What My Horses Taught Me About Business Seasons (And Why Harvesting Feels Weird)

Right now, as I look out of my office window, I can see the horses grazing in the valley. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes, they’re off somewhere else, out of sight and (often deliberately) out of reach. But now they’re here because, at long last, the grass is back. After months of dust and drought, we’ve finally hit the jackpot: good grass season.

If you’ve never lived on a farm, good grass season probably doesn’t sound like a big deal. But trust me, it’s huge. The horses are delighted, the cats* are probably plotting something sinister in the long grass, and I’m sitting here reflecting on how this all feels strangely like running a business.

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener

Living at the Disaster Farm teaches you a lot about seasons. And not just the weather-related kind. Over the years, I’ve realised that business runs in seasons too. There’s the planting season, full of excitement, creativity, and frankly a lot of mucking about. Then comes the waiting season, where you cross your fingers and hope all your effort wasn’t wasted. And then, if you’ve done it right, you get to the harvesting season—when all that work finally pays off.

Right now, I’m in my business harvesting season. After a couple of years of planting and growing, it’s time to focus on reaping the rewards. It feels weird, to be honest. I’m happiest in the planting season, where I get to dream up new ideas, play around, and generally faff about in the creative process. Harvesting is much more… serious. It’s about focus, follow-through, and (dare I say it) adulting.

Harvesting: Necessary, but Not Always Fun

Harvesting season is like good grass season. It’s essential. Without it, nothing grows. But it also comes with responsibilities. The horses are out there enjoying themselves, but I know they’ll be back at the gate soon, looking at me like I owe them something. Harvesting feels the same—it’s a time to focus, make decisions, and actually do something with all that effort you’ve put in.

For me, that means helping clients who are in their planting season. Luckily, I get my creative fix there. I love helping people turn their ideas into books, frameworks, or strategies. Watching them take those first steps in their planting season reminds me why I started this whole thing in the first place.

So, What Season Are You In?

If you’re in planting season right now—whether that’s writing a book, building your business, or figuring out your next big move—don’t skip the planning. What you plant today is what you’ll harvest tomorrow (or next year, or whenever the grass decides to grow).

And if you’re in harvesting season, like me, embrace it. It’s not as flashy as planting, but it’s the part where all your hard work pays off. Plus, it means you’ll soon have space to start planting all over again.

As for me, I’ll enjoy the horses while they’re here and try not to think about the chaos they’ll inevitably bring when the grass runs out. Seasons change. But at least for now, it’s good grass season, and I’m going to make the most of it.

Ciao for now

Debbie

PS: If you’re in planting season and wondering what to grow, let’s chat. I can help you figure out the seeds worth sowing—whether it’s a book, a strategy, or your next big idea. Because the best harvests start with the right plan (and possibly a good pair of wellies).

PPS: If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please forward this edition to a friend (or @tag them in a comment). If they love it too, they’ll thank you later. ??

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I’m Debbie Jenkins, a publishing strategist who helps consultants, coaches, and expert business owners turn their ideas into books that solve expensive, urgent problems. Unlike others, I don’t take a cut of your profits—and I make sure your book isn’t just more shelf clutter but a real asset for growing your business.

* We have a lot of cats - someone once counted and it was 24 - but I can't confirm that number because then I would have to admit I was a crazy cat lady!