Slowing down isn’t the same as stopping

In my neck of the woods, it’s hot. Global-warming-heat-wave hot. 

Is it even possible to get anything done when it’s this hot? I’m just eating popsicles (or ice lollies, for some of you), sitting in front of a fan, and fully appreciating why the post-lunch siesta exists in hot, air-con-less places. Honestly, I think it should be mandatory.

I bring this up because… well, I imagine some of you are also in a similar place right now. And when things outside our control—weather, illness, life stuff—take over, it’s really easy to beat ourselves up for slowing down.

Cue the voice in our heads:
“Why am I just sitting here, staring at my computer?”

"Why didn't I get that done?"

“Why can’t I move faster?”

As solopreneurs, we’re every department. When we stop, it can feel like the whole business stops.

But rationally, I'm sure you all know that’s not true. Some days we are unstoppable and other days are full of distraction. That’s the rhythm of a real business run by a real human. (we're not robots after all).

And here's the thing: giving your brain a break so it can do deeper work isn’t “woo-woo.” It’s science.

Research shows that when your brain switches into Default Mode Network—aka shower thoughts, your commute, folding laundry—it’s doing critical behind-the-scenes processing. You’re making mental connections, gaining clarity, solving things you didn’t even know you were stuck on.

Mind-wandering isn’t lazy. It’s necessary.
It’s the adult version of telling your kids, “Only boring people get bored.”

So let yourself melt into the heat a little. Let your brain wander. And add in a splash of intention.

Here’s one way to make that work for you:

1. Make a list of your “must-dos” for July and August.

2. Cross off anything that’s not actually a must-do (I know a few sneaky nice-to-haves have snuck their way in there).

3. Give each one a deadline (if it doesn't have a hard deadline, is it really a must-do?).

4. Decide when you’ll do them. (Calendar blocking works for me—but you do you)

5. Everything else? Put in on your end-of-August list. 

Once you’ve done that?

Hopefully you’ve freed up a little mental space. 

Now take just 30ish minutes a week of that time and use it for reflection.

Starting next Tuesday, I’ll send you one short email each week for six weeks: simple prompts to help you check in on different parts of your business.

These prompts you think about anywhere:

⛱️ On the beach (or next to the kiddie pool).

🚿 In the shower.

☕️ Over a cup of coffee.

🗒️ In your notes app.

🎙️ As a voice memo to a friend.

Then?

Make a note of good ideas and reflections that future-you will be able to decipher. That's it.

Because come September, I want you to feel like you’ve taken stock of the wins, the lessons, and the pivots.

You're not scrambling to get your footing—but starting with clarity and energy; doing so in a way that doesn’t ignore the heat, the chaos, or the brain fog.

But that does recognize that rest, reflection, and even doing absolutely nothing… can be part of the work.

Let me know what you think. I learn a lot from you all (especially where you think I'm wrong).

'till next time, 

Laura