How ‘Energy-Aware’ Are You?
Say Goodbye to the Season of the Girl Boss, and Welcome in the Energy-Aware Entrepreneur
In the fast-paced world of business, there’s a new paradigm emerging—one that shifts away from the hustle culture and embraces a more intuitive and sustainable approach. Welcome to the era of the Energy-Aware Entrepreneur.
The Need for Sustainability
Everyone is searching for the elusive 'secret' to success. But the simple truth is that to build a profitable business—one that remains profitable in the long run—it has to be sustainable.
Aligning your business with your natural energy rhythms is key to achieving this sustainability.
When I first embarked on my solopreneur journey in 2017/18, it was the era of the Girl Boss. Sophia Amoruso’s book of the same name had recently been published, setting the tone for how I thought I had to do business. The implied message was clear: hustle was the way to go.
The Problem with the Hustle Culture
The hustle culture glorified by the Girl Boss rhetoric leaves little room for those of us who thrive at a slower, more intuitive pace. The constant push to work harder and faster can be draining and unsustainable. For many, this approach leads to burnout rather than success.
Embracing Your Natural Energy
So, what does working in harmony with your energy look and feel like? First of all, it means *you* write the rules of how you run your business. There is no universal way to achieve success; there is only the right way for you.
As an Energy-Aware Entrepreneur, you naturally operate by following those subtle intuitive nudges. Don’t feel like showing your face in videos for your marketing? Then don’t. Listen to those whispers from within and focus your attention on other mediums that feel right for you.
The Intuitive Path to Success
An Energy-Aware Entrepreneur knows deep down what their purpose and vision are. They take the time to connect deeply with their inner knowing, finding ways to drown out the noise of social pressure when making decisions.
This approach is particularly welcoming to a diverse range of business owners. Whether you’re neurodivergent, have mental health imbalances, are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), or simply want to live life more slowly and intentionally, this new business paradigm is for you.
Recognizing the Energy-Aware Entrepreneur in You:
If any of these resonate, then you, my friend, are an Energy-Aware Entrepreneur:
- You value your time and energy as much as the cash in your pocket:** You understand that your well-being is just as important as your financial success. You prioritize self-care and manage your energy wisely.
- You want to market yourself in a way that feels good and sustainable:** Traditional marketing strategies that feel pushy or inauthentic don’t appeal to you. Instead, you seek out methods that align with your values and feel good to implement.
- You want to build a business that serves you and not the other way around:** Your business is a tool to help you achieve your personal goals and lifestyle, not a burden that dictates your life. You design your business processes to support your well-being and happiness.
- You crave time away from your phone and instead want to channel your energy into your work:** You recognize the importance of focus and deep work. Disconnecting from constant notifications allows you to pour your energy into creating meaningful and impactful work.
Crafting Your Own Path:
Being an Energy-Aware Entrepreneur means you get to craft your own path. Here are some ways to align your business with your energy:
1. Set Your Own Pace
Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others. Set a pace that feels right for you. Whether it’s how many hours you work each day or how quickly you aim to grow your business, make sure it aligns with your energy levels.
2. Create a Flexible Schedule
A rigid schedule can be draining. Instead, create a flexible one that allows you to work when you’re most productive and take breaks when needed. Listen to your body and mind, and adjust your schedule accordingly.
3. Focus on Energy-Boosting Activities
Identify the activities that energize you and incorporate more of them into your workday. Whether it’s creative brainstorming, strategic planning, or interacting with clients, focus on the tasks that make you feel alive and motivated.
4. Delegate and Outsource
Recognize the tasks that drain your energy and consider delegating or outsourcing them. This allows you to focus on your strengths and the aspects of your business that you enjoy most.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, ensure you’re taking care of your mental and physical well-being.
The Benefits of Being Energy-Aware:
Aligning your business with your energy has numerous benefits:
1. Sustainable Growth
By working in harmony with your natural rhythms, you can achieve sustainable growth. You’re less likely to burn out and more likely to maintain a steady, productive pace.
2. Improved Well-Being
Prioritizing your energy and well-being leads to better mental and physical health. You’ll feel more balanced, less stressed, and more satisfied with your work.
3. Authentic Connections
When you market yourself in a way that feels good, you attract clients and customers who resonate with your authentic self. This leads to more meaningful and lasting connections.
4. Increased Creativity and Innovation
Operating at a pace that suits you allows your creativity to flourish. You’re more likely to come up with innovative ideas and solutions when you’re not feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
5. Enhanced Productivity
Working when you’re naturally most productive leads to higher efficiency and effectiveness. You’ll accomplish more in less time, leaving you with more energy for other aspects of your life.
The era of the Girl Boss is giving way to a new paradigm—the Energy-Aware Entrepreneur. This shift is about embracing your natural energy rhythms and creating a sustainable business that aligns with your values and well-being.
By valuing your time and energy, marketing yourself authentically, and building a business that serves you, you can achieve lasting success and fulfillment. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business. The key is to listen to your inner guidance and create a path that feels right for you.
So, how ‘energy-aware’ are you? If you resonate with the principles of the Energy-Aware Entrepreneur, it’s time to embrace this new way of doing business. Say goodbye to the hustle culture and hello to a more sustainable, fulfilling, and authentic approach to entrepreneurship.
