Is slowing down your secret business growth strategy?
The habit stack that's helping me run my business with more ease.
When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself, “What do I really need today?”
If you’re like most people at this time of year (especially creative service providers trying to wrap up projects before the holidays), your answer might be something like:
Rest.
A break.
To fully unplug.
The burnout season has arrived 🎄
The holidays can feel like a perfect storm of burnout triggers:
Extra social commitments disrupt routines and lead to late nights.
Year-end client deadlines expand to-do lists beyond what typically feels manageable.
Hustle culture whispers that doing more will always equal bigger and better results.
Even the most heart-centred entrepreneurs can get caught in the loop of overcommitment, believing that jumping into to-do lists, showing up online, or saying “yes” to just one more project will move the needle forward.
Spoiler: It won’t.
My wake-up call from sleep deprivation
Let me share a quick story to illustrate:
My almost one-year-old has been in a major sleep regression for the past three weeks. We’re talking about waking up every three hours, needing to be fed and snuggled—by me, and only me.
Any parent of young kiddos will tell you that sleep regressions are exhausting. For someone like me, who thrives on routine and structure, they’re also an unsolvable puzzle. Andrew and I have spent nights overanalyzing everything: his teeth, the room temperature, his pyjamas, and what he ate…or didn’t eat. 🤔
Two nights ago, we hit rock bottom. Our son woke up crying every two hours because of a cold. As I rocked him back to sleep (five times in one night), I could feel anxiety creeping in about Monday morning. My to-do list was packed: content creation, a website project, and prepping for holiday travel—all tasks I love, but all requiring more energy than I could fathom at 2 a.m.
Then, last night, something miraculous happened: he slept soundly from 7:30 p.m. to 5:55 a.m.
When I woke up, I felt the clarity and energy I’d been missing for weeks. My tasks felt manageable. Writing felt exciting. Even my dear husband seemed far less annoying. 🙃
Rest is a business strategy
Rest is not optional—it’s essential. Yet somehow, it’s often the first thing we sacrifice in the name of 'showing up' or 'moving the needle forward.'
What if we flipped the script? What if the most strategic move you could make is to slow down?
How I prioritize energy over hustle
Over the past few years, I’ve built a system1 that helps me approach my work from a place of ease and flow—even on the most sleep-deprived days. Before I sit down at my desk each day, I do these things first:
Workout. I’m currently loving Evlo Fitness.
Ground: 5-10 minutes of breathwork.
Write: I journal or free-write inside of Notion for 15 minutes—no rules, no outcomes, just a brain dump.
There is zero exaggeration when I say this simple habit stack has transformed my work life:
Instead of feeling scattered, I start with focus.
Instead of scrolling for inspiration (or procrastination), I’m tuned into my own ideas.
Instead of forcing tasks, I check them off efficiently.
TL;DR: Work gets done better with a full cup in the morning.
Build your own pre-work habit stack
So, my entrepreneur friends–let’s revisit the first question: What do you really need today?
If your answer is more energy, rest, focus, and creative spark, try this:
Step 1: Fill your energy cup
Choose one thing that energizes you and commit to doing it before starting your workday. Here are some ideas:
A walk outside
A workout or movement class
Reading for fun
Meditation or breathwork
A coffee run to your favourite cafe
A call with a friend
Step 2: Commit to 8 minutes of free writing
Set a timer for 8 minutes (it’s short enough to feel doable but long enough to get into the flow). Not sure what to write? Try these prompts:
What are 3 things I’m grateful for?
What’s one thing I’m calling in more of?
What’s one thing I’m ready to release?
What feels energizing today?
What does my community need to hear from me? (I love this one for content creation!)
Step 3: Make it non-negotiable
Treat these steps as sacred—no emails, to-do lists, or Instagram until they’re done.
Watch the ripple effect 🎉
Try this habit stack for the rest of December and notice how your workdays feel lighter and more efficient. Your body, mind, and creativity will thank you!
Cheering you on through the end of the year,
Samara
P.S. What’s one non-negotiable you’d like to add to your morning routine? Drop a comment below to share—I’d love to hear from you.
The best way to work together right now:
Enrolment is open for the January 2025 cohort of The Expansion Collective 🦋
This is for creative entrepreneurs ready to grow their impact and income with smart strategies, softness, and mentorship.
Limited spaces are available to keep the support intimate and personalized. DM me on Instagram or hit reply with any questions.
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This system isn’t perfect, and that’s okay! There are times—whether it's days, weeks, or even months—when my pre-work routine takes a backseat to getting a bit of extra sleep, catching up, or simply losing my stride. Remember, the key is to focus on gentle consistency instead of striving for perfection!