insights

The Three Non-Businessy Things That Have Helped My Business

This post is a little more personal than usual — more about me and my own growth, rather than the business itself.

A while ago, I shared a blog about how having a business can feel like a self-development quest. This sits along the same theme.

Last week I talked about the three biggest mistakes I’ve made in my business and what they’ve taught me. This week, I want to share something a little different — the three non-businessy things that have helped me most in my business.

1. Understanding Myself

Over the past eight years — which is also how long I’ve been in business — I’ve been on quite a journey of self-discovery.

Some of what I’ve learnt I already had an inkling of before starting my business; other parts have revealed themselves along the way. Having my own business really shone a light on who I am, how I work, and what I need.

I’ve discovered that I’m a highly sensitive person, and more recently, that I’m neurodivergent — and understanding what that means for me has been transformative.

I’ve also explored different tools and frameworks that help me understand myself more deeply — things like Human Design and astrology. They’re not “business tools” in any traditional sense, but they help me notice things about myself.

And when your business is small and heart-led — as mine is — you are your business. So understanding yourself becomes one of the most important business skills there is.

I’ve also found it incredibly powerful to look at patterns of behaviour — the ways I show up in the world. One book that really helped me with that is The Radical Awakening by Dr. Shefali Tsabary. It encouraged me to notice my patterns, reflect on how I behave, and see how those patterns affect my choices and relationships.
So, that’s the first thing: understanding myself — the structure, the patterns, the essence of who I am.


2. Accepting Myself

The next step after understanding myself has been accepting myself — fully and completely.

It’s one thing to know who you are; it’s another to allow yourself to be that person without constantly trying to fit in or keep up.

For me, this means leaning into my strengths and finding support where I need it, rather than seeing those needs as weaknesses. It means acknowledging my challenges without shame, and seeking help when it’s needed — whether that’s through systems, people, or rest.

It also means trusting myself — trusting that the decisions I make are okay, that I’m okay.

When I accept myself for who I am, I make better decisions. Things flow more smoothly because I’m no longer fighting against myself. I’m simply being me — in life and in business.


3. Loving Myself

This one feels the most vulnerable to say out loud: loving myself.

Loving myself means treating myself as a priority — not in a selfish way, but in a way that honours my worth and recognises my needs. It’s about the actions I take that show love and care for myself.

That includes how I treat my body and mind, and how I spend my time. It means looking honestly at my relationships and commitments — asking whether they truly support my well-being or whether they drain it.

Books that have supported me in this journey include Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff and Radical Self-Acceptance by Tara Brach. Both have helped me soften my inner dialogue and approach myself with more kindness.

Loving myself also looks like daily walks, time in nature, and regular energy work — all those “stereotypical” self-care things, but done from a place of genuine love rather than obligation.

Not because I should, but because I want to. That simple shift — from “should” to “want” — changes everything.


Taking Time for Me

With that in mind, and in the spirit of loving myself, I’m taking a little break. There’ll be no new blog or video from me for the next two weeks.

I’m giving myself extra space this autumn half-term — normally I’d only take one week off, but this time I’m taking two. I have a big training coming up, and I want to give myself the best possible chance to create it from a grounded, calm, and cared-for place.

So that’s all from me for now.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that the best thing you can do for your business might not be business-related at all. Sometimes the most powerful work happens quietly — in understanding yourself, accepting yourself, and loving yourself, just as you are.


A Gentle Reflection

If you also run a business or work in a caring profession, perhaps take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

• How well do I truly know myself — my needs, patterns, and preferences?
• Where could I offer myself more acceptance or compassion?
• And what might it look like to show myself love through my actions this week?

You might be surprised by how much clarity and ease can flow into your work when you start by caring for you.

Thanks for being here, Julia x