This post was updated 24th August 2024.

As an introverted, neurodivergent or highly sensitive solopreneur, it’s not uncommon to feel behind in your business (I hear it a LOT). You know, when you feel like the world is moving faster than you are.

We often need more time—to process, to make decisions, to plan, and to feel ready.

And, in a world that celebrates speed and rewards those who always seem to be ahead, it’s easy to feel like you’re perpetually behind.

But what if the pace that feels natural to you isn’t a disadvantage and, instead, a key to building a sustainable and fulfilling business that suits you?

Let’s explore how to embrace your cozy pace and what to do when you feel ‘behind.’

DO YOU PREFER TO LISTEN RATHER THAN READ? NO WORRIES! CHECK OUT THE COZY BUSINESS WITH KATHERINE PODCAST EPISODE OF THIS POST:

Are You Really Behind?

The fast-paced, achievement-driven culture we live in often convinces us that we’re falling behind. But behind who? It’s important to challenge this notion. The pressure to constantly chase someone else’s success is rooted in a scarcity mindset—a belief that if we don’t have what others have, we’re somehow failing.

Ask yourself:

“Am I actually behind? And if so, behind who?”

The reality is that each of us is on our own unique journey, with different variables and circumstances. Comparing your progress to someone else’s is like comparing apples to oranges. 

When you focus on your own path, the idea of being behind simply dissolves—you are exactly where you need to be.

Think of the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare.

The hare, with its quick, flashy approach, might seem like it’s destined to win, but the steady, persistent tortoise ultimately triumphs. In business, as in life, embracing your natural pace and focusing on your unique journey often leads to more sustainable, fulfilling results.

Want to shift some of those beliefs that are making you feel behind?! Grab my Embrace Your Pace cards in the Loot Chest now >>>

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

When those feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt creep in, it’s time to pause and ask, “What’s really going on here?” These emotions are often signals that something deeper needs your attention. Instead of distracting yourself by scrolling through social media or comparing yourself to others, take a moment to turn inward.

Reflect on these questions: 

• Are you still passionate about the work you’re doing? 
• Is there something you’ve been avoiding? 
• Are you holding back out of fear or uncertainty (or is something else going on)?

By allowing yourself to feel and explore these emotions, you can uncover the true source of your discomfort. Sometimes, this process reveals that you’re out of alignment with your values or that you’re not showing up in the way you know you’re capable of. This can be a powerful nudge to realign with your mission and take the next step forward.

Remember, your business is just one part of your bigger soul purpose. It’s not about keeping up with others or meeting arbitrary benchmarks—it’s about honouring the path you’re on. 

When you view your journey through this lens, there’s no such thing as being behind. There are only decisions to be made, adjustments to be considered, and evolution as you continue forward.

Related Post: 7 Steps To Realign Your Business With Your Passion

Shifting the Energy When You Feel Behind

Acknowledging the external pressures is the first step, but it’s equally important to listen to the internal messages your soul is sending.

Feel the emotions, let them move through you, and then find ways to shift the energy. Whether it’s through journaling, movement, or simply giving yourself permission to rest, allow yourself to clear out the stagnant energy that’s been getting in your way.

It might look like:

Clearing Your Physical Space:

Did you know that physical clutter and mess can also impact our energy, leaving us feeling unclear and messy too.

Put some music on and do a refresh of your space so you can call in the good vibes. 

Extra points if you add some fresh flowers, put some essential oils in a diffuser, or even move the furnture around if you’re really feeling in need of a change.

Simple Energy Shifts

Sometimes when we talk about energy work, it can feel like you have to do something fancy. But this can be as simple as taking a shower and allowing your physical body and your energy field to be cleansed by the water. 

When things are feeling stagnant or like you’re falling down a social media-comparison hole, it can also be helpful to get out of your current environment and get outside for some fresh air and a walk. I have done this many times over the years and I always return feeling so much better.

Tune Out The Noise

Whether it’s constantly switching from social media app to app, or certain people popping up in your inbox, this is your permission to unsubscribe or unfollow.

And a great reminder that sometimes people do this to you as well, not because there’s anything wrong with you. But because they need to protect their peace.

The same goes for you. Whether you lock yourself out from certain apps and websites for a few hours to get some uninterrupted space, or unfollow/unsubscribe from people who are impacting your mojo… do what you need to do to feel your energy return back to you and unhook from everybody else out there.

You can even visualise doing this at the same time – you’d be surprised how often we are energetically hooking ourselves in to other people without even knowing it.

Then what?

Once you’ve made space for new energy, ask yourself, 

“What can I do right now to move forward?” 

It might be as simple as reconnecting with your business’s purpose, reaching out to a past client, or brainstorming new ideas. Let your intuition guide you toward the next step that feels right for you.

I love this guided meditation about Trusting the Flow Of Your Life from Linda Youssouf (free on the Insight Timer app)

Navigating Life’s Challenges While Growing Your Business

A little while ago, I got a great question in my membership about the challenges of balancing life and business.

Whether you’re trying to get your business up and running while working full-time, taking care of kids, or juggling various roles and responsibilities, it can often feel like your business is always getting pushed to the bottom of the priorities pile.

In the video, I talk about:

• How our lived experiences, even the challenging ones, enrich our work and contribute to our growth.
• The importance of not measuring success solely by productivity.
• Why embracing your current season is crucial, even when it feels like life is getting in the way.

Check out the video below:

Getting Support When You Feel Behind In Your Business

Navigating the journey of a cozy solopreneur can feel isolating at times, but you don’t have to go it alone. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who understand and support your unique path can make all the difference. 

That’s why I created the Cozy Business Common Room—a welcoming space where you can connect with other solopreneurs who are also focusing on their own journeys, supporting one another, and letting go of the “if you’re not first, you’re last” mindset.

And here’s the best part: You can join us for FREE until the 31st of August.

This is my way of opening the doors and welcoming you in to see if this space feels like home.

All you have to do is grab any one of my offers from this page (from as little as $7!!) plus there are some amazing bonus offers for you to choose from as well, depending on the level of support you’re looking for right now.

Including access to EVERYTHING I offer for an absolute steal!

Ready to do cozy business with us? Get all the details and join us here >>>

Let’s build something meaningful together.