[Episode 63] When the Business Feels Like It’s Running You

Running a business you love doesn’t mean you’ll love it every day. There are seasons when it feels like you’re doing everything right, yet the spark that once lit your way starts to dim. That’s the moment to pause, not to push harder, but to realign.

Step 1: Reconnect with Your Purpose

Your business began with an idea that mattered deeply to you. But purpose can drift in the busyness of daily operations. Schedule intentional moments to step back; monthly, quarterly, and annually,  to reflect on why you started and what impact you still want to create.

Ask yourself:

• Are your current offerings aligned with your deeper mission?

• Have your clients’ needs evolved, and have you evolved with them?

• Does your day-to-day work still reflect your values?

When you lead with purpose, motivation follows naturally. 

Step 2: Prioritise Yourself

It’s easy to forget that you’re the most valuable asset in your business. Burnout rarely announces itself; it builds quietly. Rest isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic.

What restores you? It could be walking by the ocean, playing a sport, listening to your favourite music, or even meditating for ten minutes before opening your laptop. This space allows ideas to flow and clarity to return. The best business breakthroughs often come when we stop trying to force them.

Step 3: Find Your Circle

Success is never a solo act. Surround yourself with people who understand both your drive and your purpose, peers who celebrate your wins and challenge you to grow.

That’s exactly why I created the Ask Fleur Success Community: a place where business owners can share ideas, overcome challenges, and reconnect with what truly matters. When you’re part of a trusted circle, accountability and inspiration become second nature.

The Truth About Motivation

Sustainable motivation doesn’t come from pushing harder; it comes from alignment. When your work, your wellbeing, and your community move in the same direction, momentum builds effortlessly.

If your business feels like it’s running you, take that as a sign. Step out, breathe, and realign. Your next level of success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

As Simon Sinek says

“People don’t buy what you do — they buy why you do it.”

This quote and a recent presentation has inspired next week’s blog topic:

Pitch Your Purpose: how to share your mission with clarity and confidence so you attract the right clients, donors, and partners who truly believe in your vision.