Embracing Slow Seasons Within Business

I see you there. You’re working away, trying to make your dreams happen. You’re putting all you’ve got into visibility. Into products. Into attracting new customers or new clients. And yet you’re noticing that business isn’t quite as a busy as it usually is. So you start to wonder, what is it that you’re doing wrong? Where did things start to come apart? Why are you in this slow season?

That’s what we do, right? When we see a problem, as entrepreneurs, we dissect the problem to figure out how to solve it. We hone in on weak spots and make them stronger. And when our business feels less than busy, we question ourselves.

It’s easy to fall into that place. A place of self-doubt and insecurity. Or a place of comparison. After all, it seems like every other entrepreneur in this online world is making it happen. Unfortunately, this is an oft-visited mentality of entrepreneurs. Moreover, it’s a flawed mentality.

Here’s a liberating truth. There are always slow seasons in business.

Yes, the true nature of entrepreneurship is an ebb and flow. Not every time will be as rushed nor will there be non stop days of leisurely planning what your next move will be. The season you’re in right now will inevitably shift. It’s up to you as to what you do with that shift.

There’s power in that, you know. The fact that you have a choice in all of this. Truly that’s the most liberating thing of all. While you’re having those moments of defeat during a slow season, you have the ability to embrace that season and turn it into something beautiful. Now I know that embracing slowness is a challenge, especially when you’re working so hard to create an income and reach your limitless potential. However, successful entrepreneurs don’t become successful by languishing away in this season of slow.

Instead, they embrace it. They squeeze every valuable drop they can out of this season. You can do the same thing. And you’ll be thankful you did.

Slow doesn’t mean that business has come to a halt. You’ve still got work to do, you just have more time to do it. Which is a blessing, really. Time is our most precious commodity and when you have the time to work without that rushed feeling, it’s a glorious thing. If you’re anything like me, you’ve most likely had a few moments of wondering what exactly you should be doing to fully embrace this season and make it worthwhile.

First things first, take some time to adjust your mindset. If you’re feeling down or discouraged, take time to recognize this season for what it is. Just a natural occurrence, not a reflection of you or your value as a person. Then open yourself up to a season of growth.

Evaluating why business is slow is almost on the right track but instead of evaluating why it’s slow, evaluate what takes you the longest in your business. Social media? Creating content? Photography? Once you know what is the most time consuming, you can start to create systems. You can explore automations.

You have the time to put those things into motion.

Have you dreamed of updating your website? Now is the time! Slow seasons have such an incredible purpose within business. You just have to have the mindset that slow isn’t bad, just an opportunity for deeper growth.

Growth doesn’t stop within a business, though. During these slow seasons, take time to be you. The you that you are without your title attached. Read a book, take a vacation, spend time with the people you care about. Laugh a little louder, lounge a little longer and soak up this slow, easy pace.

Because it won’t last. And eventually, you’ll wake up in a new season of hustle and bustle. It’ll be amazing. Just like this season.

Embrace it.

What are you planning to accomplish during your slow season? Share with us in the comments!