Over the years, I’ve come to realize that success is a multifaceted concept, and it doesn’t always align with the popular narrative of constant growth and scaling. Rather, my journey has taught me that sometimes, slowing down is the key to speeding up in the long run.

When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I was determined to build a business that would make me more money faster. Like many others, I believed that scaling was the ultimate goal. I thought that the faster I could expand, the closer I’d be to achieving “success.” Little did I know that this perspective would eventually lead me to question the very definition of success itself…

Success inside entrepreneurship, for me, is about creating a sustainable venture that allows me to have more days off, spend less time behind a computer screen, and truly enjoy the journey. To achieve this, I had to redefine my goals and shift my mindset.

Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork

One valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is that assembling the right team is essential for success. However, finding the perfect team members can be a challenging and time-consuming process. I’ve kissed a lot of fish to find the right fit, let me tell ya. && Even when you do bring team members on board, their positions may evolve as they discover their strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Plus, as a responsible leader, it’s crucial to ask the right questions and be willing to adjust team roles to maximize efficiency and job satisfaction.

I’ve actually hired numerous virtual assistants (VAs) only to be promoted to different roles that better suited their talents and interests. This adaptability has been a key factor in the success of my business. It reminds me that success is not solely defined by scaling but by fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best so we can all be obsessed with what we do.

Passive Income & Consistent Revenue

In my journey to find sustainable success, I’ve dove head first into passive income sources and mastering streamlined funnels to ensure my clients are always supported. While these aspects of my business are still a work in progress, they are essential components of my long-term strategy. The goal is to create a business that doesn’t rely solely on my constant presence but can function effectively even when I’m not actively involved.

Slowing Down To Speed Up

This realization challenges the standard belief that scaling should always be the primary objective. But, I’ve found that sustainability is actually the more meaningful and fulfilling goal. It’s about building a business that endures, even if it means growing at a slower pace.

Slowing down doesn’t imply stagnation; it signifies a deliberate focus on quality over quantity. It’s about honing your skills, refining your offerings, and making each interaction memorable. I’ve learned that taking the time to understand your clients and providing them with exceptional value leads to long-lasting relationships and organic growth. If you treat your clients like queens from the first impression until after the contract has been paid and beyond, you’ll never have to find new clients to experience business growth. 

One To One Versus One To Many

One of the most important revelations on my path to redefining success was my rediscovery of the joy of working one-on-one with clients. I had initially shifted away from this because I felt like I “should.” However, I can’t ignore the fact that I genuinely love working closely with individuals and helping them achieve their goals.

I also realized that accessibility matters, too. I’ve seen potential clients who preferred one-on-one interactions, but couldn’t afford the high prices associated with such services. This awareness led me to create a business model that allowed me to offer one-on-one coaching at more accessible rates and in new formats. This aligned with my values and ensured that I could serve a broader audience.

Enjoy The Journey

There’s a powerful shift that occurs when you prioritize the journey over the destination. You realize that the timing of your achievements becomes less relevant, and the ability to be fully present in your day-to-day activities takes precedence. This shift towards mindfulness and sustainability has brought me more satisfaction and fulfillment than the relentless pursuit of scaling ever could.

I’ve come to believe that scaling isn’t the only path to success. In fact, it’s probably not the right path for everyone. Success should be defined on your terms, taking into account your unique values and desires. As I look back at my journey, I’ve recognized that the destination I was racing toward was, in many ways, already here — all along.

Hindsight is always 20/20 but I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of slowing down to speed up. My definition of success no longer revolves solely around financial gains or rapid expansion. Rather, it centers on living a life filled with purpose, working with a team I adore & can’t wait to pour into, and serving clients who truly resonate with my offerings & that I can’t get enough of.

My friend, I encourage you to embark on your own journey of reimagining success. Take a moment to assess your beliefs and examine whether they align with your true desires. But most of all, I invite you to enjoy the journey. Every damn step of it.

&& Consider joining me on this journey by securing your spot on the Mastermind waitlist. It’s designed for seasoned entrepreneurs looking to refine their business infrastructure, streamline operations, and create lasting customer experiences, this mastermind combines individualized mentorship with a supportive community.

I can’t say I have any tangible tips & tricks for you today, but what I can say is what truly sets me apart as a business coach is my willingness to go first and embrace the unknown. I’ve ventured into uncharted territories, tried innovative approaches, and learned from both successes and failures. My journey is a testament to the power of continuous growth and the value of embracing a slower, more mindful path to success and I’m damn proud of where I’m at today.

XO,
Ash