Why I Love Seasonal Business Planning (And Why You Might Too!)

Let's talk about a game-changer in business planning that's transformed how I approach growth and goal-setting. If you're tired of rigid quarterly planning or feeling like you're constantly chasing arbitrary targets, this one's for you! I have been following a seasonal business planning approach for just over 1 year, so 4 full seasons, and the results have been amazing.

I feel calmer, more in control and best of all, more accomplished than in past years in business.


What is Seasonal Business Planning Exactly?

If you haven’t heard of Seasonal business planning, you are not alone.

It is a new trend that is rising among solopreneurs who also tend to be recovering from burn-out, living with chronic illness, or are a time in their life where the hustle culture is no longer sustainable for their lifestyle and goals.

Think of it as a more natural way to set your business rhythm. Instead of forcing everything into the standard corporate quarters of business, we're talking about flowing with the seasons - just like nature intended. Each season has a theme and we align our projects and goals according to what nature intends for that season. We also set goals that are personal and bring us holistic growth, not just financial targets.

It's about setting projects and priorities that align with the natural ebbs and flows of your energy and life.

The seasons have flexible start and end dates because, let's be real, life doesn't always fit into perfect calendar squares.

Why I Fell in Love with This Approach

Here's the thing - I used to stress about hitting specific sales numbers or metrics that weren't always in my control. Sound familiar? Seasonal planning shifted my focus to projects I could actually move forward, giving me structure without the rigid constraints that used to make me feel stuck.

This system has been a lifesaver for those of us juggling multiple commitments. Whether you're balancing a day job, family responsibilities, school, or unpredictable energy levels, seasonal planning meets you where you are, allows you to get foundational work completed, while learning and enjoying the process.

It’s not a race, it’s about slowing down to speed up and stacking wins to reach longer term goals.

How to Get Started

Want to try this approach? Here is my method:

1. Start with your current season (or the next one if you're feeling ahead of the game)

2. Choose up to 3 project goals or themes you want to focus on

3. Block out dedicated time - even just one day a week - to give these projects your full attention.

4. If you have a Word of the Year, do a check-in with yourself. Are each of your 3 goal projects aligned with the intention of your Word of of the Year?

If not, I would reconsider why you are choosing these projects. Are these really the right ones for right now, or should they be parked for later.

Celebrating Your Accomplishments

One of my favorite parts?

As each season winds down, I list out what I've accomplished and share it out. Whether it's through a blog post, an Instagram update, or on a call with my business bestie or coach, celebrating these wins keeps the motivation flowing. Trust me, acknowledging what you've actually done (instead of dwelling on what you haven't) is the best part. You really might surprise yourself!

Here is a true life example, I made a post of everything I created in 2024 - using a combination of my WOTY “Creative” and seasonal business planning. While I was in it, I felt like my progress was so minimal but when I stacked all the 4 seasons of projects together it became an impressive list!



The Beauty of the Cycle

Here's what makes this system so sustainable: sometimes projects naturally flow into the next season (because breaking things into smaller chunks is part of the planning process, and sometimes you get an entire project done start to finish and get to layer in some rest weeks.

Keeping it All Connected

I've found that aligning my seasonal goals with my Word of the Year (WOTY) helps keep me from getting distracted by every shiny new idea that comes along. That's why I keep a parking lot for those "interesting but not right now" ideas - they're not gone forever, they're just waiting for their perfect season.



Let's Get Real

This approach has seriously transformed my business without wreaking havoc on my nervous system or leaving me feeling like I'm constantly falling short. It's given me permission to grow at a pace that feels good while still making meaningful progress.

If you're tired of feeling like you're swimming against the current of traditional business planning, maybe it's time to try something different. Something that works with your natural rhythms instead of against them.

Remember, business growth doesn't have to feel forced or uncomfortable. Sometimes the gentlest path forward is actually the most sustainable one. And isn't that what we're really after - building something that lasts?

What season are you in right now, and what goals are calling to you? I'd love to hear how you might adapt this approach to your own business journey!

Seasonal Planning Resources

If you need some inspiration or want to see this in action here is a list of my Seasonal Planning blog posts and resources to learn more.

Starting with a Word Of the Year:

Blog Post: Choosing a Word of the Year

Word of the Year Guided eBook

4 Seasons of Business Planning:

The result of a full year of Seasonal Planning

Spring and more on Spring here

Summer

Inspirational Seasonal Businesses Models for eCommerce Sellers

The Seasonal Notebook Club

Sarah Yancy Studio

Outdoor Apothekari

More Resources for Seasonal Business Planning:

Solemiko guest podcast episode

Seasonal Planning Practice - Dani Gardner

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