How To Trust Yourself When Business is Challenging (gentle guidance for sensitive solopreneurs)
March 5, 2024
From my experience in working with women solopreneurs, I’ve noticed a pattern of how they tend to identify the challenges within their business.
This pattern is similar to identifying what’s wrong with a wilting plant in a garden. At first glance, we are likely to assume it needs water. Many times that is the answer. It’s when we water the plant and then see it wilting the next day. These signs tell us that the plant is truly unwell.
What this dear plant needs is something much deeper.
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Our businesses are a lot like gardens. Similarly, these challenges may show up in ways like: declining sales, clients overstepping boundaries, or chasing payments. Outward signs of something not going well and felt by us solopreneurs; the ones managing everything. We tend to think these are the specific problems that need to be solved. Much like watering the plant.
It makes sense that we do this too, especially when the world tells us that these are signs of failing. That we are not doing enough or we are doing something wrong. These messages we hear repeatedly in society magnify these business difficulties.
What we are told so often is that we need to fix these symptoms, “you need to change something soon, or else…” (yes, that usually means investing in a solution). Sensitive women and solopreneurs are incredibly aware of these collective authoritative messages. We absorb this energy more when our businesses aren’t doing as well.
For me, a highly sensitive woman and solopreneur, this is when have told myself “you’re not good enough, you don’t know enough…” This has lead me into a spirals of disconnect. When that happens, I disengage from myself, my business and retreat away from the outside world.
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What I have found, is that these lower points in business are an invitation to uncover the underlying issues at the roots. Our businesses are asking us to carefully explore the textures and layers that are creating these symptoms.
I believe that when we can be honest with ourselves, we might hear our intuition saying the same thing. A whisper or gentle nudge, to get deeper and listen to the beating and breath of our business.
To get between the surface and soil; that fragile, tender and soft space.
An invitation to turn inwards — with our businesses and within ourselves.
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We can begin to ask questions to get a better understanding of what these symptoms mean. Starting with less complex questions:
When did this business challenge start?
How am I feeling at this point?
What are all the issues related to these symptoms?
Then when you’re ready; questions related to yourself and the whole business.
For example:
Is there an area where communication could be improved?
Does my current business model still work with my energy?
Why do I think this is happening?
Where could I potentially increase revenue or reduce costs?
How does this support my creative and personal vision?
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A question I like to ask myself, “Do I want to keep going this way?” It makes me reflect on what sustainability means to me, and if this area of business is worth my energy to continue.
By focusing our attention below the surface, we are able to create more meaningful and intentional changes. This also is part of cultivating resilience and adaptability. I believe that when we allow ourselves to dig into the soil, we find a way to come back to ourselves too.
This is also why I like to say: trust yourself, you know yourself. Even though the world would like you to think otherwise, so often the answers are within you.
~Angela
If it would be more supportive to have a thought partner alongside you in this season, I have 1:1 sessions available. We can walk through the garden of your business, gently uncovering these layers together.
Hello and welcome. I’m Angela.
I support sensitive women solopreneurs as a thought partner, drawing on 10 years of experience as a public educator. I believe a sustainable business thrives when aligned with your natural rhythms and energy, allowing for a fulfilling life and time to create. My writings blend practical strategies with empathetic support. If you seek a business that honors your sensitivity, values, and quality of life, you’re in the right place. I am glad you are here.
