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“Gradually, then suddenly”

I learned this phrase from my father who learned it from Earnest Hemingway. I love that it’s such an insightful concept that applies to almost everything. Think about it.

Gradually climbing a mountain and then suddenly being at the top.

Season’s change - gradually a few cold weather days, a warm one or two in between, and suddenly, it’s winter.

Or relationships shift. You gradually stop answering the phone as often or you start texting someone more. And suddenly, your relationship is totally different than it used to be.

Babies & puppies grow up. Seeds sprout and bear fruit. People change.

It applies to nearly everything.

So of course, it’s true in our businesses. You gradually make exceptions to a rule you set for yourself until suddenly, you never follow it. You gradually start charging a little bit more until suddenly that’s your rate. You gradually stop paying attention to growing a program and then suddenly your business looks different.

It’s easy for us as founders & leaders to think of strategic decisions as the ones we make in board rooms or at pivotal crossroads moments. But it’s rare that we have a line-in-the-sand moment where we make one choice that defines what our business is or isn’t. Usually, this happens one tiny strategic decision at a time. 

I don’t want you to feel like everything you do is a high stakes decision. But I do want you to be aware that your choices are always taking you somewhere. Gradually, and then suddenly. And I’m begging you to be intentional about where. You get to pick!

Installing guardrails in your business makes the difference between feeling like “this came out of nowhere” and feeling like “it came from everywhere”. I want you to suddenly look up and say “I freaking did it” instead of gradually drifting along and then suddenly noticing that you built something that doesn’t work for you.

How to put this to work:

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1. Remember (or figure out) where you’re going.

   You know the drill - check out “the soul of the thing” if you need help. Or, if you’ve already done a Clarity Workshop with me, revisit your notes on “vision”.

2. Look for the tiny decisions you’re making in this season of your business.

   Maybe you’re focused on pricing or systems management or a new offering. Notice a couple areas you’re making decisions that are gradually taking you somewhere.

3. Find your guardrails.

   You need guardrails to keep you on track as you make these little decisions. Figure out where they exist already and where you need them. I talk more specifically about this in my “lane assist” issue. This could be a system that makes it harder for you cross your own boundary or it could be a weekly stand-up with a coach or colleague to keep you accountable.

4. Put it on your calendar.

   Go put one or two things on your calendar or task manager that help you reinforce or create those guardrails. Not sure how to do that? Just reply! Happy to send you my quick thoughts on this.

This Cool Thing I Found

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📈Speaking of guardrails…

Coaching is a great way to keep yourself on track since it builds insight and accountability into your rhythm. I have 2 spots open for coaching. Learn more about my framework or set up a call.

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I’m Laura Green - a strategist empowering creative leaders to build businesses they love. My work focuses on crafting actionable insights, scalable strategies, and proven systems to find more impact and less friction. I want you to have the clarity, confidence, and energy to make good stuff happen, to drive profit, and to get back to doing the work you love. As for me - I love charts, good beer, nerdy nature books, and sneakers. When I’m not spinning up spreadsheets, you can find me gardening, hanging with my wonderfully wild kids, or sneaking in a nap. ✌️