Inconsistent Income Is Normal: How To Lean Into The Seasons And Cycles Of Business
Listen to the audio or read through — whichever way you like to learn best!
June 24, 2022This month marks the 5-year anniversary of White Coffee Creative. I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on the incredible journey I’ve been on over the last few years.
My business has changed and evolved a lot… and I am better because of it. I'm happier because of it. One big reason why? I didn't stifle myself by saying, “I’ll commit to this one thing and now I have to see it through.”
Instead, I committed to running a business. And that business has evolved because I evolved. I’m proud of myself, as both a solopreneur and as a human, for allowing this evolution to happen.
Thinking back, if there’s one thing I could tell younger Jess, it would be this: it is NORMAL for your income to be inconsistent as you grow.
I’ll be honest, I struggled to believe this in the beginning. It wasn’t until I invested in a coach that I understood how important it was to honor this energy. But when you do, you can show up in a more aligned, authentic way.
3 reasons your income is inconsistent
This list is not exhaustive, but I want to share a few reasons – that don’t include you being a failure or “not being cut out for business” – for why your income shifts month-to-month.
1. Client budgets fluctuate
As a service or product-based business, there are natural ebbs and flows in how businesses operate and how clients spend money throughout the year. Accepting this frees you from outside expectations of what your income “should” look like.
I personally see this with my design and mural clients. I bring in more income toward the end of the year, something I’ve noticed time and time again throughout the 5 years I’ve been in business.
I also find that people buy more products around the holidays and many businesses spend more money in Q4 to work through budgets they set in Q1 as they wrap up their fiscal year.
Sometimes, inconsistent income isn’t about you. It’s about your clients.
2. Your energy shifts throughout the year
In business, there are quarters. In astrology, there are cycles (like the lunar phases!). In women, there are phases of our menstrual cycle. There are also seasons in nature. This means you’re not going to feel or work the same way all year.
For example, I really enjoy the energy of the Capricorn season (from December-January) because it makes me want to roll up my sleeves and get to work. While most of the world is in hibernation mode, I am busy wrapping up projects and taking care of any back-of-house business (because my sun sign is Capricorn!).
In contrast, the middle of the summer is the worst time for me. I’m sweaty, uncomfortable, and hot. I don’t feel my best and don’t enjoy being outside painting murals. Knowing this, I naturally take on design projects only and enjoy the extra downtime.
The magic comes from tapping into which quarter, time of the month, or astrological seasons are best for you.
3. Some seasons are better than others for launching products and offers
Over my 5 years in business, I figured out when I want to take on projects and when I don’t. I open and close my bookings and even schedule vacations based on my natural cycles.
Basically, I honor the changes in my energy. Want to do this too? I have some suggestions to help you get started.
2 ways to lean into the seasons and cycles of business
1. Find freedom in the ebbs and flow
There’s a lot of pressure in business to be consistent… to be perfect. You might think, “I have to keep going at this pace or everything will fall apart.”
Here’s the reminder you need: there are months where I make $40,000 and months where I make $500. Release the rigidity. Allow your business to wax and wane naturally.
The best thing to do is be open when you feel it’s time to switch out of work mode and dive into play, go on vacation, or take time off. You get to do this and still be successful.
2. Check in with yourself regularly
Journaling is a great practice to reconnect with yourself and what you need at the moment. Track how you feel monthly or quarterly to figure out when you work best (and when it’s time to rest).
Here are some prompts to guide you:
What projects came in this month/quarter? What projects lit you up? What projects were draining?
What astrological season is it? What does it represent for you? Bonus points if you want to see where it falls in your birth chart!
What other events are going on in your life? Is there a birthday, anniversary, or holiday to celebrate? How can you plan to balance work, celebration, and rest?
This time spent observing, understanding, and reflecting helps you gain more confidence in yourself and your business. Just like your life doesn’t look the same every month, your income won’t either (and that’s normal).
Want to discuss the cycles of your own business and receive the pep talk you need to continue growing and evolving?
Not ready to book yet? DM me on Instagram and share what your income ebbs and flows look like this season. I’ve experienced a lot of these over the last 5 1/2 years, so I know we’ll have a lot to talk about!