In this milestone follow-up to Episode 100, I’m getting personal—really personal. I open up about one of the deepest limiting beliefs I carry as a business owner, coach, and creative entrepreneur: “I can’t help others if my own business isn’t thriving.” This belief has haunted me for years, quietly shaping my decisions, fueling imposter syndrome, and keeping me stuck in comparison traps.
Through my coaching education, I’ve been learning tools like The Work by Byron Katie, which challenge those ingrained thoughts and invite you to examine what’s really true. As I applied that lens to this belief, I realized that what I’ve been equating with “thriving” isn’t actually aligned with my values.
In the broader business world—and especially in online spaces—success is so often defined by numbers: revenue, followers, reach, and scalability. But what if thriving looked different? What if it meant doing work that aligns with your values, that nourishes your spirit, that helps others in small but powerful ways?
I reflect on my own creative business journey—specifically how I chose to support needle craft business owners in an industry that isn’t traditionally high-profit. I talk about the tension between wanting to help and needing to earn, and how most of the people I work with aren’t used to investing in support like coaching or strategy. That doesn’t make the work less valuable—if anything, it makes it more vital.
I also speak candidly about the realities of working in a niche that’s more about care than cash. About what it means to do cultural and emotional labor that might be subsidized in another country—but isn’t here. About what it’s like to still feel successful, even when your bank account says otherwise. And about why I refuse to define my worth by an algorithm or income goal.
This episode is also a gentle exploration of growth outside of the spotlight. I share how I’m navigating social media (or mostly avoiding it), and why I’m considering YouTube—not as a growth hack, but as a values-aligned way to connect. Not to chase trends, but to share thoughtful content that might support someone else on their path.
Above all, this episode is a love letter to the listeners, clients, and community members who’ve helped me remember: your business can be both soft and strong. You can be growing, even when it feels slow. You can help others, even while you’re figuring things out yourself.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “far enough along” to lead, teach, support, or speak up—this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that real leadership is rooted in humility, honesty, and the courage to keep showing up.
5 Key Takeaways
1. Your business doesn’t need to be perfect to be valuable.
You can support others meaningfully even while your own path is evolving. Growth isn't a prerequisite for offering help—it’s often part of what makes that help so real.
2. Success isn’t always about money.
In many creative and care-based industries, thriving looks like alignment, purpose, and presence—not six-figure revenue. Redefining success on your own terms is powerful and necessary.
3. Limiting beliefs lose power when voiced.
The belief “I can’t help others if my business isn’t thriving” had more control when left unspoken. Naming it, questioning it, and reframing it made space for a healthier, more realistic truth.
4. Sustainable growth often looks like slowness.
Building a business that fits your life—especially with values like presence, neurodivergence-friendliness, and joy—often means growing quietly, steadily, and off the beaten path.
5. Reflection is a vital business practice.
Taking time to check your internal compass helps prevent burnout, supports decision-making, and keeps your business rooted in integrity rather than hustle.
Explore More & Connect
-
💬 Share your limiting belief with me — I’d love to hear it and, if helpful, offer a gentle tip or reflection: info@ja-wol.com
- 🐕🦺 Learn more about coaching with me — Coaching 1:1
-
🧠 Learn more about The Work by Byron Katie → thework.com
-
🪡 Join the Ja, Wol Community — For mindful business support, connection, and reflection → community.ja-wol.com
-
✍️ Bullet Journal Workshop — Organize your thoughts and business with care → ja-wol.com/pages/bullet-journal
-
🎧 Catch up on the 100th episode — A joyful, honest celebration of podcasting → patternshift.fm
-
📩 Get support in your inbox — Sign up for the Ja, Wol Journal newsletter → ja-wol.com/newsletter
