I've been quiet recently and here's why...

I took three weeks off from writing blogs recently, and it was the best decision I could have made. It wasn't just three weeks off of blogs. It was three weeks away from unscheduled socials. During that time, I finished jury service, took a week off to visit my dad (and even went skiing), and had a business accountability meeting with Andy Nisevic to ensure I was still on track. This break reminded me of something crucial: in business, just like in life, we don’t need to be perfect, but we do need to be self-aware.

The Journey vs. The Destination

Too often, we get fixated on the destination - chasing the next goal, hitting the next target, or achieving the next milestone. But in doing so, we risk missing out on the experiences and lessons that happen along the way. Business is a journey, and every step, whether a triumph or a setback, adds to our story and growth.

Over my break, I was reminded that success isn’t always about relentless productivity. Sometimes, stepping back provides the perspective needed to move forward with clarity. That week off skiing wasn’t just about leisure; it was about reconnecting with myself and the people who matter most. It reinforced the importance of taking time to reflect, recalibrate, and refocus.

I came back feeling stronger and following my meeting with Andy, had a team meeting to lay out goals and expectations.

Self-Awareness: The Key to Sustainable Growth

Self-awareness is an underrated yet vital aspect of business success. It’s about recognising when you need to push harder and when you need to rest. During my accountability meeting with Andy, I had to confront whether I was genuinely on track or just busy being busy. This moment of reflection wasn’t about criticism, but about ensuring that my actions aligned with my long-term vision.

I often see business owners, especially in the legal industry and local business community, pushing themselves to the limit. The pursuit of perfection is real. But perfection isn’t the goal; progress is. And progress often comes from moments of introspection and honest self-assessment.

Embrace Imperfection

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be perfect to be impactful. Your clients, customers, and colleagues don’t expect you to have all the answers. They value authenticity, commitment, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Over the years, I’ve found that some of the best marketing strategies are born from trial and error. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but learning from them. It’s about staying adaptable, flexible, and open to growth.

The Power of Accountability

Having a business accountability partner like Andy was invaluable. It’s not just about setting goals but having someone who genuinely challenges you to stay true to them. If you don’t already have an accountability partner, I highly recommend finding one. It’s about having someone who will be honest with you, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So, here’s my takeaway: Business is a journey. It’s messy, unpredictable, and, at times, overwhelming. But it’s also enriching, rewarding, and full of opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of obsessing over the destination, embrace the journey. Celebrate the small wins, learn from the setbacks, and never be afraid to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

As we move forward, let’s prioritise progress over perfection and self-awareness over relentless productivity. After all, the journey is where the real growth happens.

If you’re navigating your own journey and want to discuss how to align your marketing strategy with your business goals, feel free to reach out. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to find clarity and direction.

Cheers, Tom Stansfield www.tomstansfield.co.uk