I try to follow mine as much as possible. If something sparks interest and captures my attention, I'm starting to allow myself space to explore it, even if it’s not part of 'the plan'.
Sometimes this means a five minute web search, sometimes it’s reading a new book, sometimes it’s investing in a new training course or workshop.
Being self employed, I notice myself creating rules around what’s 'on topic' and what’s not when it comes to my work. To some extent this keeps me on track, but it could also be keeping the doors closed on some really well-aligned opportunities.
There Are No Rules:
I have an ongoing dialogue with myself that’s it’s okay if my work covers more than one thing (even if this makes it slightly more complicated to explain). The days of a one-word job description are fading fast, with terms like 'multi-passionate' becoming more mainstream.
Having multiple strands of interest running at the same time is also part of my personal Human Design type - I'm a Manifesting Generator which means I work best when responding to signals and stimulus around me rather than starting with a blank sheet of paper and a set plan. Accepting this opens up huge freedom and permission to work in the way that suits me best, without judgement.
Currently I:
✨ Coach and support entrepreneurs to feel deeply comfortable with themselves and their offerings, so that they can reflect this confidence and authenticity in their business marketing.
AND
✨ Create social media content, blogs and email newsletters for self-employed entrepreneurs and their brands.
AND
✨ Host retreats and workshops with wellness coaching, journaling and yin yoga. (Often these are for freelancers, entrepreneurs and business owners, but not always.)
I ALSO
✨ Write a wellness blog and write features for lifestyle and wellbeing magazines. A lot of my content is themed around self-acceptance and freeing ourselves from unhelpful judgements.
Variety is the Spice of Life?
Variation in my work keeps me moving and motivated, rather than getting stuck on one thing, which could easily happen if I lose confidence or get in a slump.
For example, at the beginning of this year my workshops and retreats weren’t feeling good to me, so I paused them and focused on my content creation work, because that was flowing much more effortlessly. I'm so glad I did, because it gave me such a boost, emotionally and financially.
Having done that, I had a chance to explore more deeply what kind of retreats and workshops I want to run, and am excited to come back with an evolved version which feels better than what I was doing before. Sometimes taking a break is the best thing you can do for your business, but this is usually only possible if you have multiple income streams to work with.
Finding Community:
One of my favourite things about Cornwall is how many people are doing several different things. I don’t know that many people with just one job! Multiple work interests seem quite normalised here and that's something I love about the clients I work with.
If you're looking for self-employed connections here in Cornwall, I love the meetups at Sunshine Cafe & Yoga run by Ella and Naomi. These are quite big now and attract a large number of mainly creative and wellbeing type businesses (although these are for women only).
Last month, I also ran a free 'Coffee, Walk & Talk' meetup, which was a wonderful chance to meet other entrepreneurs (all welcome) on a smaller scale and get some fresh air at the same time. We'll do another one soon, and details will be emailed out and posted on my socials.
Gathering with other inspiring business owners can often spark curiosity, whether that be through ideas or connections. External input is sometimes just what we need to stay inspired.
Looking Back At Your Path So Far:
When faced with the possibility of following your curiosity down an unexpected path, I encourage all entrepreneurs to reflect back and see where their favourite 'successes' have come from in the past... often they will have emerged from a diversion rather than a planned route!
Take a minute to note down how your business or brand has developed and expanded in the best ways. Did it seem like a natural progression at the time, was it a planned and regimented unfolding? Maybe it was, but maybe not. Looking back can be a way of loosening the reins going forward.
(P.S. I love hearing people's business expansion stories about how one idea grew into another, so if you've got a good tale to tell, send me a message! )
Otherwise, I challenge you to follow just one thing that sparked your curiosity this week - especially if it doesn't fit with 'the plan'. You never know where it might take you...
Enjoy the exploration!
