When to explore something new

In this end of summer season, I’ve been thinking about times of change. The once blooming flowers are dropping to the ground, gardens are full of abundance, and surrounding colors in nature are starting to shift. Life has many twists and turns—it’s easy to get lost along the way. Today Angela and I will be sharing some of our entrepreneurial and life experiences that have pushed us to explore something new.

In Business (Renee)

Exploring something new doesn’t necessarily refer to walking away from your business, unless that feels right to you. Change (for me) requires lots of time and space for deep reflection. Sit in silence, write some notes, let your thoughts flow before getting anyone else involved.

People will always be eager to provide advice, but it might not be right for you, so I always need to sort things out for myself before turning to my inner circle. Here are a few signs that you might be ready to adapt in your business:

• Hitting walls or creative roadblocks // Brainstorm with a friend

• Little work flowing in or slowing referrals // Consider making changes in your marketing strategy

• No motivation for internal work and feeling uninspired by your business // Might be time for a bigger change (rebrand or expansive internal refinement; read about when to rebrand)

• Personal life challenges // Give yourself time before making big changes

• Launching new products or services // Create systems that keep a streamlined client experience
  
  
• Feeling behind or jealous of your competition // Talk through your challenges with a business coach or mentor

Changes look different for everyone, sometimes they are big and other times small. They might be as simple as setting better boundaries with clients or setting time frames for certain types of work. Other times you might need a bigger shift, such as moving to a new space or starting a new business endeavor.

I’m sharing from my own experiences and what has worked for me. As with anything I write, you can take what feels right for you and leave the rest. If you need support while sorting through your business challenges, I highly recommend working with Angela.

In Life (Renee)

Change isn’t just something we face in business, sometimes we might crave change in our personal lives too. Perhaps we want better work-life balance, feel compelled to shift priorities, or desire time to explore new interests.

As a creative, there are times when I feel the need to shake things up to create a better balance. I’m still learning what triggers this desire for change but finding creative outlets and hobbies outside of business has helped satisfy the pull. Here are a few signs that you might be ready for change:

• Feeling uninspired or bored // Feeling inspired and energized

• Feeling creative burnout creeping in // Feeling drawn to pursue something new

• Feeling your deepest fears show their ugly faces (imposter syndrome is one of my worst) // Feeling confident and encouraged
  
  
• Feeling an idea pick at the back of your imagination time and time again

Exploring new interests helps me step outside of my business to nurture other aspects of my life. I’ve recently started keeping a sketchbook for quick creative exploration and Angela has recently learned about animal communication.

Angela’s Insights

I have found that it’s always worthwhile to listen to your intuition when you are desiring to explore something new. For some this means truly listening to your gut, as that can tell you a big “yes” or “no.” Or, another aspect of yourself, as described through Human Design or even astrology. There is so much knowledge inside of ourselves to guide towards the next steps.

Sensitive and highly sensitive entrepreneurs are particularly attuned to the subtle energies and nuances of their environment and their own inner voices. This allows them to make choices that feel authentic and grounded, even in the face of external pressures or expectations.

In my own experience, many changes have occurred in my business because something hasn’t felt right after a certain point. I get a nudge from my inner self that it is time to change.

Similar to Renee, when I feel this way I go into deep reflection. Thinking through what the change requires — the level of energy it will take from my body and the potential benefits for making the transformation.

Transitions Along My Business Journey (Angela)

• Desiring to connect with new or particular types of people: In learning more about myself as a highly sensitive person, I realized that many of my clients had this in common as well. I wanted to keep working with these women and so this also contributed to a new fresh brand look and more intentional copy on my website. I love the way my new branding is warm and inviting, resonating with sensitive soul entrepreneurs. I can’t thank Renee enough! 

• Your perspective changes on something you’ve been doing for awhile; you see a new way to support others with these new ideas: In deepening my understanding of being an HSP, I’ve discovered possibilities of tailoring business strategies to the unique needs of sensitive individuals. For example, offerings that can be strategically rotated or adjusted by the season. Service providers don’t always have to provide 1:1 sessions as a constant throughout the year. This change not only reflects my personal growth but also adds value to those I serve, ensuring their businesses thrive in harmony with their personal rhythms.

• Noticing patterns among your clients — giving you inspiration for changes in your business: In doing system strategy work (automations and tech setups), I noticed that some of my clients felt tension with their offerings and the effort to market them. From these conversations, I began to see how important it is to talk about business holistically. Like it’s an ecosystem of its own. This is what led me to begin offering thought partnerships, to help fellow entrepreneurs develop a sustainable business that works for them.

If you feeling ready to explore change or something new, lean into your own inner wisdom and guidance. Trust yourself, you know yourself.

Thank you and reflection

Huge thank you to Angela Ellison for collaborating on this post. We chat pretty often from week to week about everything occupying our thoughts and it’s been great to share a little snippet with you all.

Leaning on Angela (and other trusted friends) when I’m faced with challenges has been a key part of me staying motivated and encouraged along my own journey through life and business. Finding supportive connections to help cheer you forward is a great way to get through challenging periods of change.

I hope to continue collaborating with others. Whether that is through Substack posts, or another format I don’t yet know. Psst, I’ve been brainstorming a podcast—although I’ll wait to share details until it’s closer to being something more concrete, I will share with you all as things progress.