Have you ever found yourself watching someone else’s lifestyle with a mix of envy and frustration, wondering why you can’t seem to honor yourself enough to carve out the same space for yourself? That was me, standing in my kitchen at 10 AM, watching my husband throw on gym clothes before heading out for a workout, followed by a leisurely lunch and a hot shower — all while I was rushing back to my office, juggling client calls, and feeling the constant weight of my business on my shoulders. I was salty, resentful, and honestly — angry. But what I didn’t realize in that moment was how that flash of resentment would eventually spark one of the most powerful transformations in both my personal life and business.
The Wake-Up Call I Didn’t Know I Needed
My husband said something that stung in the moment but became a catalyst for change: “I built this for myself.” He was right. He had intentionally created a career that gave him the lifestyle he wanted. Meanwhile, I had built a business from the ground up – not out of necessity, but because I wanted something more – yet I had constructed it with walls and restrictions that were entirely of my own making. The resentment I felt wasn’t directed at him; it was at myself.
Finding What Was Missing
Fast forward six to eight months, and I started feeling a deep internal need for something outside of being a mom, wife, and business owner. Before kids, I was always up for challenges – physically, mentally – and loved trying new things. Motherhood had changed me in wonderful ways, but I had also experienced what felt like a “dying to self” that many parents will recognize. Parts of me felt dimmed, tucked away, or forgotten.
Taking the Leap Into Something New
When my sister (who had been practicing for years) finally convinced me to try jiu-jitsu, something clicked after just one class. It completely took me out of my head. As my sister had promised, you can’t think about anything else when you’re doing jiu-jitsu – it’s too technical, too physical, too demanding. It pulled me out of my thoughts and into my body in a way I hadn’t experienced in years.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Looking at my schedule afterward, my first instinct was the familiar defeatist one: “I’m not going to be able to do this.” Kids’ activities, client calls, business demands – the usual barriers appeared. But then something shifted. I was done being the “lowest man on the priority pole.” I examined my calendar and realized I could make noon classes work twice a week if I just blocked off the time.
That simple act – deciding to take three random hours in the middle of the day for myself – was revolutionary. I reminded myself: “I built a simple business so I can do this. What in the world am I waiting for?” Light bulbs went off, and suddenly I saw possibilities where before I’d only seen limitations.
The Ripple Effect of Honoring Yourself
The most surprising part? Since making space for myself, I’ve seen positive changes ripple through my business. Fresh ideas that support even more freedom have emerged. When you honor yourself, incredible things happen – both internally and externally.
I recognize that not everyone has the same flexibility. There are seasons of life that don’t afford the same opportunities, especially with younger children or businesses in different stages. But I hope this illuminates the stories you might be telling yourself and helps you recognize when resentment might actually be directed inward rather than at your circumstances.
Taking Control of What You Can
When my clients are struggling, I always bring them back to one question: “What can you control?” So many things we worry about aren’t within our control, so we need to focus on what is. And one thing you absolutely can control is your business structure – how you do business.
I do business simply. That’s what I do. I help people build businesses that are simple and don’t consume every waking moment. Yes, it takes time to break free if what you’re doing now is consuming all your time, but nothing will change unless you force it to change.
One client I worked with recently decided to pivot away from her time-intensive, done-for-you business model to something more specialized that she can create digital products around, hire team members for, and keep systems streamlined. This pivot will support her goal of being done every day at 3 PM and taking time off without having to notify anyone.
Building a Business That Supports Your Life
You can create a business around being an expert on virtually anything if you’re targeting the right audience with the right messaging. The result? A profitable, simple business that gives you not only the revenue you want but also the time freedom you deserve.
I don’t want to compromise, and you shouldn’t either. I want to maintain and grow my six-figure revenue while reducing my hours – and that’s exactly what I’m doing and helping others do too.
This is why I’m so excited to announce that I’ve restructured my signature program, Grow Business and Marketing Academy, into a membership. I want to serve more people with a lower barrier to entry and provide more flexibility for both myself and my clients.
My GROW framework – the system that has helped me and over 200 others build simple, sustainable, scalable businesses – is now more accessible than ever. This framework has enabled me to reach six figures while working part-time hours, and it works for both service providers and coaches.
As a member, you’ll get access to weekly group coaching calls for customized support, daily content ideas, special trainings, and of course, the complete framework. The commitment is just three months to start, and if you stay for 12+ months, you get lifetime access regardless of whether you continue.
Right now through May 5th, you can join for just $77 for your first month (then $177/month after). If you’ve been nodding along to my podcast month after month thinking “one day I’ll get serious about this,” now is the time.
Are you ready to honor yourself by building a business that actually supports the life you want? Join GROW today and breathe new life into your business in a very real way.
