Embracing the Seasons of Business: How Goal-Setting Can Align with Your Natural Rhythms

Written By Jennifer Hopes

As therapists, we often encourage our clients to embrace life’s natural ebbs and flows. But how often do we allow ourselves that same grace?

This time of year, I find myself oscillating between two energies—the quiet, slow hibernation of winter and the inspiring, creative pull of the new year. One moment, I’m deeply immersed in brainstorming a new project, hyper-focused on learning and growth. The next, I’m stretched out on the couch with a book, wondering if I’m “wasting” time. 

And I know I’m not alone in this. 

There seem to be two camps when it comes to the New Year: those who thrive on setting resolutions and those who reject them entirely. But what if we took a more intuitive approach? What if we tuned out the noise of external opinions and, instead, listened to what we need in this season?

For me, that means honoring both rest and planning. Winter is a natural time for reflection, a season that invites us to slow down and turn inward. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to set intentional goals—because seasons change, and preparing for the next phase is smart business.

Your Business Has Seasons Too

Just as nature moves through cycles, so do you. And so does your business. Learning to recognize these shifts in energy—when to rest, when to plan, and when to take action—allows you to work with yourself rather than against yourself.

This is exactly why I created the Business Goal-Setting Guide for Therapists—to help you structure your goals in a way that aligns with your natural rhythms. Instead of forcing yourself into an arbitrary timeline or someone else’s version of success, this guide helps you:

  • Reflect on what’s working and what’s not

  • Set meaningful, sustainable goals

  • Identify the best times to focus on growth versus rest

  • Create a plan that supports both your business and your well-being

The quiet of winter is vital—not just for rest, but for creativity. It’s in this season of reflection that the best ideas take shape. And when the time comes to shift into action, having a clear plan in place ensures that you can maximize your efforts. 

Leaning Into Your Flow

You don’t have to choose between overworking and “wasting time.” The real magic happens when you embrace the ebb and flow—when you allow yourself both the space to recharge and the structure to grow.

So, as you navigate this season, I invite you to reflect:

  • How does your energy naturally shift throughout the year?

  • What rhythms support your creativity and productivity?

  • How can you set goals in a way that feels good instead of forced?

If you’re ready to create a plan that works with you, not against you, check out the Business Goal-Setting Guide for Therapists. Let’s make this season of reflection the foundation for a season of aligned and intentional growth.

Jennifer Hopes