Sundays have a special charm, a slower pace that lets you reflect on the past week and plan ahead. On my Sundays, I often find myself wandering through the woods with my two loyal companions—Tracker, my black Lab, and Jade, my chocolate Lab.
Sundays aren’t just for unwinding but also for learning. There’s so much nature teaches us that applies to life and business, if we pay attention
The Power of Patience
In our fast-paced world, everything seems urgent, but the forest has its own rhythm. Walking through acres of trees on my land, I’m reminded of how growth in nature takes time. The pine trees, hardwoods, and even the underbrush grow steadily, year by year. No rush, just steady progress.
Compare that to business: So often, we’re in a rush to achieve success, to close the next deal, or hit the next milestone. But sustainable growth, both in business and personally, takes time. Whether you’re building a company from the ground up or turning around a struggling business, it’s important to realize that there’s value in the slow, steady climb.
Lessons learned: Patience is underrated. Just like the trees, your business can grow strong roots if you give it time.
Adapting to the Unexpected
Every Sunday, Tracker and Jade lead me through different paths in the woods, ones they’ve probably mapped out in their doggy brains. But no matter how many times we’ve walked the land, there’s always something new—fallen branches after a storm, unexpected critters scurrying away, or seasonal changes altering the landscape.
Business is no different. I’ve had my fair share of curveballs, from running an electrical company during the pandemic to navigating union negotiations. In those moments, like in nature, the key is adaptability. The weather changes, markets shift, and customer preferences evolve. The businesses that thrive are the ones that pivot when needed, just like Tracker instinctively dodging fallen logs.
Real-life example: How my electrical business adapted to supply shortages. Even though we ultimately closed, that period taught me lessons that I now share with others as a coach.
Lessons learned: Be like the trees that bend but don’t break when the wind blows. Adapt, or get left behind.
The Importance of Rest and Reflection
Sundays are often my time to pause and reflect, not just on business but on life. Walking through the woods is like a reset button for me. The quiet, the fresh air, and the sense of solitude are incredibly refreshing.
In business, rest is just as essential as hustle. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and burnout is real. If you’re always in “go” mode, you risk losing the bigger picture. That’s why I take time to recharge, whether it’s wandering through my land, reading, or simply hanging out with my dogs. It allows me to return to work with a clearer mind and a sharper focus.
Real-life example: Burnout almost derailed my career and how stepping back gave me a new perspective.
Lessons learned: Rest isn’t optional; it’s necessary for long-term success.
The Role of Community
Though Sundays in the woods are often solitary, the sense of community I’ve built around me extends beyond the physical. Whether it’s interacting with my neighbors who share their farming tips, or connecting with clients online, we all thrive better when we have others to lean on.
In business, community can mean your employees, your network, or your customers. I’ve seen firsthand the power of creating a supportive environment, whether in a corporate setting or as a business coach. Building community isn’t just about increasing sales or networking—it’s about genuinely connecting with others, offering value, and asking for help when you need it.
Real-life example: Building relationships through my blog and LinkedIn has expanded my reach and influenced my business.
Lessons learned: Success in isolation is rare. Build a network and nurture it.
Conclusion
Sundays are sacred to me, not just for rest but for the lessons they bring. Walking through my acres of land, playing with Tracker and Jade, or reflecting on the week’s challenges—all of it ties back to the fundamentals of life and business.
As I prepare for the week ahead, I’m reminded of the lessons I’ve learned from nature: patience, adaptability, rest, and community. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey, turning around a struggling business, or finding ways to grow, there’s value in slowing down and listening to what the world around you has to offer.
So, what will you learn from your Sunday?
