“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
-Lao Tzu
Rhythms. Cycles. Seasons.
Can we take a hint from nature about an ebb in productivity?
Contrary to popular belief, we are not meant to be “ON” all the time in order to be successful and bank the fruits of our efforts.
We’re meant to live rhythmically, like the beat of a heart.
We’re meant to cycle, like the push and pull of ocean tides.
We’re meant to experience seasons—like spring when seeds are sown, or winter, when a deep freeze is necessary.
The belief that we need to be productive all the time in order to be successful is simply a deeply conditioned societal belief.
From a young age, you were probably taught to value flow [growing, producing, performing, giving] over ebb [slowing down, healing, integrating, receiving].
This is why when we experience an ebb in productivity, we get really hard on ourselves and try to push through it. We may even convince ourselves that we’ll never feel motivated or inspired again.
Since I’ve always been a high achiever, I’ve bought into this societal belief for most of my life.
I’ve let it run my world.
From a young age, I set the bar extremely high for myself. Growing up, the idea of not putting forth my best effort never crossed my mind. It was always push, push, push; do, do, do.
What I’ve learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey is that BOTH the ebb and flow are important and necessary for success.
An ebb in productivity provides us with gifts, too.
The spaciousness that comes with an ebb has led me to reflect on the most important lessons I’ve ever learned. It has preceded the best work I’ve ever done and the biggest harvests I’ve ever reaped. Ebb has taught me how to rest, reflect, and receive. The more time I carve out to just be during an ebb in productivity, the more empty I become, ready to be filled with the next profitable direction or idea.
As you can see, there is as much value in an ebb as there is in a flow.
Slowing down is not productivity’s villain; it is not a character flaw or an excuse to justify your sense of unworthiness or not enough-ness. It is the pause before an inhale. It is an incubator for the next big thing waiting to be born.
Embracing both sides of your cyclical nature is wholeness.
You can’t have one without the other.
Both are key for success.
So if both ebb and flow are necessary and an ebb in productivity is not a bad thing, how do we get comfortable with slowing down in a society that says it’s a bad thing?
If you’re a high achiever like me and slowing down is difficult for you to be with, here are some of the best practices to embrace, honor, and move through an ebb in productivity:
🙌🏼 SURRENDER
When you notice your productivity and creativity waning, the best thing you can do is pull back and surrender. This means taking on the bare minimum to keep your life and business going. For me, this looks like continuing to meet with my clients, but cutting out networking and virtual coffees.
Make space on your schedule to rest and reflect. The sooner you surrender to an ebb, rather than resist it, the sooner you’ll be back in flow.
🙌🏼 JOURNAL, MEDITATE, OR TALK WITH A LIKE-MINDED LOVED ONE, COACH, OR THERAPIST
When you experience an ebb in productivity, there’s likely a lesson that wants to be integrated, an intuition that no longer wants to be ignored, or some kind of healing that wants to come through. It may also be the beginning of a major life or business change. My best ideas and 360 degree pivots have come after a period of losing touch with my motivation and inspiration.
While it can be distressing to be in a space of not knowing what’s happening or what’s next, the more you can embrace the fertile void, the less you have to suffer through it. Allow yourself to slow down and explore your inner world, either on your own or with someone else. What wants to be heard? You can’t receive inner guidance if you don’t get quiet enough to listen.
🙌🏼 SPEND TIME IN NATURE TO RECHARGE
There’s nothing more soothing and healing than connecting with the earth during an ebb in productivity. Spending time beneath a tree, sprawled out on the grass; hiking through a remote forest; or staring out at the ocean waves will not only recalibrate your nervous system, you may find the inspiration you’ve been looking for.
Let nature hold you during an ebb in productivity. She’ll provide a safe container for you to sift through your thoughts, while simultaneously lifting your vibe. Try visiting a beautiful new place, or revisiting a favorite spot that holds fond memories.
Each of these practices will you help you slow down enough to discover the next step or the next nugget on your journey.
I also want to note that while ebb and flow are a natural part of life’s rhythms, it’s important to distinguish between an ebb and the ego.
At times, an ebb in productivity may actually be self-sabotage in disguise.
If this is the case, you’ll notice that an ebb comes on every time you’re about to leap into the next level of your soul-led life and business. For example, let’s say every time you launch a new product or service in your business, you lose steam half way through the launch and give up. On the surface, this may look like an ebb, when in reality, it’s your survival self keeping you safe and small.
If you notice this happening frequently and you can’t break through the pattern on your own, I recommend working with a coach.
With love & surrender,
-Kayla
Do you have a favorite practice that helps you move through an ebb in productivity? Share it with me in the comments ⬇️
And, if you could use more inspiration on working with the ebbs and flows of your productivity, check out What a Lack of Motivation in Your Business Really Means & What to Do About It.
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