Sometimes I have avoided growing my business because I equated growth (unconsciously) with having to do things I didn’t want to do — like pushy marketing, learning new (scary) technology, getting more disciplined, or working longer hours. My thinking today: growth without the yuck is possible.
After 15 years in business as a coach, perhaps it’s a coaching business success story. I share some key moments, essential ingredients of making it work, and how this journey has felt.
I still remember how happy I felt during and after that first paid coaching session. It was a life-changing moment of feeling like I could actually get paid to do something I love. That’s huge. It became real. I want that for you too.
So often I hear people struggling with progress taking longer than their brains think it should take. It can eat away at your self-worth.
I experience the “too slow” worries too, like how long it takes to write a new post or how long it takes to get a new program from idea to action. Humbling.
Then there’s how *loooooong* it takes to get a business to a livable income, or how long to find your ideal work situation.
It’s not just you. Change does take time.
I’ve got a simple perspective shift to share with you that is helping me deal with that discouraged feeling. I’m including a simple writing prompt that I think will help you feel the shift too.
I interviewed Monica Parker because I thought you might benefit from hearing about a highly sensitive extrovert who is also a multi-passionate woman. I want you to hear how she’s making it all come together in her current career as a solopreneur.
She’s also a former coaching client who came to me to support her through a career transition.
She is now a professional organizer and has long had a portfolio career, combining different kinds of work for variety and income. We got into how does this really work?
I got caught in an over-doing phase and not enough calming downtime balance to that. Autumn, as daylight shortens, is a good time for me to think about the yin-yang balance in my life. I have to pay attention here, especially as a highly sensitive person with old workaholic programming.
So I’ve been consciously recalibrating and I’ll let you in on how it’s going.
Career change can be especially hard for highly sensitive people (HSPs). To be sure, we can also be good at it. As a career coach for HSPs, I’ve got some practical steps to help HSPs manage career transition stress and thrive in the process.
I remember staying in a job for years past when all my friends were saying I should get out. Because of all.the.reasons, it’s hard to break free even when you’re tired of it.
I’ll explain why career transition can be extra hard on HSPs — and how tapping your HSP strengths can make it easier for you. Imagine breaking free of the career cage you might be in.
If you’re trying to grow a solopreneur business with primarily social media, thinking that’s THE way to do it, I believe you will be sadly disappointed. Too many service-based solopreneurs think social media should be the center of their marketing and that’s a mistake for your energy and why you’re here.
It’s not a failure of your services if it doesn’t bring in enough business. It’s just reality.
Perhaps this will come as a relief to think of less social media. But then what?
You might have heard the message to listen to your heart, or tune in inside. But how?
It can seem tricky at first to hear your own heart’s knowing, but then it can be quite easy too.
People with the high sensitivity trait (HSPs) are very capable of hearing their own inner signals, but it can get drowned out by sensing so many other things at once.
I’ve got 3 simple ways for you to hear your inner knowing.
Wondering whether or not to choose a niche as a solopreneur? Here’s my experience and how to find a middle ground, which could be a niche for now.
I have found that resisting the idea of niching is often about not understanding what niching is really about. For starters, it does not put you in a box.
Video summary included.
I have had too much angst about aging, and writing this post is helping me shake it off. I’m reclaiming all these gifts of aging such as growing wisdom.
Answers to whether being a coach is a good fit for highly sensitive people (HSPs). Concerns about energy, other people’s energy, and self-employment.
Drop the word networking and the idea of “getting” something. Authentic connection feels better and works. Tips for introverts, HSPs, people with big hearts.
Too much effort, and we can burn out. Too little, and we can sell out on our life purpose and get depressed. I’ve done both. Here’s how I think of Right Effort today in my work life.
Many people in healthcare have sadly left the field or are considering quitting. It’s a big decision and I want to offer something especially for introverts in healthcare. I invited a former doctor to share her experience and advice for others considering this career transition. It can help with making your current work easier too.
Years ago, I was telling a friend, “I feel like I have no time,” and I felt so tense. She suggested a simple affirmation I thought that was ridiculous. But then it helped! Here’s my quick antidote that still helps me.
Vulnerability angst can seriously get in the way of our dreams if we’re not careful. Facing it is part of the job when self-employed. Some humor and help…
It’s wonderful to be both highly sensitive and extroverted. Yet it can be tricky. Tips to make it easier, and enjoy your gifts more.
![[Image: SOULpreneurs]](https://valnelson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/holidaycardimage-e1458950462856-1.jpg)
A heart-centered business, aligned with your caring values and a sense of balance, can be part of the solution in an out-of-balance world. Here’s what I mean, and how it can be easier and better.
Should I change careers at this age? or Too old to change careers at 40? or Start a business at 50? Some ease to the process and why mid-career change is an ideal time to pivot. A mid career coach can help.
Going, going, and feeling stuck that way, year after year? 😰 Normal stress vs burnout potential. Burnout prevention starting place.
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It might not feel like it right now, but work can be energizing and fulfilling, even for introverts and HSPs. There is a way. Here are 3 paths to find your way to your right career path.
Self-employment guidance especially for introverts and HSPs. So you can have the sustainable, meaningful, and calm life you crave.
Does it seem like everyone else has it figured out? Let me light the way for your exploration around career, life purpose, or self-employment.
