Choosing Slow Growth: Why Intentional Time Matters in Business

Choosing Slow Growth: Why Intentional Time Matters in Business

Running a consulting business with two small children and just a few hours of childcare each week means I’ve had to make very deliberate choices about how I spend my time.

There are only so many hours in the day, and I’ve learned to cut out the noise. I don’t go to networking events. I don’t chase every trend. I don’t spend time on business activities that don’t clearly return value for my team, my clients, or the business as a whole.

Even deciding to start writing these posts took a lot of thought. But as a working mom who’s also home most of the day, this is one of the most effective and sustainable ways for me to connect and share what we’re building.

Free Time Used With Intention

My free time is rare, and I use it intentionally. Sometimes it’s to respond to emails, sketch out a marketing idea, or write documentation. Other times, it’s to reset and do something just for me, like the NYT daily puzzles or catching up with friends.

Leading by Letting Go

I’ve built a team I trust and let them lead. I no longer attend every client meeting or personally resolve every ticket. That wasn’t easy at first, but it’s been the key to reducing stress. It gives others space to grow and frees me up to focus where I’m most needed: mentoring my staff, solving higher-level problems, and keeping the business healthy.

Growth With Intention

I’m not trying to scale Acadia Bay as fast as possible. I want to grow slowly and intentionally, so we never compromise on what makes our work meaningful. That means:

• Maintaining high employee satisfaction

• Supporting our clients with real care

• Choosing projects aligned with our values

  
  

Slower growth gives us the space to protect what matters, for our team, for our clients, and for my family.

Your Turn

How do you decide which business activities are really worth your time?

Have you ever chosen slower growth in favor of sustainability? How did it go?

What helps you stay focused on what actually matters?