Expecting the Ebb and Flow

Some weeks are an easy climb, others are a slow crawl. It’s what you learn managing through the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship, of business cycles. As a new business owner, what’s the best thing you can do for yourself? Instead of fighting it, expect it. Change is part of the deal. It’s a normal piece of the puzzle. Those who succeed don’t have all the answers; here’s what they do have. 

Trust that what you don’t yet know, you will learn. Don’t get knocked off course when the tides change - and they will. Connecting with customers, writing with ease, or launching a product is rewarding, exciting. Enjoy these times, stay focused, and ride the acceleration, not on a whim, but by being aware of what’s happening around you, intentional in your decisions, and making the most of opportunities.

When a shift happens - in the world, your industry, your business - decide that you will handle what comes next. This is where I see a big disconnect with new business owners. Something is harder, takes longer, is unexpected, and you’re afraid because you don’t have the answer. Suddenly, you’re wading into the unknown. Peace of mind (and the answers) comes with a new perspective. 

When the words aren’t flowing, the calls aren’t returned, or your timing is off, don’t throw in the towel or make it mean you are failing. It’s a data point, a chance to learn, adapt, and refine. It is not the time to apply more pressure or sit idly on the sidelines. In these moments, be curious, name what is working, then explore what isn’t. Take one step at a time with confidence, knowing you will figure it out. 

Be that steady hand on the wheel, trying, testing, and tweaking. Then decide, move forward. And the cycle begins again. 

Interest Is Your Compass

In my conversations with women, I find that many are looking for an immediate answer, a quick solution to the question of what comes next in this new chapter. Most don’t want to wade into the unknown with enthusiasm in order to uncover what’s possible. Often, we’re too practical for that. We lament, thinking of how much time we’ll waste. (I know, I’ve said those words myself.) We’d just like the answer, please. So we can keep going. Yet, it doesn’t work that way. 

Follow what feels interesting, and see what direction it inspires.

For those of you staring straight into change, a transition, the mystery of it all, here’s what I recommend. Dial the noise down a notch and alter your environment. Note what captures your attention. See where your compass points. In the midst of bright sunshine and longer, more luxurious days, this is a perfect time to be open - in your mind and in outdoor spaces. 

As crazy as it sounds, slowing down now to reveal your interests is what allows you to move faster, later. An intentional pause saves time in the long run, avoiding unnecessary restarts. One thing I know: if you don’t pause for a refresh, you speed into chaos.

And if you say, “I have no interests,” then spending time in the quiet is at the top of your list. You’ve kept yourself so busy that you haven’t yet allowed your interests or passions to come alive, to be heard. That’s job one. It will be uncomfortable; however, do it anyway. Walk without your phone, or sit on the floor and take some deep breaths. Practice being in silence until the chatter dissipates and you can hear yourself nudging and inviting what’s next. (If this idea terrifies you, then you might explore why.) 

Instead of following your usual routine and doing what makes sense, follow what feels interesting and see what meets you there. 

If this sounds like where you are, and you’d love more inspiration, I invite you to explore Visions of Possibility.

Change Is in the Wind

Can you feel the shift? A vibrant season has arrived, a chance to embrace the changes outside and shed the heaviness. Does this sound like where you are? I feel it, and I hear from a lot of you who are trying to shake loose and build momentum.

The ideas are flickering, you sense they’re coming, trying to break through, yet some days you feel stuck in gray. The key to getting unstuck is to be in motion.

Don’t let the stale settle in. On the calls and the meetings I participate in, there is a palpable sense of the challenges in today’s business world. While the obstacles are real, they don’t have to keep you frozen. Pick one thing on your list, and take the next step. Some days, the step might be small, but at least you’re moving. Your customers, family, friends, and even colleagues look to you to bring the energy, to be a light, and redirect toward an open space of opportunities.

When you feel your mind resisting, spinning in place, movement frees your energy. If you can’t decide what to do in your work, do something to help someone else. Send a card, reach out to say hello, connect. You’re not alone, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtful outreach. That one act of kindness feels good and gets you going. Another option is to let nature inspire you; step outside to clear your mind, go for a walk, even if it’s around the parking lot.

Ask yourself: What can I do differently this week? How can I breathe fresh air into my plans?

I hope this inspires you, friends, to stay in gentle motion. Today, what is one thing you can do to help that flicker become a bright light?

Lessons from the Rearview

Over the years of my entrepreneurship journey, I’ve built things I love, and I’ve closed things down. That’s how it works. I discovered that my “wrong” decisions were counted by others as valuable experience. (Perspective can be hard to hold when you’re “in the thick of it” as a business owner.) Opportunities appeared because people saw a foundation of knowledge and strength, and knew I could inspire and educate those just starting. I saw moments one way, others saw them differently. Now, I know better.

What past experiences are you rehashing and seeing only the negative? What if you redirect your thinking? Consider your pivotal moments, note what you learned, and the skills you acquired. Maybe now you’re thinking differently, practicing better communication, focusing, and know the difference between a projection and a miracle.

What if you pull confidence from these moments? Acknowledge your strong foundation and let go of constant comparisons to a perfect scenario.

Celebrate that you are either winning or learning, and both serve you well.

Relax Into a Refined Plan

A few deep breaths and an air of calm haven’t always been how I approach a new project. My early years were fueled by intensity and determination, backed by passion. These are helpful traits to access when entering a new chapter. However, a steady diet of intensity without a sprinkle of calm isn’t healthy. Like me, I’m guessing you’ve been there? I eventually learned that the addition of slow, peaceful moments is when the insights, ideas, and inspired planning come together.

It may seem ironic that allowing space to pause amid work schedules and commitments is what creates clarity. It’s true. Being open, moving lighter lets you write, think, and solve problems more clearly. Ease cracks open space for ideas to float to the surface.

This natural flow of ideas is what feeds your vision, whether it’s of next month or next year. The proactive choice to make time, focus on your future, and imagine what excites you draws you forward. And, when your day goes sideways, it’s your vision that brings you home, reminds you of your priorities, and the next step in your plan.

If you hold no vision, then you move at the whim of others. Your energy is drained by the lack of a cohesive thread or direction; it’s a road to nowhere. Don’t let reckless and random define your days. Instead, choose a relaxed approach to refine your plan and enjoy this next chapter.

If you're feeling the frustration of bouncing between what others think and dragging yourself across imaginary finish lines, it’s time to pause and take a breath. Refresh and reset. I invite you to join me in Dial Into Your Brilliance. It’s my new coaching capsule. I’m excited to be your guide as you define the next steps of your sustainable, fulfilling plan.

What if Your Vision Fits Your Life?

Are you holding on to your current life so tight that your dreams are slipping away? I talk to women who work so hard for what they have and think their only option is to choose between their dreams and the life they have today. What if it’s possible to create space, a world where you continue your growth and fulfillment, and savor what’s fun and fabulous in your life?

create a vision that savors the fulfilling, the fun, and the fabulous

There’s no magic wand required; it comes down to three things. Getting clear on what you want, defining next steps, and being devoted to your priorities.

Gaining clarity means first choosing your non-negotiables. What are the joys, the activities, the things that are the most important in your life? These elements remain a priority, and your body of work or business is threaded around them. Family gatherings, date night, dinner with friends, your art, journaling, reading, travel, long walks, etc. What is the life you’re creating?

Once you set your non-negotiables, you weave the work you love around these areas. This is the time to refresh and refine your plan. Write down the steps you want to take this quarter and add them to your calendar. Then, step back and take a look at what you’ve created. Does this schedule excite you, feel inspiring, offer you a chance to stretch and grow? Or are you exhausted looking at it? Be real. Move, extend, or change what doesn’t feel right in this chapter of your life. Your calendar speaks volumes, and as a smart, capable individual, you decide your timeline and path forward.

Lastly, being devoted to your schedule and to the priorities you’ve set makes all other decisions easy. It allows you to avoid temptations and time-wasters disguised as opportunities, activities that move you off track, and derail your plan. Because you take the time to get clear and make thoughtful decisions, you can say “yes” or “no” with confidence, choosing to stick to your plan and the exciting life you’re building.

As the CEO of your life, revisit and refresh your plan. Savor the fun and fulfillment with a vision that fits your next vibrant chapter.

Permission to Simplify

I heard a woman tell her friend that she was now in her late sixties and realized she didn’t want to work until 5 o’clock every day. It was a routine she had always done, and she decided to change it. When was the last time you took a moment to revisit your routine? This woman shared that she now works fewer days, and less hours. “I’ve earned it!” she declared.

Most of us entering what I fondly call the “seasoned and savvy” years were raised in an era of rigid job environments. Working from home wasn’t a real thing yet, and personal appointments? All squeezed into your lunch hour or after work. Sound familiar? I’ve caught myself in this pattern many times. It’s no wonder I hear so many women looking for a refresh.

Today, grant yourself permission to simplify. Instead of racing into the next project, take a moment to reset.

Notice how often your mind tries to turn back to old, ingrained work habits. While there is always more to do as a business owner, there is also more time than we tell ourselves. Watch how often your brain suggests that more work and more hours are the only answer.

This time, question your thinking. Redirect with one simple question: How can I make this easy? Your answers might surprise you. You can continue to learn and grow without the stress and pressure. Choose to simplify.

Here are examples of how to invite more ease into your plan:

• Can you expand your timeline by a day, a week, or a month? Not from the energy of procrastination or fear, but from a place of completing the details with a fresh and rested perspective.

• Can you launch your project in two stages instead of finishing everything upfront? This allows you to keep moving forward with flexibility.

• Who can help you? It takes a village.

• Do you need to fully bake every step in your plan? Or, can you begin with solid first steps and outline the rest? Tweak and update as you go.

As you explore ways to simplify, avoid letting your mind turn to thoughts of shutting the whole idea down or giving up. That’s not the point of a refresh. When you find yourself white-knuckling, limiting your creativity, or struggling to enjoy the flow of ideas, take a step back.

Adjusting your plan comes with the confidence of having a strong, centered foundation. It’s what I call dialing into your brilliance. Once you’ve dialed in to who you’re becoming and where you’re headed, every decision becomes much easier.

The Luxury of Letting Go

What if the key to our growth and fulfillment is letting go? Instead of adding more, what if we ease our grip and shake loose restraints?

We’re so used to piling on as a first option. Ask yourself, where are you holding back, restricting, instead of moving freely? Before you do more, release the limits you’ve placed on yourself. Are you staying silent when your ideas make a difference? Are you hiding your passions and skills, thinking they’re not quite ready?

Make space, move lighter, dream bigger.

When I look closely, I find there’s still plenty to release, like nonsense, for starters. I’ve also lovingly let go of relationships that live in lack, people who focus on the negative without a helpful idea or meaningful action in sight.

Moving freely means choosing topics and conversations that inspire you, owning your brilliance, and meeting with people who joyfully hold space for you and encourage forward momentum. It does not mean rigid perfection.

What if we let go of NOT speaking up? We invest time and/or resources in causes and organizations we believe in, and make our voices heard. Say what feels genuine, share your stories, which inspires another, and the ripple effect continues.

Opportunity Rewards Those in Motion

It’s tempting to wait for the approval, the likes, the confirmation, and then move forward. Most people can’t dream as big as you, can’t imagine what’s possible. What if you have to take the first step before the next door opens? 

When I launched a media business years ago to write about entrepreneurs and startups, it was before LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Other than word of mouth, there was no way for people to hear the exciting things that startups were doing - the clutch hires, the strategic deals, the angel and venture investments. Regional magazines and business journals were only writing about the big corporate news; they didn’t have the interest or ability to see the wave of local content coming, the innovation economy on the horizon. 

At the time, I worked for an organization investing in entrepreneurship and tech businesses. I pitched them on the idea of letting me write a weekly newsletter to distribute across the region - to investors, talent for hire, economic development leaders, and other founders looking for connection and inspiration. I was passionate about sharing the startups’ accomplishments and believed in the momentum this news would create across the region. The organization said no. So, I launched the business on the side, and eventually, I left my full-time job. Later, that same organization became one of my biggest advertisers. You know what they said, “Who knew?!” 

What if you see it now? What if it’s your vision that leads others? Don’t wait for those who can’t see what’s possible or don’t share your passion. Put the work you are called to do out there, share your ideas, talents, or products. Opportunities reward those in motion. Post the photos, tell your story, invite buyers and business. There are tons of ways to test the waters now. (The beauty of social media.) What’s one next step you can take today to move your dream forward? 

Navigating the Unexpected

How do you navigate change when the waters turn murky and the way forward shifts without warning? You’re more in control than you think.

Clients, colleagues, and friends are adjusting to unexpected changes impacting their lives in immediate and unpredictable ways. If you enjoy life long enough, this is part of the journey. I have been there many times.

I used to believe I had no control over this. Now, I know how I think about these challenges will either slow or speed the arrival of my next opportunity.

With time and intention, we add skills, resources, and different ways of thinking to our toolbox. These skills help you process situations with grace, self-love, and determination. Know that on the other side of uncertainty are opportunities and new beginnings. Keep moving forward.

As Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson says, “We learn to deal with hard better.”

When you find yourself navigating change, drop these two skills into your mental toolbox to guide you to your next opportunity:

Look through the lens of possibility. Revisit your past experiences, capture your milestone moments, and turning points. Look with an eye on the lessons and skills you extracted from both the good and the grind. Write down each skill you gained. What happened, and what skills translate to your next chapter? (Resilience, calm in crisis, project management?)

Adjust your perspective, not focused on an industry, company, or employer. Note all you gained that is useful and sets you apart - communication, problem solving, team leadership, or something else? Craft your unique founder story (Read more on this here.), meaning your foundation story, whether you’re entering a new job, career, or launching a business. Tell your story of inspiration and growth. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, overcome, and learned.

Adopt “yes, and…” thinking, create a path forward. Acknowledge that things aren’t great, recognize you’re in the midst of sadness or challenges, AND that you can take one step forward. Don’t stop at rehashing circumstances; add the “and” to finish with what’s next: And, I can call a friend for help, write the email, brainstorm ideas, or rest. It’s a subtle shift that makes a big difference. You’re not dwelling on the situation; you open a way forward. Catch yourself next time you’re tempted to stop at the crisis thinking, add the “and” to see how it pulls you forward.

This isn’t the time to shrink. Stay the course, be proactive with what’s in your sights that inspires and elevates your thinking. Learning to navigate the unexpected will lead to your next vibrant chapter.