Impacting how we work.
Evaluating Your Roots: How Resistance Strengthens Growth
Evaluating Your Roots: How Resistance Strengthens Growth
Written by: Keesha Starr
Some of the most resilient trees in the world don’t grow in lush, perfect environments. They take root in wind-swept cliffs, dry deserts, and rocky terrain. Their strength doesn’t come in spite of hardship, it comes because of it. The deeper the challenge, the deeper the roots. The same is true in life and business: adversity isn’t just something to overcome, it’s an invitation to grow.
What Are You Growing Right Now?
Let me take you to my backyard for a minute. I’ve got these blackberry-like vines that are relentless. They grow through the azaleas, under the siding, even out of the drain spout. And when I put down barriers to stop them? They don’t quit—they pivot. They find another way to grow.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve been building your business or growing personally, you’ve likely chosen one area to intentionally develop. (If you haven’t already, take a look at our blog post Planting Healthy Roots for a great place to start.) Now is a great time to reflect:
- What healthy habits or mindsets have you been nurturing?
- Which old patterns have you chosen to let go of?
Even if you’re still in process, just taking time to evaluate your roots is progress in itself.
Reframing Adversity
Let’s go back to those vines. They don’t stop just because I try to pull them up. So why do we stop when life pulls at us?
We’re often conditioned to see adversity as a sign to slow down or back off. But what if resistance was actually a signal to press in?
Think of resistance bands in a workout. You might be able to do 50 pushups, but add some tension and now you’re building even more strength. The same principle applies in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Adversity isn’t the enemy. It’s resistance that promotes strength.
Deep Roots Weather the Storm
If you’ve ever seen a tree survive a storm while others around it fall, you can bet its roots played a major role. Strong roots:
- Anchor you when circumstances shake
- Absorb what you need for growth
- Store energy for tougher seasons
- Adapt to change
- Stabilize everything around you
So, ask yourself: How are your roots responding to adversity right now?
Check Your Soil
Of course, even healthy roots won’t thrive in toxic soil. Your “soil” is your environment: your routines, relationships, mindset, and emotional well-being.
Reflect on this:
- Is your current environment feeding you or draining you?
- Are you trying to grow in a place that’s toxic or unbalanced?
- What’s one way you could enrich your soil this week?
A simple shift in your daily routine, a boundary in a draining relationship, or a new habit that supports your focus could change everything.
Three Strategies to Grow Through Resistance
- Stay Consistent
Growth doesn’t require giant leaps. It requires showing up.Ask yourself:
- Where am I already consistent?
- How can I build momentum from here?
Maybe the problem isn’t your effort, it’s your expectations. Start where you are, not where you think you should be.
- Push Your Limits
This doesn’t mean hustle harder or burn out. It means stretch or pivot.
Try this:
- What’s one step just outside your comfort zone?
- What’s your “medium weight” version of growth?
Don’t leap. Just move.
- Measure What Matters
If you can’t see your progress, you’ll likely undervalue it.
Define your metrics:
- What’s your personal KPI (key performance indicator)?
- How will you track what matters most?
True success shows up in the small, intentional actions that align with your bigger vision.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Roots
Let’s take an honest inventory and wrap up this evaluation with the following:
Healthy Roots to Nurture:
- Daily routines that recharge your energy
- Life-giving relationships
- A grounded mindset rooted in purpose
Unhealthy Roots to Remove:
- Beliefs that limit you
- Habits that waste your energy
- Relationships that deplete rather than nourish
The formula is simple:
Healthy roots + strong soil = resilience in adversity.
Final Reflection: Where Is Resistance a Gift?
As you move through this month try viewing adversity as a gift, not a burden.
What’s stretching you right now? What resistance is actually refining your focus, expanding your capacity, or deepening your foundation?
Because here’s the truth:
If you’re committed to real growth, in life or in business, adversity doesn’t just reveal your roots.
It strengthens them.
Evaluating Your Roots: How Resistance Strengthens Growth
Written by: Keesha Star
Some of the most resilient trees in the world don’t grow in lush, perfect environments. They take root in wind-swept cliffs, dry deserts, and rocky terrain. Their strength doesn’t come in spite of hardship, it comes because of it. The deeper the challenge, the deeper the roots. The same is true in life and business: adversity isn’t just something to overcome, it’s an invitation to grow.
What Are You Growing Right Now?
Let me take you to my backyard for a minute. I’ve got these blackberry-like vines that are relentless. They grow through the azaleas, under the siding, even out of the drain spout. And when I put down barriers to stop them? They don’t quit—they pivot. They find another way to grow.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve been building your business or growing personally, you’ve likely chosen one area to intentionally develop. (If you haven’t already, take a look at our blog post Planting Healthy Roots for a great place to start.) Now is a great time to reflect:
- What healthy habits or mindsets have you been nurturing?
- Which old patterns have you chosen to let go of?
Even if you’re still in process, just taking time to evaluate your roots is progress in itself.
Reframing Adversity
Let’s go back to those vines. They don’t stop just because I try to pull them up. So why do we stop when life pulls at us?
We’re often conditioned to see adversity as a sign to slow down or back off. But what if resistance was actually a signal to press in?
Think of resistance bands in a workout. You might be able to do 50 pushups, but add some tension and now you’re building even more strength. The same principle applies in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Adversity isn’t the enemy. It’s resistance that promotes strength.
Deep Roots Weather the Storm
If you’ve ever seen a tree survive a storm while others around it fall, you can bet its roots played a major role. Strong roots:
- Anchor you when circumstances shake
- Absorb what you need for growth
- Store energy for tougher seasons
- Adapt to change
- Stabilize everything around you
So, ask yourself: How are your roots responding to adversity right now?
Check Your Soil
Of course, even healthy roots won’t thrive in toxic soil. Your “soil” is your environment: your routines, relationships, mindset, and emotional well-being.
Reflect on this:
- Is your current environment feeding you or draining you?
- Are you trying to grow in a place that’s toxic or unbalanced?
- What’s one way you could enrich your soil this week?
A simple shift in your daily routine, a boundary in a draining relationship, or a new habit that supports your focus could change everything.
Three Strategies to Grow Through Resistance
- Stay Consistent
Growth doesn’t require giant leaps. It requires showing up.
Ask yourself:
- Where am I already consistent?
- How can I build momentum from here?
Maybe the problem isn’t your effort, it’s your expectations. Start where you are, not where you think you should be.
- Push Your Limits
This doesn’t mean hustle harder or burn out. It means stretch or pivot.
Try this:
- What’s one step just outside your comfort zone?
- What’s your “medium weight” version of growth?
Don’t leap. Just move.
- Measure What Matters
If you can’t see your progress, you’ll likely undervalue it.
Define your metrics:
- What’s your personal KPI (key performance indicator)?
- How will you track what matters most?
True success shows up in the small, intentional actions that align with your bigger vision.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Roots
Let’s take an honest inventory and wrap up this evaluation with the following:
Healthy Roots to Nurture:
- Daily routines that recharge your energy
- Life-giving relationships
- A grounded mindset rooted in purpose
Unhealthy Roots to Remove:
- Beliefs that limit you
- Habits that waste your energy
- Relationships that deplete rather than nourish
The formula is simple:
Healthy roots + strong soil = resilience in adversity.
Final Reflection: Where Is Resistance a Gift?
As you move through this month try viewing adversity as a gift, not a burden.
What’s stretching you right now? What resistance is actually refining your focus, expanding your capacity, or deepening your foundation?
Because here’s the truth:
If you’re committed to real growth, in life or in business, adversity doesn’t just reveal your roots.
It strengthens them.
Keywords for SEO (naturally embedded):
business growth strategy, personal development, healthy mindset, overcoming adversity, consistent habits, measuring success, root evaluation, resilience in business, growth mindset, professional development plan
Growing the Right Roots: Reconnect, Refocus, and Realign
Growing the Right Roots: Reconnect, Refocus, and Realign
Written by: Keesha Starr
Growth doesn’t wait for the start of a new year. The best time to pause, reflect, and plant new intentions is anytime you feel the need to realign with your purpose. Whether you’re navigating a transition, facing uncertainty, or simply craving deeper fulfillment, now is the perfect moment to check your foundation and grow the right roots.
It All Starts with a Seed
Every meaningful change starts with a seed: a decision, a desire, or a vision of something better. Maybe yours is a single word. Maybe it’s a phrase, a question, or a gut feeling that something needs to shift.
The seed holds your intention and what you plant determines what you grow. If you’re not sure what your seed is, start by examining four key areas:
- People: Who are you surrounding yourself with?
- Process: What systems support (or sabotage) your growth?
- Product: What are you putting out into the world?
- Personal: Who are you becoming in the process?
What’s the common theme running through your answers? That’s where you find and define your seed.
Defining the Right Roots
Once your seed is clear, the next step is developing roots that will support it. Roots aren’t flashy, they’re hidden, but essential. They ground you when life feels chaotic, nourish your energy, and sustain you through challenging seasons.
Your roots might include:
- A mindset that keeps you steady
- A morning routine that sets your tone
- Boundaries that protect your peace
- Relationships that truly see and support you
Ask Yourself:
- What keeps you anchored when everything feels unsteady?
- Which routines or relationships consistently feed your well-being?
- What helps you grow without burning out?
These are your healthy roots, the quiet systems that make everything else possible.
Spotting the Roots That No Longer Serve You
Just as some roots nourish growth, others can hold you back: negative thought patterns, draining relationships, habits that feel familiar but no longer fit who you’re becoming…
These are your toxic roots and they need attention.
Ask Yourself:
- What’s draining you more than it’s feeding you?
- What beliefs or patterns are keeping you small?
- Are you holding on to something out of comfort or habit?
Growth requires pruning. Letting go of what no longer aligns creates space for what does.
The Importance of Healthy Soil
Even the strongest roots will suffer in unhealthy soil, your environment matters physically, emotionally, mentally.
That includes:
- Your home or workspace
- The people you interact with daily
- Your digital consumption
- The conversations you allow
So ask yourself:
- What kind of “soil” are you growing in?
- Does your environment support your energy and vision?
- Where do you need to restore boundaries, clarity, or quiet?
Healthy soil = sustainable growth.
Action Steps
To turn these insights into action, try this simple process:
- Define Your Seed – What word, phrase or question are you using to grow the change that you want to see?
- Identify Your Healthy Roots – What quiet systems are supporting you and helping you grow that seed?
- Identify the Unhealthy Roots – What toxic or growth limiting roots need to be removed?
- Care For Your Soil – Remember that the strongest seed won’t be able to grow in poor soil.
This list helps you stay focused and intentional so remember to revisit it regularly. It’s not a one-time task, but a living guide for your growth.
Growing the Right Roots Is a Process
You don’t need to wait for a milestone to make meaningful change. Whether you’re in the middle of a season or just emerging from a shift, now is always the right time to reconnect with your values, reset your vision, and plant the roots that will carry you forward.
Because when your roots are deep, strong, and aligned, you don’t just grow. You thrive.
Growing the Right Roots: Reconnect, Refocus, and Realign
Written by: Keesha Star
Growth doesn’t wait for the start of a new year. The best time to pause, reflect, and plant new intentions is anytime you feel the need to realign with your purpose. Whether you’re navigating a transition, facing uncertainty, or simply craving deeper fulfillment, now is the perfect moment to check your foundation and grow the right roots.
It All Starts with a Seed
Every meaningful change starts with a seed: a decision, a desire, or a vision of something better. Maybe yours is a single word. Maybe it’s a phrase, a question, or a gut feeling that something needs to shift.
The seed holds your intention and what you plant determines what you grow. If you’re not sure what your seed is, start by examining four key areas:
- People: Who are you surrounding yourself with?
- Process: What systems support (or sabotage) your growth?
- Product: What are you putting out into the world?
- Personal: Who are you becoming in the process?
What’s the common theme running through your answers? That’s where you find and define your seed.
Defining the Right Roots
Once your seed is clear, the next step is developing roots that will support it. Roots aren’t flashy, they’re hidden, but essential. They ground you when life feels chaotic, nourish your energy, and sustain you through challenging seasons.
Your roots might include:
- A mindset that keeps you steady
- A morning routine that sets your tone
- Boundaries that protect your peace
- Relationships that truly see and support you
Ask Yourself:
- What keeps you anchored when everything feels unsteady?
- Which routines or relationships consistently feed your well-being?
- What helps you grow without burning out?
These are your healthy roots, the quiet systems that make everything else possible.
Spotting the Roots That No Longer Serve You
Just as some roots nourish growth, others can hold you back: negative thought patterns, draining relationships, habits that feel familiar but no longer fit who you’re becoming…
These are your toxic roots and they need attention.
Ask Yourself:
- What’s draining you more than it’s feeding you?
- What beliefs or patterns are keeping you small?
- Are you holding on to something out of comfort or habit?
Growth requires pruning. Letting go of what no longer aligns creates space for what does.
The Importance of Healthy Soil
Even the strongest roots will suffer in unhealthy soil, your environment matters physically, emotionally, mentally.
That includes:
- Your home or workspace
- The people you interact with daily
- Your digital consumption
- The conversations you allow
So ask yourself:
- What kind of “soil” are you growing in?
- Does your environment support your energy and vision?
- Where do you need to restore boundaries, clarity, or quiet?
Healthy soil = sustainable growth.
Action Steps
To turn these insights into action, try this simple process:
- Define Your Seed – What word, phrase or question are you using to grow the change that you want to see?
- Identify Your Healthy Roots – What quiet systems are supporting you and helping you grow that seed?
- Identify the Unhealthy Roots – What toxic or growth limiting roots need to be removed?
- Care For Your Soil – Remember that the strongest seed won’t be able to grow in poor soil.
This list helps you stay focused and intentional so remember to revisit it regularly. It’s not a one-time task, but a living guide for your growth.
Growing the Right Roots Is a Process
You don’t need to wait for a milestone to make meaningful change. Whether you’re in the middle of a season or just emerging from a shift, now is always the right time to reconnect with your values, reset your vision, and plant the roots that will carry you forward.
Because when your roots are deep, strong, and aligned, you don’t just grow. You thrive.
Unlocking Your Leadership: Consistency is Key
Unlocking Your Leadership: Consistency is Key
Written by: Keesha Starr
In the world of leadership, consistency is often the defining trait that separates those who lead effectively from those who struggle to inspire. Consistency means “standing firm” and “marked by agreement,” whether you are the leader or the follower. But what does that actually look like in practice? And why is it so crucial for unlocking your Leadership?
The Power of Consistency
Think about a key—it never changes its shape. If it did, it wouldn’t work. A lock, too, must align perfectly with the key; otherwise, it remains locked. Leadership functions the same way. When leaders are consistent in their approach, vision, and values, they build trust. When they waver, things become misaligned, and effectiveness diminishes.
Where in your leadership journey have you had to stand firm, even when it wasn’t easy? Have you ever compromised your consistency, only to see it lead to confusion or misalignment?
Marked by Agreement
Effective leadership requires agreement. Just as a key must match a lock to function, leadership must align with those being led. Agreement in leadership isn’t about dictatorship—it’s about listening.
To come to an agreement in leadership, both sides must be heard. Listening means genuinely wanting to know what others have to say. Without agreement, leadership turns into mere management. Management can be effective, but only up to a certain extent. True leadership begins when agreements are formed.
Have you taken the time to listen to those you lead? Are you working toward true alignment, or merely managing without deep agreement?
Standing Firm
There are moments in leadership where standing firm can seem like the wrong decision. When emotions run high, logical solutions may not feel good, but they remain necessary. Conversely, decisions made in emotional moments may not hold up once the emotions subside.
The key to standing firm is ensuring that your leadership mold—your expectations, values, and principles—remains intact. It must be in agreement with the lock—the needs, goals, and alignment of your team. If there’s a disconnect, the lock remains stuck, preventing progress.
Have you ever expected a certain outcome but found that things didn’t unfold as planned? Could it be that your leadership approach (the key) and your expectations (the lock) were misaligned?
Refining Your Leadership Key
Starr Level Leadership requires continuous self-reflection. Where do you need to adjust your leadership approach? How can you better align with those you lead? Sometimes, the key needs refining, and sometimes, the lock needs adjustment. Identifying misalignment and making necessary changes is the essence of strong, effective leadership.
Are you willing to fine-tune your leadership key? Are you ready to unlock the full potential of those you lead?
Consistency is key. Unlock your leadership.
Unlocking Your Leadership: Consistency is Key
Written by: Keesha Star
In the world of leadership, consistency is often the defining trait that separates those who lead effectively from those who struggle to inspire. Consistency means “standing firm” and “marked by agreement,” whether you are the leader or the follower. But what does that actually look like in practice? And why is it so crucial for unlocking your Leadership?
The Power of Consistency
Think about a key—it never changes its shape. If it did, it wouldn’t work. A lock, too, must align perfectly with the key; otherwise, it remains locked. Leadership functions the same way. When leaders are consistent in their approach, vision, and values, they build trust. When they waver, things become misaligned, and effectiveness diminishes.
Where in your leadership journey have you had to stand firm, even when it wasn’t easy? Have you ever compromised your consistency, only to see it lead to confusion or misalignment?
Marked by Agreement
Effective leadership requires agreement. Just as a key must match a lock to function, leadership must align with those being led. Agreement in leadership isn’t about dictatorship—it’s about listening.
To come to an agreement in leadership, both sides must be heard. Listening means genuinely wanting to know what others have to say. Without agreement, leadership turns into mere management. Management can be effective, but only up to a certain extent. True leadership begins when agreements are formed.
Have you taken the time to listen to those you lead? Are you working toward true alignment, or merely managing without deep agreement?
Standing Firm
There are moments in leadership where standing firm can seem like the wrong decision. When emotions run high, logical solutions may not feel good, but they remain necessary. Conversely, decisions made in emotional moments may not hold up once the emotions subside.
The key to standing firm is ensuring that your leadership mold—your expectations, values, and principles—remains intact. It must be in agreement with the lock—the needs, goals, and alignment of your team. If there’s a disconnect, the lock remains stuck, preventing progress.
Have you ever expected a certain outcome but found that things didn’t unfold as planned? Could it be that your leadership approach (the key) and your expectations (the lock) were misaligned?
Refining Your Leadership Key
Starr Level Leadership requires continuous self-reflection. Where do you need to adjust your leadership approach? How can you better align with those you lead? Sometimes, the key needs refining, and sometimes, the lock needs adjustment. Identifying misalignment and making necessary changes is the essence of strong, effective leadership.
Are you willing to fine-tune your leadership key? Are you ready to unlock the full potential of those you lead?
Consistency is key. Unlock your leadership.
The Dance of Leadership: Moving with Influence and Purpose
The Dance of Leadership: Moving with Influence and Purpose
Written by: Keesha Starr
Have you ever considered how similar leadership is to dancing? Both require rhythm, adaptability, and the ability to move with those around you. A great leader, like a skilled dancer, must know when to step forward, step beside, and step behind their team to create a harmonious and successful movement toward a shared vision.
Are Leaders Born or Made?
Before we dive into the rhythm of leadership, let’s tackle an age-old question: Are leaders born or made? Can leadership actually be taught?
The answer lies in one fundamental truth: Leadership is influence. If leadership is influence, then anyone who influences another person is, in some capacity, a leader. So, the real question isn’t whether leadership can be taught but rather, who are you influencing? Are you truly leading, or are you just taking a walk?
Expanding Your Vision
Great leaders see more, see farther, and see before others do. They anticipate change, identify opportunities, and chart a course before anyone else recognizes the need.
Ask yourself:
- Where are you stretching and growing your vision?
- Are you challenging yourself to see beyond what is immediately in front of you?
- Are you willing to embrace discomfort to expand your leadership potential?
Leading Yourself First
To be the most effective leader, you must first lead yourself. Before expecting growth from your team, are you pushing yourself to grow? Before asking your employees to shift their mindset, are you willing to shift your own? True leadership starts from within—by looking inward before leading outward.
The Core Elements of Leadership
Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about trust and connection. At its core, leadership should be rooted in kindness and authenticity. People follow leaders they respect and admire—not just those who hold titles.
The Dance of Leadership
So, where should a leader position themselves? At the front, middle, or back of the pack?
True leadership is a dance—it must be dynamic, not static. Unlike management, which is about maintaining order, leadership is about movement and adaptability. A great leader moves fluidly between different roles:
- Step Ahead: Lead by example, stay close enough for people to see and follow you.
- Step Beside: Walk alongside your team, listen, and engage in their journey.
- Step Behind: Offer encouragement and support, ensuring no one is left behind.
Leadership, like dance, is about connection, timing, and presence. As you lead, remember that influence isn’t about standing in one place—it’s about moving with purpose, inspiring those around you, and creating a rhythm that others want to follow.
So, how are you leading today? Are you dancing with your team, or are you standing still?
The Dance of Leadership: Moving with Influence and Purpose
Written by: Keesha Star
Have you ever considered how similar leadership is to dancing? Both require rhythm, adaptability, and the ability to move with those around you. A great leader, like a skilled dancer, must know when to step forward, step beside, and step behind their team to create a harmonious and successful movement toward a shared vision.
Are Leaders Born or Made?
Before we dive into the rhythm of leadership, let’s tackle an age-old question: Are leaders born or made? Can leadership actually be taught?
The answer lies in one fundamental truth: Leadership is influence. If leadership is influence, then anyone who influences another person is, in some capacity, a leader. So, the real question isn’t whether leadership can be taught but rather, who are you influencing? Are you truly leading, or are you just taking a walk?
Expanding Your Vision
Great leaders see more, see farther, and see before others do. They anticipate change, identify opportunities, and chart a course before anyone else recognizes the need.
Ask yourself:
- Where are you stretching and growing your vision?
- Are you challenging yourself to see beyond what is immediately in front of you?
- Are you willing to embrace discomfort to expand your leadership potential?
Leading Yourself First
To be the most effective leader, you must first lead yourself. Before expecting growth from your team, are you pushing yourself to grow? Before asking your employees to shift their mindset, are you willing to shift your own? True leadership starts from within—by looking inward before leading outward.
The Core Elements of Leadership
Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about trust and connection. At its core, leadership should be rooted in kindness and authenticity. People follow leaders they respect and admire—not just those who hold titles.
The Dance of Leadership
So, where should a leader position themselves? At the front, middle, or back of the pack?
True leadership is a dance—it must be dynamic, not static. Unlike management, which is about maintaining order, leadership is about movement and adaptability. A great leader moves fluidly between different roles:
- Step Ahead: Lead by example, stay close enough for people to see and follow you.
- Step Beside: Walk alongside your team, listen, and engage in their journey.
- Step Behind: Offer encouragement and support, ensuring no one is left behind.
Leadership, like dance, is about connection, timing, and presence. As you lead, remember that influence isn’t about standing in one place—it’s about moving with purpose, inspiring those around you, and creating a rhythm that others want to follow.
So, how are you leading today? Are you dancing with your team, or are you standing still?
Is work / life balance a Truth or a Myth?
Is work / life balance a Truth or a Myth?
Written by: Keesha Starr
Have you ever wondered why I’ve tried to quit my business three times in the last four and a half years? Yeah… me too.
The truth is, my business and personal life were out of alignment. I was experiencing burnout, and feeling as if my work was competing with my family for my attention. Even when I was home, I couldn’t be there for myself and my loved ones as I wanted to be.
You might think that working from home would improve this situation, but it didn’t. Instead, it made me realize that achieving a perfect work-life balance is more myth than reality—have you bought into that myth?
Rethinking Balance: Embracing Seasons
Instead of striving for an elusive balance, we should focus on understanding the different seasons of our lives and our businesses. (My Daddy would be so proud that I’m finally putting my farmer’s daughter’s knowledge to good use!)
This concept isn’t dictated by the calendar year; it’s shaped by your fiscal year, business model, and personal circumstances. Let’s break them down, based on the model of our nature’s seasons:
- Winter aka “Slow Season” is where you are resting, recuperating and taking time to regroup.
- Spring aka “Preparation Season” is where you are re-evaluating the efforts of last year and planting your seeds for this year. What worked, what didn’t and where do we need to re-train?
- Summer aka “Busy Season” is just what we said… busy! You had better be rested, because this is when those opportunities are ready and you need to use all of your effort to take advantage of them.
- Fall aka “Year End” is where you get to wrap up the busy season. Even though it’s slower, it’s not time to stop yet. This is the season where you get to finish strong!
So, what season are you in? Are you trying to maintain an even balance all year round, or are you planning for the natural ebbs and flows of life?
For instance, if you have fully rested during Slow Season then you’ll have enough energy for Busy Season. Also, if you have been wise during Preparation Season to set up the most efficient procedures, the team will be able to finish strong at Year End and not lose momentum. Each year, you’ll know how well you did by evaluating each individual season.
Consider this: What if we shifted our mindset from expecting constant balance to embracing healthy seasons? Are there times when big projects demand your full attention? Are there moments when you can prioritize family time and rest?
Reflecting on Your Current Season
When you complete a busy season, do you simply shift back to balance, or do you adjust your time budget accordingly? It’s essential to recognize that each season has its challenges and rewards.
By acknowledging the season you’re in, you can enjoy the present moment without the pressure of maintaining an impossible balance.
Basically, rather than chasing the myth of work-life balance, let’s embrace the truth of the seasons we experience. Embrace the busy times, cherish the moments of rest, and enjoy the journey. After all, life is too short to be anything but present in the season you’re in!
Is work / life balance a Truth or a Myth?
Written by: Keesha Star
Have you ever wondered why I’ve tried to quit my business three times in the last four and a half years? Yeah… me too.
The truth is, my business and personal life were out of alignment. I was experiencing burnout, and feeling as if my work was competing with my family for my attention. Even when I was home, I couldn’t be there for myself and my loved ones as I wanted to be.
You might think that working from home would improve this situation, but it didn’t. Instead, it made me realize that achieving a perfect work-life balance is more myth than reality—have you bought into that myth?
Rethinking Balance: Embracing Seasons
Instead of striving for an elusive balance, we should focus on understanding the different seasons of our lives and our businesses. (My Daddy would be so proud that I’m finally putting my farmer’s daughter’s knowledge to good use!)
This concept isn’t dictated by the calendar year; it’s shaped by your fiscal year, business model, and personal circumstances. Let’s break them down, based on the model of our nature’s seasons:
- Winter aka “Slow Season” is where you are resting, recuperating and taking time to regroup.
- Spring aka “Preparation Season” is where you are re-evaluating the efforts of last year and planting your seeds for this year. What worked, what didn’t and where do we need to re-train?
- Summer aka “Busy Season” is just what we said… busy! You had better be rested, because this is when those opportunities are ready and you need to use all of your effort to take advantage of them.
- Fall aka “Year End” is where you get to wrap up the busy season. Even though it’s slower, it’s not time to stop yet. This is the season where you get to finish strong!
So, what season are you in? Are you trying to maintain an even balance all year round, or are you planning for the natural ebbs and flows of life?
For instance, if you have fully rested during Slow Season then you’ll have enough energy for Busy Season. Also, if you have been wise during Preparation Season to set up the most efficient procedures, the team will be able to finish strong at Year End and not lose momentum. Each year, you’ll know how well you did by evaluating each individual season.
Consider this: What if we shifted our mindset from expecting constant balance to embracing healthy seasons? Are there times when big projects demand your full attention? Are there moments when you can prioritize family time and rest?
Reflecting on Your Current Season
When you complete a busy season, do you simply shift back to balance, or do you adjust your time budget accordingly? It’s essential to recognize that each season has its challenges and rewards.
By acknowledging the season you’re in, you can enjoy the present moment without the pressure of maintaining an impossible balance.
Basically, rather than chasing the myth of work-life balance, let’s embrace the truth of the seasons we experience. Embrace the busy times, cherish the moments of rest, and enjoy the journey. After all, life is too short to be anything but present in the season you’re in!
