Sundays hold a unique place in my week. Unlike the hustle and deadlines that characterize weekdays, Sundays are my chance to slow down, reflect, and recharge. And there’s no better place for that than the 52 acres of woods I call home. Joined by Tracker, my black Labrador, and Jade, my chocolate Labrador, I wander among pine and hardwood trees, feeling the weight of the week lift with each step. These walks aren’t just about relaxation; they’re a masterclass in patience, adaptability, and growth.
What I’ve learned in those woods often mirrors what I coach my clients to apply in their businesses. Nature, after all, is an unsung teacher with lessons on resilience and success. So, let me share with you how my Sunday walks have become a surprising source of business wisdom.
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Lesson 1: The Power of Patience
In the woods, time seems to slow down. The trees, some still growing from when the land was logged eight to ten years ago, stand as testaments to the slow but steady passage of time. Each towering pine and sturdy oak was once a sapling that faced wind, rain, and the test of seasons. Growth in nature is deliberate, a reminder that good things take time.
This is a lesson business owners, especially entrepreneurs, need to embrace. In today’s world, where overnight success stories are splashed across headlines and social media, patience can feel outdated. But I’ve found that the strongest, most sustainable growth—whether it’s in personal development or business—mirrors the way trees grow: with strong roots and a slow build.
When I ran my electrical company during the tumultuous COVID-19 years, patience was essential. Supply shortages stretched out timelines, and with my husband hospitalized at one point, our business struggled not only operationally but emotionally. There were times I wanted immediate solutions to keep everything afloat. But just like nature teaches, enduring tough seasons builds a kind of resilience you can’t learn any other way.
Although that company eventually closed, the lessons stayed with me. I now coach my clients to value sustainable, consistent growth over quick wins. Just like in the woods, where you won’t see the change from one day to the next but will over the years, the best business strategies often require patience.
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Lesson 2: Adaptability Is Key
Every time I walk with Tracker and Jade, I’m struck by how different the woods can be from week to week. One Sunday, a recent storm left branches scattered across the path; the next, a sudden burst of wildflowers added unexpected color to the landscape. The woods don’t resist change; they adapt to it.
Adaptability is equally important in business. From construction projects to consulting, I’ve faced plenty of unexpected challenges. One of my most vivid memories comes from a tense union negotiation, where emotions ran so high that I received death threats while trying to reach a solution. Adaptability was not just a skill; it was a necessity to manage the situation and guide it toward resolution.
In my consulting work, I often remind clients that change is inevitable, whether due to market shifts, technological advances, or unforeseen disruptions like a global pandemic. It’s not enough to have a Plan A; successful businesses have Plans B, C, and D ready to go. Just as the forest shifts and adapts, so too must your business.
Take, for example, the time we waited a year for generators that were delayed by supply chain issues. We couldn’t simply wait and hope for the best. We had to pivot, communicate transparently with clients, and find temporary solutions to keep the business operational. Adaptability was the difference between complete shutdown and maintaining some level of service.
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Lesson 3: Rest and Reflection Fuel Growth
When I step into the woods, one of the first things I notice is the quiet. It’s a stark contrast to the noise of daily life, filled with emails, calls, and the continuous churn of tasks. Sundays are my time to pause and reset. Walking with Tracker and Jade is not just exercise; it’s an act of mindfulness. In these moments of stillness, I find clarity that is hard to achieve amid a busy week.
In business, rest and reflection are not just nice to have—they’re essential. Burnout doesn’t just impact individuals; it can cripple entire companies. I remember a period when I was so focused on pushing forward that I neglected to rest. The result? A near derailment of my career and a complete lack of motivation. It was only when I stepped back, evaluated my path, and took the time to rest that I was able to regain focus and direction.
Rest isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about creating space for new ideas, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. The woods remind me that even in stillness, growth is happening. The soil regenerates, the trees grow imperceptibly, and wildlife takes its moments of calm. In business, I coach my clients to schedule regular periods of rest and strategic reflection, emphasizing that it’s a powerful productivity tool, not a luxury.
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Lesson 4: The Strength of Community
While my Sunday walks are typically solitary, the sense of community I feel doesn’t end at the edge of my property. Nature, with its ecosystem of trees, animals, and plants, thrives on interdependence. The trees provide shade for smaller plants; animals help spread seeds. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that growth and success are not achieved in isolation.
I’ve seen the importance of community play out in business countless times. When my electrical company faced difficulties, it was the support of employees, clients, and even other business owners that kept us going for as long as we did. Community doesn’t just mean your immediate team; it extends to your network, mentors, and the partnerships you build.
Now, as a coach and consultant, I see the value of community reflected in my blog followers and LinkedIn connections. Building authentic relationships has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It’s not just about what I can offer, but also what I learn from those around me. Sharing insights, offering help, and receiving feedback create a cycle of growth that benefits everyone involved.
In the business world, fostering a sense of community within your team or client base can be a game-changer. When people feel connected, they’re more engaged, more supportive, and more invested in mutual success. Just like the woods, where each part of the ecosystem plays a role in sustaining the whole, your business will thrive when you build a network that supports growth.
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Conclusion: Lessons to Carry Into the Week
As I wrap up another Sunday walk with Tracker and Jade, I’m reminded that the woods are more than just a peaceful escape—they’re a guide for how to approach life and business. The lessons are simple but profound: patience is powerful, adaptability is key, rest fuels progress, and community strengthens us all.
These lessons have guided me through my roles as an entrepreneur, consultant, and coach. Whether you’re leading a team, running your own business, or simply trying to find balance, consider taking a page from nature’s playbook. The next time you’re faced with a business challenge, ask yourself: What would the forest do?
So, as you prepare for the week ahead, take a moment to pause and reflect. Think about how you can integrate these lessons into your work and life. Trust that growth takes time, embrace change, prioritize rest, and lean into your community. Nature has already shown us the way—it’s up to us to follow.
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