Business feels overwhelmingly hard right now (it’s not just you!)
This year, through surveys, polls, and private conversations with women entrepreneurs, a recurring theme has emerged: business feels overwhelmingly hard right now.
The stress of business struggles is causing significant stress and health problems. I’ve struggled too, and the economy and the noisy marketplace play roles.
The year 2024 has been especially odd with unpredictable changes in business cycles.
Despite this unusual year, I’ve learned a few things:
1. Learn to Rest, Don’t Quit
This is a foundational principle I emphasize when coaching women. In fact, I did a full episode on this very topic, Episode 53: Tired? Learn to Rest, Not Quit Your Business.
This is something I will keep repeating, learn to rest intentionally, purposefully, and without guilt.
Recently, I experienced a major fibromyalgia flare-up. I realized I needed to rest and heal instead of stressing about undone tasks. Over time, I’ve learned there are different ways to rest that aren’t all about sleeping or napping:
- Have someone remind you it’s okay to rest.
- Set boundaries and honor them.
- Engage in restful activities that rejuvenate you, I like to call them “restivities”.
- Remember, that you don’t need to push through all the time.
2. Make Decisions and Take Action
Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to exhaustion and procrastination.
There comes a point where it it’s time to make a decision and go for it. For example, if your journal entries and prayers are repeating themselves, it’s a sign you need to take action. We often hesitate due to our fear of the possible outcomes, but without taking the first steps, we’ll never get to the later ones.
Here are a few examples from my experience:
- Started the Grateful Friday newsletter by committing to weekly issues.
- Launched my mastermind group by overcoming a fear of doubt if I was ready.
- Created my podcast after deciding it was time, took a course to learn how, and then publishing my first episode.
3. Be Specific Because in 2024 (and beyond) Specificity Sells
If your marketing feels flat, you’re likely too general. Narrow down who your audience is and what problem you solve for them. Speak directly to the person you can best help. Show up as you! Make sure you are showing up in your marketing and messaging that excites you and gives you the confidence to keep moving forward. Consistency builds confidence and grows your audience.
And did I say, “Take time to rest”? This is such a crucial point. Rest helps you see your business clearly and can help you maintain your passion for it.
What about you? Your turn:
- What area do you need to work on? Resting, Making Decisions, or Getting More Specific?
- What simple action can you take today to move forward?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Resources Mentioned:
- Read the Transcript Here – Click here to read
- The Grateful Friday Newsletter – https://SelahStudios.co/newsletter
Let’s Connect:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/martagoertzen
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/selahstudiosco
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Are you ready to find clarity for your business and website? I’d love to help:
>> SELAH SOCIETY MASTERMIND: The Selah Mastermind group is a carefully curated group of heart-centered entrepreneurial women who do business and life together. It’s a private, safe and supportive community where you can ask for help and to give your help in return. Think of it as having your own personal advisory board of fellow business owners who know you, your business, your struggles, and your dreams — https://SelahStudios.co/mastermind
>> BUSINESS CLARITY COACHING: Have you lost your confidence in who you are as a business owner? Have you lost sight of your business dreams and goals? Let’s get you back on track with personalized coaching support and tools Business — https://SelahStudios.co/breakthrough
Marta Goertzen is a Gentle Business Coach and founder of Selah Studios, host of the Doing Business Gently podcast. She helps Christian women entrepreneurs over 50 rediscover who they’ve become, realign their business to match, and fall in love with their work again, gently, at their pace, without starting over. As an avid photographer and lover of the outdoors, she daily explores the trails and beaches of the South Central Oregon Coast with her dog Mochi in tow. Take the free Business Alignment Audit as your gentle first step, a way to pause, get honest, and see clearly where you and your business are right now: https://SelahStudios.co/alignmentaudit