Building a Sustainable Low-Energy Business
As a business owner with low or fluctuating energy levels, the idea of running a thriving, high-performing enterprise can feel like an impossible dream. The pressure to constantly be "on," to push through fatigue, and to maintain a relentless pace can quickly lead to burnout.
But what if I told you there's another way? A path that allows you to build a business that not only aligns with your energy needs, but actually thrives because of them?
Let’s explore practical strategies and mindset shifts that help you to create a business that works for you, even on your lowest energy days.
Embracing Your Creative Constraints
As someone who lives with lower or fluctuating energy levels, whether due to chronic illness, mental health challenges, or neurodivergence, you have a unique set of "creative constraints" that shape your business. Rather than seeing these as limitations, it's time to reframe them as the very foundation upon which you'll build your thriving, low-energy enterprise.
Mapping Your Energy Levels
The first step is to get really honest and granular about your energy levels. Take the time to document your energy highs and lows, noting patterns, triggers, and the activities that tend to drain you the most.
Consider creating an "energy scale" for yourself, similar to the Spoon Theory. This can help you visually track your capacity on any given day and match your tasks accordingly. On high-energy days, you may have the bandwidth for deep work and complex projects. But on low-energy days, simple admin tasks or creative exploration may be all you can manage.
Aligning Your Business to Your Needs
Armed with a clear understanding of your energy landscape, it's time to start building a business that works in harmony with it. This may mean:
Reducing or even eliminating deadlines, which can create unnecessary pressure and stress. I’m a big believer in making even larger projects like hosting a summit or bundle feel easeful - and my #1 tip to do that is reducing the deadline demand on myself as the host and on my collaborators!
Streamlining your offerings and marketing to focus on the essentials, rather than trying to do all the things. Hosting a few standout collaborative events can replace all that time you’re spending on content creation and social media - plus the visibility and list growth opportunities are way bigger for less effort overall!
Embracing more flexibility in your schedule, with ample white space to rest, recharge, and explore. This is baked in if you build events into your marketing ecosystem! You only have to be “on” for a few weeks a year, and the rest of the time you can tinker away behind the scenes at your own pace.
Automating or outsourcing tasks that drain your energy, so you can focus on your zone of genius.
Curating a support system of collaborators, coaches, and community who "get" your needs and can offer understanding and accountability.
The key is to stop fighting against your energy constraints and instead, design a business that works with them. This may look different for each of us, but the underlying principle remains the same: your needs as a human being come first.
Cultivating Self-Compassion
One of the biggest hurdles in building a low-energy business is the inner critic that tells us we "should" be able to do more, work harder, and push through the fatigue. But this kind of self-judgment is the enemy of sustainable success.
Instead, I invite you to cultivate deep self-compassion. Acknowledge that your energy levels are not a personal failing, but simply a part of who you are. Celebrate the unique strengths and gifts you bring to the table, even (or especially) on your low-energy days.
This doesn't mean you'll never experience frustration or disappointment. But by approaching yourself with kindness, you create the space to work with your energy levels, rather than against them.
Redefining What Success Event Means for You
Another key mindset shift is to redefine what success looks like for you. In a world that glorifies the hustle, it can be easy to get caught up in metrics, milestones, and the constant pressure to grow. But for the low-energy entrepreneur, this model is simply unsustainable.
Instead, I encourage you to get clear on your own definition of success. Perhaps it's not about hitting six-figures or scaling to a massive team, but about having the freedom and flexibility to work in a way that nourishes you. Maybe it's about creating an impact that feels meaningful, without burning yourself out in the process.
Whatever your vision, make sure it aligns with your energy needs and your values as a human being. This will be the guiding light that keeps you on track, even when the path gets challenging.
Optimizing for Sustainability Over External “Success”
With your mindset and priorities in place, it's time to start optimizing your business for long-term sustainability. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Streamlining Your Offerings
As a low-energy entrepreneur, it's important to be ruthlessly selective about what you offer. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, focus on your core products and services that truly light you up and serve your ideal clients.
This could mean paring down your menu, creating signature offerings, or even transitioning to a more streamlined, digital-first model. I’ve blended a mix of higher-touch services with completely hands-off courses and digital products for this very reason.
The goal is to create a business that feels manageable and energizing, rather than draining and overwhelming.
Automating and Outsourcing
One of the superpowers of the low-energy entrepreneur is the ability to get creative with systems and support. Rather than trying to do everything yourself, look for opportunities to automate repetitive tasks or outsource to capable collaborators.
This could involve setting up workflows in tools like Notion, using AI to automate some tasks or hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative duties. The key is to free up your precious energy for the high-impact, high-value work that truly lights you up.
Embracing Flexibility
As a low-energy entrepreneur, rigid schedules and demanding deadlines can quickly become your kryptonite. Instead, build in ample flexibility to accommodate your energy ebbs and flows.
This might mean experimenting with removing or reducing deadlines, creating a more fluid calendar, or even embracing a four-day work week. The goal is to create a rhythm that supports your needs, rather than forcing you to constantly push through.
Remember, your business is here to serve you, not the other way around. Embrace the freedom to work in a way that feels nourishing and sustainable.
Cultivating a Supportive Community
Running a business can be isolating at the best of times, but for the low-energy entrepreneur, having a strong support system is essential. Seek out communities, both online and offline, where you can connect with like-minded individuals who truly understand your experience.
This could involve joining a mastermind, participating in a coaching program, or simply finding your people on online. My favourite way of creating my community has been hosting collaborative events around topics that matter deeply to me as a person, like my signature Energy Savers and Evidence of Humanity audio summits. These events have attracted like-minded people to me and helped build lasting relationships that make this whole business thing feel a lot lighter!
The key is to surround yourself with people who "get" you and can offer empathy, accountability, and practical support.
Putting it All Together
Building a low-energy business is not about compromise or settling for less. It's about creating a thriving enterprise that aligns with your unique needs and allows you to show up as your best self, even on your lowest energy days.
By embracing your creative constraints, cultivating self-compassion, and optimizing for sustainability, you can create a business that truly nourishes you. And who knows, you may just discover that your "limitations" are actually your greatest strengths.
