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Running a business is like raising kids: no two days (or years) look the same, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something changes. Whether you’re a brand-new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, the key to sustainable growth lies in recognizing and honoring the season of business you’re in.
The “Shoulds” That Trip Us Up
One of the biggest traps I see business owners fall into is the "should" mindset. We think we should be following the same path as everyone else:
"So-and-so’s on Instagram 24/7; I should be too."
"Everyone’s running masterminds—I should do that."
Spoiler alert: there’s no universal blueprint. The "shoulds" can lead to overwhelm and a lack of alignment, leaving us feeling like we’re spinning our wheels.
The truth? How you show up and operate in your business will look different depending on the season of business you are in. The same way parenting toddlers isn’t the same as parenting teenagers (thank goodness!), business evolves too. The strategies that work when you’re just starting out may not fit as you grow, and that’s okay.
What Season Are You In?
Here’s a breakdown of two common seasons of business:
Discovery and Exploration (New Business Owners): In this stage, shiny objects are everywhere. "What’s my logo?" "What’s the perfect social media platform?" But the real priorities should be gaining clarity on your ideal client and their needs.
This is a time to:
Dive into your "why."
Explore what transformations you can offer.
Build authentic connections.
When I first started coaching, I spent way too much time agonizing over things like my website colors. (Spoiler: No one hires you for your color palette.) Once I shifted my energy to understanding my clients and building relationships, my business took off.
Growing and Refining (Established Business Owners): If you’ve hit revenue goals and built a team, you might be in a season of growth. This often involves short bursts of doing to push forward and hit new goals. However, it’s crucial to balance that energy with rest and reflection.
For example, one client of mine recently hit her first six-figure year. She thought that meant everything would be on auto-pilot, but we recognized she needed to bring team on in order to keep growing the way she desired. The season of scaling required her to temporarily shift back into "growth mode" to ensure her systems and team could sustain the momentum. Once those pieces were in place, she could pivot to more creativity and rest.
Balancing "Doing" and "Being"
Here’s where it gets tricky: societal messages often push us into extremes. Either we’re being pushed to hustle 24/7 or we’re told we can just meditate our way to millions. The reality? Success lies somewhere in between.
As solo entrepreneurs, especially, you need to:
Strategize and take intentional action (sometimes referred to as the “masculine energy").
Make space for creativity, rest, and alignment (often viewed as "feminine energy").
The season you’re in will dictate the balance of these energies. In high-growth periods, you might lean more into strategy and action. During creative seasons, you’ll focus on reflection and big-picture visioning.
How to Get Clear on Your Season
To determine where you are and what’s next, ask yourself:
What is my "why" for this business? (This is your anchor.)
What are my long-term and short-term goals?
What does my business need from me right now?
What does my life need from me right now?
Where does this put you? What do you WANT to spend most of your energy on. How will you know when you are ready to shift energies?
Final Thoughts
There’s no "one way" to run a business. The key is understanding where you are, letting go of the shoulds, and crafting strategies that align with your current season.
And if you’re ready to gain clarity on your next steps, grab my free Year-End Growth Blueprint. In just 30 minutes, you’ll reflect on where you’ve been, plan for where you’re going, and set actionable goals for the new year. Because no matter your season, intentionality and joy will always lead the way.
Let’s navigate these wild seasons of business together—with a little laughter and a lot of heart.
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