses.

[36:17] Responding with heightened emotion can sometimes help de-escalate situations by making others feel heard.

[37:10] Handling criticism with patience helps prevent unnecessary conflict.

[40:59] Self-awareness means recognizing how your perspective shapes interactions and adjusting it as needed.

[43:58] ATJ reflects on what she loves about the book The Let Them Theory.

[44:50] It's okay to give ourselves grace when we feel anger.

[46:30] Jessica reiterates that it's okay to take time to process emotions before responding.

[49:33] Developing deep roots and a growth mindset helps you take on life's challenges and learn new skills.

[51:30] Challenges are inevitable, but growth comes from responding with resilience and perspective.

Click here to listen!

WE WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU’D: Rate, Review, & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts

“I love ATJ & The ReWork!.” <– If that sounds like you, please take a minute and rate and review the show! This helps us support more portrait photographers — just like you — move toward building the PROFITABLE, sustainable businesses that they really want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let ME know what you loved most about the episode (and any topics you are dying to learn about). 

Also, if you haven’t already, FOLLOW the podcast. We’ll be adding some bonus episodes to the feed this season, and if you’re not following, you’ll miss out. Follow now!

You can also email me directly with your suggestions at: [email protected] - OR DM me directly on Instagram @atjphoto or @do.the.rework 

We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas! 

Links and Resources:

Download a Transcript

Ultimate Client Consultation Form

Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)

Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool

Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses

The ReWork Episode 30: The Business Side of Portraits with Jessica Mackey

The ReWork Episode 43: Creating Space in Your Schedule with Jessica Mackey

Do The ReWork

Website | Instagram

Allison Tyler Jones

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Articles

Verywellmind.com - Why Emotional Resilience is a Trait You Can Develop

Psychologytoday.com - Emotional Resilience: 9 Ways to be Resilient in Tough Times

Psychologytoday.com - Become a More Flexible Thinker

Books Mentioned

Mel Robbins - The Let Them Theory

Adam Grant’s Books

Carol S. Dweck - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success