This really speaks to me, Andi, especially the part about honoring your energy cycles. I’ve also been leaning into seasonal rhythms in my work, and last year was a conscious choice to live “slow” in business so I could recalibrate from the inside out.
Knowing you’re a 6/2 Generator makes this even more interesting - I imagine your energy needs deep integration time before stepping into visibility with full conviction.
I’m curious, has this redesign changed how you relate to your role as a creator or guide? Do you see your purpose evolving alongside the structure?
Oh, this question. Yes. The redesign has completely shifted how I relate to my work, not just the structure, but the *purpose* behind it.
I used to think my role was to be constantly visible, always "on," always providing. But what I'm learning is that my real value comes from those integration periods you mentioned. The deep work. The clarity that only comes when I step back.
So yes, my purpose is evolving. Less about being everywhere, more about being *present* when I show up.
Would genuinely love to hear more about your seasonal rhythms if you ever feel like sharing!
Ah, this is a topic I love too! I’d really enjoy writing something on seasonal rhythms and integration periods in the future. Thank you for the nudge 😁
I love this! It seems that Substack, like any other social media platform, is about visibility and always being 'on', and that honestly tires me out. My creativity simply doesn't flourish. It's nice to actually read that you're working around your energy. Your articles are so much relatable than the 100s of how-to-substack posts out there.
My growth is fairly slow, and I don't mind most times. Instead of offering more content for a paid subscription, I offer a creative 1:1 chat to brainstorm ideas, write together, etc. I also work as a product designer in tech who facilitates creative workshops all the time, and so I'm trying to combine those skills as an offering. At this stage in life, I don't think I can keep up with more content for paid subscriptions.
It’s really all about finding what actually works in your life, not what it looks like from the outside. It took me two years to find my own rhythm with Substack, and now it finally feels aligned and joyful. Before that, I was focused on other things and only posted from time to time, just following my intuition, without any expectations. Turns out, everything really unfolds in its own time :)
A friend of mine started doing this after reading Dr Mindy Pelz's book Fast Like a Girl. My friend learned how to work with the hormone cycles that influence her energy, creativity, and productivity. She told me it was life-changing! Wish I had known those things when I still had a cycle!
I'll be starting myn own experiment on my Substack soon, don't want to go into the nitty gritty yet but it's very much aligned to the soul of this post. 💗
Love this, Andi! I have come to a similar conclusion this summer. If my online business only works when I am "out there", this is not for me. So, I am making slow, but steady amends, tailoring the things I do to my personality. I am far from done, but it feels so much more aligned and doesn't drain me anymore.
It sounds like you're on such a good path. I'm really curious to see where this takes you as you keep tailoring things to your rhythm. Rooting for you! 💛
Thank you, dear! It is challenging for me, though, as this path is much slower than my usual pace. Have to train myself in patience. ;-) But it helps me see opportunities I would have normally overlooked. Very interesting journey. :-)
I've realized that I do need to work around my energy and therefore have slow mornings and work for a few hours to early afternoon. My next experiment is trying out theme days because I do really well with deep work on 1 thing vs multiple things.
Andi. The “sustainable doesn't mean constant” thing really hit me. I spent nine years forcing entrepreneur frameworks that required constant visibility. This last month I finally let myself build around one-on-one witnessing that resists scaling. Different path but same realization. Appreciate you documenting your energy-aware experiment and sharing it.
That moment when you finally stop forcing “constant” and start honoring your own rhythm, it changes everything. Thank you for reflecting that back to me!
When I first started this substack I wrote every week on any topic that brought me joy. It was about giving myself permission to write and publish. Now I am moving to writing bi-weekly on the intersection of AI, leadership and emotional intelligence that requires reading and research and I love it
I really resonate with what you’ve shared, Andi. The constant pressure to be visible and always reaching out is not something I naturally enjoy. I deeply value freedom and time, and I realized that mindlessly running on a treadmill at work was something I needed to confront. That’s why I focused on SEO during the early years of my career. For a while, it provided a steady source of passive income, and it remained stable for a few years until Google changed its algorithm. Now, I find myself reflecting on how I need to recalibrate my routine and manage my energy, much like you do. It feels meaningful to share these thoughts with someone who understands. I wish you continued success with your business.
This was great to read. It’s a balance I’m trying to find as well in my coaching business. You’ve given me some great ideas. I love the thought of not doing it like everyone else. I tried IG for a couple months and it just felt off. I’ve pulled back and now focus more on LI and Substack. Also I do direct email marketing. I’m only in month 5 of kicking off my business so everything feels like a pilot, but this shift already feels more like a fit for me.
We do not need to torture ourselves to the extrovert protocols. Absolutely design around our energy and creativity. Then we show up in person, we are so much better.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and this is the direction that I would like to take my business as well. I think we are gonna find more and more people who will subscribe to this type of business model overtime. Hustle culture lead to so much burnout. If you’re going to build a business, you might as well build one that benefits you.
I'm following the same path, Andi. I love coaching but as an introvert (INFJ) live calls are exhausting - not to mention, not scalable. I loved your writing around async coaching and am currently restructuring my business to offer the same. And I'll be offering digital products also. It excites me to know I can create a work structure and rhythm that truly suits me.
This really speaks to me, Andi, especially the part about honoring your energy cycles. I’ve also been leaning into seasonal rhythms in my work, and last year was a conscious choice to live “slow” in business so I could recalibrate from the inside out.
Knowing you’re a 6/2 Generator makes this even more interesting - I imagine your energy needs deep integration time before stepping into visibility with full conviction.
I’m curious, has this redesign changed how you relate to your role as a creator or guide? Do you see your purpose evolving alongside the structure?
Would love to keep following your experiment 💜
Oh, this question. Yes. The redesign has completely shifted how I relate to my work, not just the structure, but the *purpose* behind it.
I used to think my role was to be constantly visible, always "on," always providing. But what I'm learning is that my real value comes from those integration periods you mentioned. The deep work. The clarity that only comes when I step back.
So yes, my purpose is evolving. Less about being everywhere, more about being *present* when I show up.
Would genuinely love to hear more about your seasonal rhythms if you ever feel like sharing!
Ah, this is a topic I love too! I’d really enjoy writing something on seasonal rhythms and integration periods in the future. Thank you for the nudge 😁
I love this! It seems that Substack, like any other social media platform, is about visibility and always being 'on', and that honestly tires me out. My creativity simply doesn't flourish. It's nice to actually read that you're working around your energy. Your articles are so much relatable than the 100s of how-to-substack posts out there.
My growth is fairly slow, and I don't mind most times. Instead of offering more content for a paid subscription, I offer a creative 1:1 chat to brainstorm ideas, write together, etc. I also work as a product designer in tech who facilitates creative workshops all the time, and so I'm trying to combine those skills as an offering. At this stage in life, I don't think I can keep up with more content for paid subscriptions.
It’s really all about finding what actually works in your life, not what it looks like from the outside. It took me two years to find my own rhythm with Substack, and now it finally feels aligned and joyful. Before that, I was focused on other things and only posted from time to time, just following my intuition, without any expectations. Turns out, everything really unfolds in its own time :)
Everything does unfold in its own time! Holding on to that sentiment :)
Same. I started working around my cycle actually and now I write about it. It might not be the best hustle, but it feels better.
I love that. As women, noticing those patterns and actually working with them instead of fighting them makes such a difference.
A friend of mine started doing this after reading Dr Mindy Pelz's book Fast Like a Girl. My friend learned how to work with the hormone cycles that influence her energy, creativity, and productivity. She told me it was life-changing! Wish I had known those things when I still had a cycle!
It really is like unlocking a secret code
So true!
I'll be starting myn own experiment on my Substack soon, don't want to go into the nitty gritty yet but it's very much aligned to the soul of this post. 💗
I'm rooting for you, it sounds exciting!!
Thank you 🙏🏾 Also scary as hell.
Love this, Andi! I have come to a similar conclusion this summer. If my online business only works when I am "out there", this is not for me. So, I am making slow, but steady amends, tailoring the things I do to my personality. I am far from done, but it feels so much more aligned and doesn't drain me anymore.
It sounds like you're on such a good path. I'm really curious to see where this takes you as you keep tailoring things to your rhythm. Rooting for you! 💛
Thank you, dear! It is challenging for me, though, as this path is much slower than my usual pace. Have to train myself in patience. ;-) But it helps me see opportunities I would have normally overlooked. Very interesting journey. :-)
Love your blog!
Just give it a year :) It’ll be so worth it.
I'm starting a new business from scratch so I get to design it my way. It feels so great!
I've realized that I do need to work around my energy and therefore have slow mornings and work for a few hours to early afternoon. My next experiment is trying out theme days because I do really well with deep work on 1 thing vs multiple things.
Andi. The “sustainable doesn't mean constant” thing really hit me. I spent nine years forcing entrepreneur frameworks that required constant visibility. This last month I finally let myself build around one-on-one witnessing that resists scaling. Different path but same realization. Appreciate you documenting your energy-aware experiment and sharing it.
That moment when you finally stop forcing “constant” and start honoring your own rhythm, it changes everything. Thank you for reflecting that back to me!
When I first started this substack I wrote every week on any topic that brought me joy. It was about giving myself permission to write and publish. Now I am moving to writing bi-weekly on the intersection of AI, leadership and emotional intelligence that requires reading and research and I love it
I think that’s the best way: start messy, experiment, and then become more strategic later on. Thanks for being here!
curious to hear about how it's gonna be in some months, sounds like a dream haha
Haha, yeah, I’m curious too! Let’s see where this introvert era takes me 😄
I love this so much! 🩷
I really resonate with what you’ve shared, Andi. The constant pressure to be visible and always reaching out is not something I naturally enjoy. I deeply value freedom and time, and I realized that mindlessly running on a treadmill at work was something I needed to confront. That’s why I focused on SEO during the early years of my career. For a while, it provided a steady source of passive income, and it remained stable for a few years until Google changed its algorithm. Now, I find myself reflecting on how I need to recalibrate my routine and manage my energy, much like you do. It feels meaningful to share these thoughts with someone who understands. I wish you continued success with your business.
This was great to read. It’s a balance I’m trying to find as well in my coaching business. You’ve given me some great ideas. I love the thought of not doing it like everyone else. I tried IG for a couple months and it just felt off. I’ve pulled back and now focus more on LI and Substack. Also I do direct email marketing. I’m only in month 5 of kicking off my business so everything feels like a pilot, but this shift already feels more like a fit for me.
We do not need to torture ourselves to the extrovert protocols. Absolutely design around our energy and creativity. Then we show up in person, we are so much better.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and this is the direction that I would like to take my business as well. I think we are gonna find more and more people who will subscribe to this type of business model overtime. Hustle culture lead to so much burnout. If you’re going to build a business, you might as well build one that benefits you.
I'm following the same path, Andi. I love coaching but as an introvert (INFJ) live calls are exhausting - not to mention, not scalable. I loved your writing around async coaching and am currently restructuring my business to offer the same. And I'll be offering digital products also. It excites me to know I can create a work structure and rhythm that truly suits me.
You do you, as they say.