Finding the Balance in Business

When to Push, Plan, or Play

Building the Happy Startup School has taught me that running a purpose-driven business is all about balance. It's not just about hard work (despite what I was brought up to believe), nor is it about having the perfect plan. And it's certainly not about endlessly searching for purpose without moving forward. Instead, it's about knowing when to push, when to step back and plan, and when to let play lead the way.

This balance wasn't obvious at first—I learned it the hard way. In the beginning, I was too focused on pushing and planning without knowing exactly where I was going. I only saw myself as a supporting piece of the puzzle and lacked real clarity about the bigger picture we were building. Over time, that clarity emerged as the business evolved, and I transitioned into roles as a coach, mentor, and facilitator, realising that my own journey of self-discovery was as important as guiding others. And that journey requires a mix of persistence, thoughtful planning, and trust in the creative process.

There were times when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I was on the right path. I learned that true balance comes from being adaptable—knowing when to lean into hard work, when to take a step back, and when to let go entirely to make space for new ideas to emerge. This adaptability has allowed me to grow, both personally and professionally. And it's not just about being adaptable in how you work; it's also about adapting your mindset, being open to change, and allowing yourself to learn from every experience.

1. Brute Force: When You Just Need to Keep Going

While I love elegant solutions, sometimes business is about brute force. When we started, we had to hustle—knocking on doors, sending emails, making calls, and facing rejections. I hoped that a perfect plan would mean people would come to us, but spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

The key to brute force is resilience. It’s not about endlessly banging your head against a wall but knowing when to keep pushing. You build muscle by persisting with purpose, breaking through the noise until your message is heard. You also learn to celebrate small wins along the way—the moments when persistence pays off, even if only in incremental progress. These small wins fuel the drive to keep going, especially during challenging times.

Brute force is not a glamorous approach, but it is effective when you need to make things happen. It's about getting your hands dirty, showing up every day, and taking action even when it feels uncomfortable. This phase taught me that sometimes you just have to keep going, even when it seems like nothing is working. It's often during these times that breakthroughs happen—when you've exhausted all the options and finally stumble upon the right one. Brute force is about testing your limits and discovering just how much you are capable of achieving.

2. Design: Structuring Your Efforts to Avoid Burnout

Brute force alone isn't sustainable—I learned that, too. One year, we overextended ourselves by running three international retreats, one festival, online programmes, and launching local hubs all at once. It was exhilarating until it wasn't. It started impacting our energy, well-being, and family lives.

We needed structure—a way to focus our energy and say “no” to opportunities that didn't align with our core goals. The structure came from defining our needs, limits, and boundaries. By stepping back and being more intentional about these things, we were able to do less while still achieving meaningful progress. This is when we launched the Vision 20/20 group coaching programme, which has now thrived for five years. Thoughtful design allows us to work sustainably and effectively, without scattering our energy too thin.

Designing a business that works for you is about understanding your limitations and setting boundaries. It requires careful planning and a willingness to prioritise what truly matters. I learned to create systems that support my work, whether it's scheduling regular breaks, delegating tasks, or being deliberate about how I spend my time. Design is about creating a foundation that allows you to work smarter, not harder, and to avoid the burnout that comes from trying to do everything at once.

It's also about recognising that things change, and your design needs to evolve with you. What worked for us five years ago doesn't necessarily work today, and that's okay. Being intentional with design means regularly reassessing what you're doing, making adjustments, and staying agile in the face of new challenges. By embracing this approach, we've been able to build a business that not only thrives but also supports our personal well-being and happiness.

3. The Artistic Journey: Trusting the Creative Process

This is where the real magic happens. Building a purposeful business is more than making money—it’s about creating something that brings you joy and aligns with your true self. But here’s the thing: you don’t always know what that is from the start. And that’s okay.

I wasn’t fully clear on what gave me purpose when I began. But as the business evolved, so did my understanding of success. The artistic journey requires trust—trust in yourself, your instincts, and the process, even when the road is unclear. It’s not about having all the answers but about letting the business (and yourself) grow authentically.

Creativity can't be forced—it requires space and the right conditions to flourish. I found that stepping back, taking breaks, and allowing myself to explore ideas without pressure led to some of my most inspired work. The artistic journey is about being playful, experimenting, and letting go of the fear of failure. It's about understanding that not every idea will work out, but each attempt brings you closer to something that does.

The creative process is also deeply personal. It's about infusing your work with your unique perspective and allowing that to shine through. When I let go of trying to fit into a preconceived mould and instead embraced what felt true to me, the business took on a new life. The artistic journey is ongoing—it evolves as you do, and it requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to let things unfold in their own time. Trusting the creative process means allowing your business to become a true reflection of who you are and what you value.

The Blend: Knowing When to Push, Plan, or Play

At the end of the day, building a business requires a blend of brute force, thoughtful design, and creative flow. It’s about knowing when to push through obstacles, when to step back and plan, and when to embrace the unknown and let the journey unfold.

The key is knowing which approach to use and when. In my experience, it's this combination that leads not only to financial success but also to fulfilment and joy. Stay connected to what excites you, create a plan that amplifies your impact, and build the resilience to keep going when things get tough. Most importantly, allow yourself the freedom to evolve, both as a business and as a person.

The real art is knowing how to balance these different elements. It's about being strategic without losing your sense of wonder, being persistent without burning out, and being open to new possibilities without getting lost. Each phase has its own purpose, and by blending them, you create something that is not only successful but also meaningful.

Remember, there is no single right way to build a business. It's a deeply personal journey, one that requires courage, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. By finding your own balance between pushing, planning, and playing, you create a business that not only meets your financial goals but also brings you a sense of purpose and joy. And in the end, isn't that what it's all about?