6 Slow-Living Practices to Try This Winter

As the colder months settle in, there’s a natural urge to slow down, cozy up, and embrace the quiet beauty of winter. It’s the perfect time to explore slow-living practices that nurture your well-being, spark creativity, and bring more intentionality to your days.

Slow living isn’t about doing less for the sake of it—it’s about doing what matters most, at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-living enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this mindful lifestyle, winter offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and savor the moment.

Here are six slow-living practices to try this winter:

1. Create a Morning Ritual You Love

Winter mornings invite a slower start, making it the perfect time to embrace a gentle routine. Whether it’s sipping tea while journaling, enjoying a quiet meditation, or simply lighting a candle and stretching, find a ritual that grounds you before the day begins. A mindful morning sets the tone for intentionality and ease.

2. Embrace Seasonal Creativity

Winter is ideal for cozy indoor projects that fuel your imagination. Try your hand at knitting, painting, baking, sketching, or creating a vision board for the year ahead. Choose something that brings you joy, not pressure—this is about play, not perfection.

3. Practice Gratitude Through Reflection

Take advantage of the stillness of winter to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Spend a few moments each evening jotting down three things that brought you joy that day. This simple practice can shift your focus toward abundance and help you find beauty in the everyday.

4. Get Outside and Embrace the Chill

Slow living isn’t just about cozying up indoors—it’s also about reconnecting with nature. Bundle up and take a mindful walk in the crisp winter air. Notice the way the frost sparkles, the sound of snow underfoot, or the bare beauty of the trees. Let the season inspire you to slow down and be present.

5. Or Stay Inside and Play

Let’s face it: not all of us are outdoorsy types. Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy your favorite cozy video games, curl up on the couch with your Switch, work on a jigsaw or crossword puzzle, or learn a new board game. Pick something that makes you feel happy, explorative, cozy, and maybe a bit inquisitive.

6. Savor Warm, Nourishing Meals

Cooking can be a meditative and grounding practice, especially in winter. Try preparing simple, hearty meals like soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. Savor the process of chopping, stirring, and smelling the rich, comforting aromas. Share these meals with loved ones or enjoy them as an act of self-care.

Winter: A Season for Connection and Care

These slow-living practices aren’t just about filling time—they’re about creating space for what truly matters. Whether it’s fostering a connection with yourself, loved ones, or nature, winter is a season to lean into care and intention.

Looking for more ways to embrace creativity, self-care, and intentional living? My Glow Kit is your go-to resource for crafting an aligned, joyful, and fulfilling life. With activities and tools designed to inspire and nurture your well-being, it’s the perfect companion for your slow-living journey this winter. [Click here to learn more!]

What’s your favorite way to embrace slow living in winter? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!

The Power of Saying No: Setting Boundaries for a Better Year

If you’re like me—a recovering people pleaser—then the thought of saying no might make you a little uncomfortable. Or a lot uncomfortable. I used to say yes to just about everything: extra work projects, volunteering for school events, last-minute favors. I convinced myself it was easier to just agree than to disappoint someone or (gasp!) appear unhelpful.

But here’s the kicker: every time I said yes to something that didn’t align with my priorities, I was essentially saying no to myself. No to my well-being. No to my time. No to the things that mattered most to me.

It took years to unlearn the belief that saying no was selfish. (And, honestly, I still don’t get it right every time.) But in reality, saying no is one of the most generous things you can do—for yourself and for others. It protects your energy, preserves your mental health, and ensures you’re showing up fully for the things (and people) that matter most.

Why Saying No Is So Hard

Let’s face it: society doesn’t make it easy, especially for women. Many of us are conditioned to be helpers, nurturers, and caretakers. Saying no feels like we’re rejecting someone, shirking responsibility, or worse, being “difficult.”

But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges. They connect us to a version of ourselves that is healthier, happier, and more aligned with our values. And setting those boundaries starts with getting comfortable saying no.

The Benefits of Saying No

When you start to embrace the power of no, here’s what happens:

• You reclaim your time: Every yes takes time away from something else. Saying no allows you to focus on what truly matters.

• You protect your energy: No more pouring from an empty cup. Setting boundaries helps you conserve energy for things that light you up.

• You reduce resentment: Saying yes when you really want to say no often leads to frustration and burnout. Saying no helps you stay true to yourself.

• You set an example: When you honor your boundaries, you inspire others to do the same.

A Personal Story: My “Aha” Moment with Boundaries

For me, the turning point came during a particularly chaotic holiday season. Between my usual work and home responsibilities, seasonal shopping, baking, cooking, and hosting, I somehow thought it was a good idea to agree to organize a holiday event for my son’s school. By the end of it, I was physically drained and emotionally spent. I wasn’t sleeping well, caught a cold, and couldn’t even enjoy Christmas Day like I usually did. I realized my illness and exhaustion weren’t just a result of the busy season. They were self-inflicted. I had said yes to everything without stopping to ask myself if I could or even wanted to.

That was when I decided to start practicing the art of saying no. The next time a similar request came up, I paused. Instead of responding immediately, I gave myself time to think it through. (“Let me think about it” and “I’ll get back to you” became new, comfortable catchphrases.) Did I have the time? The energy? The desire? If the answer was no, I politely declined. And guess what? The world didn’t end. The dinner still happened. The cookies still got made—just not by me. And my son’s school? They found another parent who was not only willing but excited to take the reins.

Tips for Saying No with Confidence

If saying no feels daunting, start small. Here are a few ways to ease into it:

1. Practice polite refusals: “I really appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m unable to commit to that right now.”

2. Delay your response: Buy yourself time with phrases like, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.”

3. Offer alternatives: “I can’t help with that, but have you considered asking [name]?”

4. Own your no: You don’t have to over-explain. A simple, “No, thank you,” is enough.

Pro Tip: If saying no feels impossible, consider asking for help instead. Overextended? See if a friend, coworker, or family member can pitch in. Delegating doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re honoring your limits and making space for what matters.

Empower Yourself in 2024

Saying no isn’t about being unkind—it’s about being intentional. It’s about choosing where your time and energy go so you can live a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

As you step into the new year, I challenge you to practice saying no at least once a week. Start small, and notice how it feels to honor your boundaries. Over time, you’ll find that each no creates space for more meaningful yeses.

Ready to prioritize what matters most? My Slow-Living Goal-Setting System is packed with tools to help you create boundaries, set goals, and design a life you love. Check it out here.

How to Make Time for What Matters Most

Time is one of our most precious resources, yet it often feels like there’s never enough of it. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, the days can slip by in a blur, leaving little room for the things that truly matter. But what if you could take a closer look at how you spend your time and realign it with your values?

For me, this realization hit during the pandemic. Like many people, I started getting my groceries delivered. It was a way to minimize exposure and save time, and at first, I thought I’d go back to shopping in person when things settled down. But even as life returned to a new normal, I kept the delivery service because I realized something important: I wasn’t just saving time—I was reclaiming it.

Instead of spending an hour (or more) driving to the store, walking up and down the aisles, and standing in checkout lines, I could use that time in ways that felt more meaningful to me. Whether it was working on my business, playing Roblox with my son, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the shift helped me focus on what really matters in my life.

This small change reminded me that time management isn’t just about being efficient—it’s about being intentional. It’s about asking, What do I value most? and then making choices that reflect those values.

3 Steps to Align Your Time with Your Values

1. Identify What Truly Matters

Take a moment to think about what’s most important to you. Is it spending quality time with loved ones? Pursuing a creative passion? Growing your business? Write down your top three priorities so you have a clear picture of what you’re working toward.

2. Reevaluate Your Daily Tasks

Not everything on your to-do list deserves your time and energy. Take a close look at your daily and weekly routines. Are there tasks you can outsource, simplify, or even eliminate altogether? For example, as a business owner, I like to think about how much my time is worth per hour. If there’s something I have to do (but don’t want to) that costs less to outsource than what I charge for my own time, I’ll pay someone else to do it.

This mindset has been a game-changer for me, whether it’s hiring someone to clean the house, manage a small admin task, or handle a to-do list item that doesn’t require my personal attention. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about recognizing the value of your time and energy and using them wisely.

3. Protect Your Time with Boundaries

Once you’ve reclaimed your time, protect it. Set boundaries with others (and yourself!) to ensure you’re using your time for the things that matter most. Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

Time Is an Investment in What You Value

Making time for what matters most isn’t always about doing less—it’s about doing what’s meaningful. When you align your time with your values, you create space for the things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. For me, a slight shift like grocery delivery turned into a big lesson about how I want to live and work: with more intention, less stress, and a focus on what truly matters.

If you’re looking for more ways to prioritize your time and align your actions with your values, check out my Slow-Living Goal-Setting System. It’s designed to help you take intentional steps toward a life and business that genuinely reflect what matters most to you.

What small change could you make today to reclaim your time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Prioritize Yourself This Holiday Season (and Beyond!)

The holiday season is here—twinkling lights, cozy blankets, and the joy of giving are everywhere. But let’s be honest: it’s also the season of endless to-do lists, back-to-back obligations, and the nagging feeling that you’re the glue holding it all together. Sound familiar?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of giving so much to others that you leave nothing for yourself. For many women, especially moms, the holidays come with the unspoken expectation that you’ll create magic for everyone else—whether it’s finding the perfect gifts, organizing events, or making sure traditions run smoothly. And while that’s beautiful, it’s also exhausting.

Here’s the thing: what you do for others matters. You matter. But you also deserve to feel as cared for as the people you so lovingly pour your energy into.

Why Self-Care Is Especially Important During the Holidays

The holidays are about connection, joy, and celebration—but they’re also a time when stress levels run high. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and the expectations to “get it all done,” it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle.

Taking time to prioritize yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. When you show up for yourself, you can show up more fully for others. Self-care helps you stay grounded, so you can experience the holidays (and life) with more presence and joy.

How to Start Prioritizing Yourself

It’s one thing to say “prioritize yourself,” but how do you actually make it happen during such a busy season? Here are some practical, actionable ways to show yourself a little love this holiday season (and beyond):

Give Yourself Permission to Rest

You don’t have to do it all. Saying no to one thing can mean saying yes to much-needed downtime.

• Block off an evening to relax—watch a movie, play a cozy game, or just sit by the fire.

• Set a timer for 10 minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, or simply daydream.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

Be honest about what’s manageable for you and don’t hesitate to step back or delegate.

• Say no to one commitment that feels like too much—whether it’s attending an event, hosting a dinner, or volunteering for another school activity.

• Limit things like checking email or social media in the evenings to focus on winding down instead of keeping up.

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small

Take a moment to appreciate all you’re doing. You’ve accomplished so much already—there is a past version of you who is so proud of how far you’ve come.

• At the end of each day, jot down three things you’re proud of, even if they seem minor (like finally folding the laundry or making it through a long work meeting).

• Reward yourself for a big accomplishment—like wrapping all the gifts—with an hour of guilt-free downtime.

Create a Ritual that Feels Special to You

Small, personal rituals can help you feel more grounded during the chaos.

• Light a candle, brew your favorite tea, and spend five minutes freewriting or journaling about how you’re feeling each day.

• Take a peaceful walk to enjoy the winter air and twinkling lights.

Prioritize Joy—Because You Deserve It

Do something that lights you up—just because.

• Pick one holiday activity that’s just for you, like baking your fave cookies or watching your go-to holiday movie.

• Play a video game, binge your favorite Netflix series, or make a playlist of songs that make you feel good.

Carrying Self-Care Into the New Year

The habits you build during the holidays don’t have to stop when the season does. By weaving small acts of self-care into your daily life, you’re creating a foundation for living more intentionally year-round.

Start with one small, non-negotiable ritual—like a morning meditation, journaling session, or a quiet cup of coffee.

Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It creates more joy and balance in your life and sets an inspiring example for those around you.

So here’s your gentle reminder: It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to rest. And it’s absolutely okay to make yourself a priority.

The life you want is waiting for you. And it starts with giving yourself the love and care you deserve.

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What are your favorite ways to prioritize yourself during busy seasons? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! And if you’re looking for more tips and tools to embrace intentional living, check out my resources page.

How to Get Motivated by Practicing Gratitude

The other day, I had a conversation with my 6th grader about something we’ve all faced: resistance. You know, that feeling when you just don’t want to do something, even if it’s important to your goals or well-being. It’s the kind of resistance that makes daily tasks feel like climbing a mountain—and sometimes, it feels impossible to overcome.

Here’s the good news: that resistance is normal, and it often serves as a signal. Sometimes, it’s your intuition telling you to rest or reevaluate. Other times, it’s simply a lack of motivation. But what if you could shift that resistance into something productive, using a simple yet powerful tool? Let’s explore how practicing gratitude can help you break through and find your momentum.

Identifying Why You Don’t Want to Do Something

There can be a ton of reasons why you’re feeling resistant to working on something. It could be that you’re distracted with better things to do or that you’re overwhelmed with everything on your plate. Maybe you’re focusing on the wrong things or for the wrong reasons. Maybe your body is telling you that you’re exhausted, burned out, or need to rest. Or, it might be that you’re simply not feeling it.

If your intuition is telling you that something is off, then it’s probably time for some self-care. But if it’s just a case of the “I don’t wannas!” then maybe it’s time to think about why you’re feeling such resistance and explore how you can break through.

For example, are you…

• Unable to progress forward because you’re afraid of the outcome?

• Overwhelmed, burned out, or in need of rest?

• Getting bogged down in the details? Is it time to step back and look at the big picture?

• Only seeing the negative aspects around you, and unable (or unwilling) to see the positive?

If any of the above resonates with you, you might be experiencing resistance.

The Key to Overcoming Resistance

Resistance happens to all of us. It’s hard to start something up (or keep going) when we simply don’t feel like it.

And honestly, that’s a significant reason why I love my slow-living businesses. The variety of things that fill me up, light me up, and fulfill my purpose keeps me going even on the days when all I’d instead do is watch Netflix play World of Warcraft.*

But it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to learn a few tricks to keep moving forward, especially on those days when I. just. don’t. want. to. 

I’ve learned to set mini schedules that prioritize what I want to do, not what I have to do. I've learned how to prioritize self-care as part of my regular business activities. I’ve learned a system for setting goals and sticking to them. And I’ve learned the number one trick to overcoming resistance, which is:

Practicing gratitude.

So, when I start to resist something, I try to reframe it as an opportunity to practice gratitude instead.

Using Gratitude as a Tool for Moving Forward

Reframing resistance into gratitude becomes doubly powerful when you can link your gratitude to a long-term goal.

For example…

When I’m resisting doing my daily workout because it’s physically overwhelming, I remember how grateful I am that I’ve regained so much of my strength since my chemo treatments 4 years ago, and I focus on my long-term distance goals for walking.

When I’m resisting working on a new project, I remember how grateful I am for the opportunity to share my knowledge to help others, and I focus on my long-term goals for my business.

It’s all about reframing the resistance in the spirit of gratitude and self-empowerment.

When you’re able to link gratitude in the present to a positive goal for the future, it can stimulate movement… moving beyond resistance, even in very small ways, to make progress toward your goals.

Here are some ways I practice gratitude as a part of my business routine.

Instead of resisting the work I need to do, I focus on the present moment and all I have to be grateful for. I’m talking amazing things like…

• Getting some awesome emails last week as a result of my “Ask Me Anything” event, which led to making some inspiring new friendships and connections.

• Meeting a new colleague via a networking event, which helped me to promote my business in new, fun ways.

• Making headway on an important project because I’ve finally learned to let go of the outcome. Instead, I'm focusing on how grateful I am to use my expertise to help others.

• And, of course, I'm grateful for you. Having this blog as a means to connect with my readers and clients feels like a fantastic gift.

I love it so much. Seriously. So, consider this a personal thank you from me to you. I’m so grateful to have you in my world.

I really love helping women like you discover their purpose and create slow-living lifestyles. And I love having you here with me while I do it.

Wanna know another thing I love? Making new connections. If you’d like to learn more about me and join me on this journey of self-love and building a slow-living lifestyle, sign up for my free 7-Day Slow Living Challenge to get started today!

*For the Horde!

How (and Why) to Incorporate Play Into Your Daily Routine

When was the last time you let yourself truly play?

And no, I’m not just talking about games—though those definitely count! Play is anything that sparks joy, creativity, and a sense of wonder in your life. It’s about doing something just for the fun of it, with no agenda or expectations.

Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a powerful way to relieve stress, calm your nervous system, and inspire fresh, expansive thinking. In this post, we’ll dive into why play matters so much for your well-being and share simple ways to bring more of it into your daily routine—starting with just a few minutes a day.

Why Play Isn’t Just for Kids

We often don’t allow ourselves to play because we think we don’t have the time. We get hyper-focused on capitalistic views of productivity, which we then sometimes tie to our self-worth. We believe we can’t sit and relax because we should be doing something! We have work to do, laundry to catch up on, bills to pay, and errands to run. Play feels like something kids get to do while we get stuck adulting.

But that’s not true!

Play isn’t just for kids. In fact, when you choose a play activity that speaks to your soul, it can often bring you into a meditative state, allowing you to become closer to your true purpose. If you let yourself think that play is only for kids, you get further away from the heart of what truly matters to you.

Once you allow room for play into your life, you can feel yourself opening up in new ways or awakening old patterns of joy you had forgotten about. You’ll discover new forms of creativity and inspiration. And you can move away from comparing yourself to traditional productivity metrics that often make us feel like we’re not measuring up.

Starting a Playful Routine

When I say it’s important to play, I don’t necessarily mean you have to drop everything and go find a pickup game of basketball (although if you want to, I’m certainly not stopping you). We all have responsibilities, and it’s not realistic for most of us to just walk away from our lives to go have some play. In fact, the idea of adding play into our busy, busy routines can sound so ludicrous that I think it’s why we often dismiss play as being something only kids do.

This is why our adult minds need to think of play as somewhat different. Yes, play can be traditional, like playing a board game, sliding down a slide, or playing a game of pickleball. But play can also mean simply engaging in the act of being playful.

It can mean incorporating storyboarding at your next staff meeting and encouraging people to draw their ideas. It can mean practicing singing a song while driving to work. It can mean digging out some crafting or art supplies you’ve had in your closet but never had the chance to do anything with. Play is anything that brings a sense of whimsy and creativity to your life.

As an example, here are some ways I’ve brought playfulness into my routine this week:

1. I’ve read daily for 15 minutes: 5 minutes of non-fiction, 5 minutes of poetry, and 5 (okay, maybe 20) minutes of fiction. 

2. I’ve spent every day coloring a bit of my monthly calendar coloring book page from A Brighter Year.

3. I’ve spent 15 minutes a day doing some cozy gaming, including checking on my fish in Chillquarium and decorating my gardens in Garden Galaxy.

4. I’ve spent a few hours playing around in Canva with new designs for my Etsy shop.

5. I’ve experimented with new social media creation methods that make my marketing tasks more fun.

6. I spent a few hours taking my 10-year-old son to a hands-on exhibit to explore French impressionist art.

And guess what? Not only has play lightened my spirit, but it’s also motivated me to get more things done for my business. That’s because play gives me the space to clear my mind and make room for tasks that require more brain power. 

How Play Actually Helps You Be More Productive

Even if we bought into the hyper-productive views of capitalism (which around these parts, we absolutely don’t), I’ve gotten more done in small bursts of work because I’ve allowed myself to play.

Playfulness not only adds some interest and fun to my daily routine but also helps if I fall into old patterns of stress or feel overwhelmed. As I make business decisions or tackle my to-do list, play fills me with the fuel to keep going.

If you think about it, it makes sense that play would be so powerful. After all, play is one of the oldest forms of activity and expression. (Some even believe it pre-dates human culture itself!) From roleplaying to solving puzzles, playing music to drawing pictures, play helps with innovation, creativity, self-confidence, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, stress relief, mental health, and much more.

In short, giving yourself room to play can actually help you be more productive. I mean, if you’re into that sort of thing. ;)

The Positive Impact of Play

I’ve seen thousands of people change their lives through play. And as an educator, empowerment coach, and author of a book about games-based learning, I know what I’m talking about! Play is an immensely powerful tool for leveling up your life.

Trust me when I say play is crucial to your well-being and happiness. And you can start today with just a few minutes a day.

Consider this your sign to play today, even if it’s just for five minutes. Then, leave a comment below and let me know how it goes!

Self-Care as a Business Value

Let’s talk about self-care—and why it’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs.

Recently, I got a great question from a client that stopped me in my tracks. She said, “What if I don’t feel like doing anything for my business at all?”

My response? “Then do nothing.”

Her jaw dropped. “What do you mean, do nothing? I can’t just stop!”

Yes. 👏🏼 You. 👏🏼 Can. 👏🏼

Seriously. If you don’t feel like doing anything for your business, then don’t. Such feelings are signs that something needs to change.

Sometimes, “doing nothing” is exactly what you need to do. It’s not laziness—it’s a sign that something deeper needs attention. Whether it’s burnout, physical exhaustion, or emotional overwhelm, pausing is a powerful form of self-care. And when you allow yourself to rest, you actually strengthen your ability to show up for your business.

In this post, we’ll dive into how doing nothing isn’t just okay—it’s essential for your success as an entrepreneur.

Why “Doing Nothing” is a Necessary Business Activity

Sometimes, what feels like procrastination or avoidance is actually your body and mind signaling that something deeper needs attention. It could be:

• Signs of burnout manifesting as resistance or lack of motivation.

• Physical exhaustion, where your body is asking for rest.

• Emotional or mental processing that needs to happen before you can move forward.

Ignoring these signals can lead to negative emotions that block creativity, productivity, and abundance. Instead, by honoring your intuition and allowing yourself to pause, you create space for creativity, playfulness, and alignment—all of which ultimately support your business.

As Jenny O’Dell explains in her book How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy:

“...having recourse to periods of and spaces for ‘doing nothing’ is of utmost importance, because without them we have no way to think, reflect, heal, and sustain ourselves—individually or collectively. There is a kind of nothing that’s necessary for, at the end of the day, doing something” (p. 22).

Taking intentional pauses doesn’t just benefit your well-being—it enhances your ability to lead, create, and grow. In fact, doing nothing might just be the most productive business activity you can do.

Make Resting a Part of Your Job Description

Of course, you can’t reasonably expect to have a business in the long run if you regularly choose not to do anything at all. Having a business of any kind involves work. However, the idea with a slow-living business is we get to choose to do the work we love. Yes, it’s work. But running a slow-living business is filled with days of “want tos” not “shoulds.” And I let myself rest as much as necessary.

If I find that I’m struggling with not wanting to do anything, I experiment to see if really what’s happening is I’m bored with my current task or think that something else seems more fun. If so, I pivot. If not, I let myself rest.

For example, on most days, I choose activities based on what I feel like doing, but they are all moving me toward my end goal. This is much like a writer who doesn’t sit down and write their book from start to finish but jumps around from chapter to chapter until they have the whole thing assembled. 

As part of my neurodivergent approach to running my business, I’ve found the writing metaphor works for me. As long as I’m doing activities for my business that keep it moving forward, it doesn’t matter too much which things I’m doing when or whether there are some things I don’t feel like doing right now. I know I’ll either get to them when I need to or will figure out what I need to shift or change.

This comes from years of practice building my intuition, which means I’ve built up my self-trust. I trust that I’ll figure out what I need to do when I need to do it. I haven’t missed a deadline yet, and I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t trust myself that I’ll keep being successful, so long as I give myself the room to stop and rest when needed.

Before I built that trust, though, I would often overwork, burnout, and work under the fire of pressure from others and the pressure I put on myself. I was trapped in people-pleasing mode, terrified I would “drop the ball” and let someone down. So, resting was never an option for me. I had to trust myself and feel like I was safe before I could allow myself to slow down and recuperate—especially in my career.

Self-Care as a Catalyst for Change and Innovation

Most times, when we don’t feel like doing anything for our business, it’s temporary because we need rest or a readjustment. But if it lasts more than a few days and starts turning into weeks or even months, then it’s time to stop avoiding the real issues and get to the heart of what’s really going on. You may need to dig deeper to find out how to better support your needs and business. It could be time for a bigger change.

If your severe case of “I don’t want tos” doesn’t feel like anything you can easily identify, maybe you need to change the focus of your business. This could be a shift in the types of customers you serve, the types of services you offer, or the products you create or sell. 

You might need to switch up your marketing tactics or develop a more personally expressive, authentic way to connect to your audience. Maybe you need to update a product or branding if it feels outdated or uninspiring. Or, especially if you’re in a creative field, it could be that your current outlet is blocked, and you need to find new motivation and inspiration to create or innovate something new. 

The idea is to use your resistance and procrastination to your advantage. Rest, reset, and reevaluate your business activities, routines, and priorities. Not enough entrepreneurs take the time to reimagine their business fully; they’re too busy working toward the next thing. But instead of “full steam ahead!” mode 24/7, what would happen if you stepped back and looked at the bigger picture? Taking the time to rest and consider change if needed can be the difference between a business that fails and one that thrives.

Think of your self-restorative periods as relaxing, resetting, and identifying new ways of thinking, creating, or being. And who knows? Those changes could be just the things your business needs.

Embracing Change as Part of Self-Care

Any change to your business can seem scary, which can subconsciously cause you to shut down and not feel like doing anything at all. So, ask yourself honestly: Is there a change I need to make in my business that I’m unwilling to see or make? 

Remember that the whole point of being a business owner is that you get to create the rules. If you want to make a new product, change your messaging, or develop a new client base, then that’s entirely possible and even encouraged. Sometimes, you need to try a zillion different ways to find the right fit. Even then, we’re human, and our lives and situations change. What worked for your business a year ago or even six months ago may not work for you now.

If you’re unsure what needs to change, journaling, meditating, and tapping into your intuition can help you see the bigger picture and discover ways to move forward.

When I feel stuck, tarot reading is one of my favorite tools. I have practiced tarot for several years and have enjoyed learning the cards' symbolism, discovering intuitive meanings, and then using them to make decisions in my life and business. (In fact, I’m working on making a game to teach others how to learn. Let me know in the comments if you’d be interested!)

Reading tarot helps me decide when it’s time to make a change, start something new, or even decide to drop a product, close a business, or abandon an idea that no longer makes sense.

In addition to flexing your intuitive muscles, you can reach out to others for feedback. Your team, assistants, mentors, and colleagues in your network can be valuable sounding boards for new ideas when you feel stuck. And, if you have analysis paralysis around a particular feature or customer pain point, usability research methods can help you determine where to adjust. Leverage customer surveys and interviews, heat mapping tools and user data, website analytics, and other tools to help nudge your ideas in different directions. 

Just know that by always relying on feedback from others, you risk dulling your intuition. (And the intuitive part is what is speaking to you when you hit the wall and don’t want to do anything for your business!) I suggest starting with your intuition to let you know when it’s time to change. Relax and unplug. When you’re ready to return to work, explore changes that need to be made. Later, add data (e.g., user/customer/colleague/employee research) to your intuitive work if you need to make more complex decisions or changes.

Regardless of how you make decisions, choosing to make a change can be scary, but also a form of self-care. Learning to let go and try something new is incredibly empowering and often leads to innovations, personally and professionally.

The good thing about change is that once you’re comfortable with it, you’ll notice opportunities everywhere for growth and improvement. New pathways become clear once you’ve tried something, changed it, and tried again. But the first step is recognizing the changes you’ll notice in yourself, sometimes as a case of the “I don’t want tos.”

Making Self-Care a Business Value

Whatever your business situation, I encourage you to embrace self-care as a part of your regular entrepreneurship routine. Just as caring for yourself is essential to being a good partner or parent, caring for yourself is just as important to being a business owner. 

Once we can identify and embrace a practice of self-care as one of our business values, it becomes a priority. Then, we can recognize patterns where our bodies, minds, and hearts are telling us to shift directions, make improvements, or let things go. To that end, our businesses become healing journeys of self-improvement, where we can reiterate, shift, change, and improve as needed.

Of course, I realize this can be easier said than done, and it takes some practice to feel like you’ve fully mastered it. 

If you’re frustrated by your progress (or lack thereof), be gentle with yourself. After all, you’re battling some pretty big societal conditioning. Capitalistic views of productivity so condition us that we can’t often see the importance of slowing down and stopping entirely if we need to. After all, so many of us who have had careers in academia or corporate America have been told that our worth is based on our productivity. Just remember: That is not true! 

You are worth so much more than your productivity level. You are enough exactly as you are and will create and produce abundance for your business exactly when and how you’re meant to. When the timing is right, magic will flow from you and ignite the fire within. All you have to do is recognize it and be willing to slow down, trust yourself, and be open to change. Start a self-care policy for your business and watch all of your potential bloom.

If you’d like more practice building your intuition so you can develop a self-care routine in your business, check out my free intuition journal, packed with prompts to help you build a daily practice of reflective self-care.