Change is inevitable, we all know it. Our journey is met with different seasons that tend to make us shift, adjust, and grow. While we generally have control over the trajectory of our journey, we have little to no control over the seasons. Each season is meant to teach us something, so how can you ensure that you are maximizing the most out of every season? 

The Winning Season 

First, let’s label the seasons of our journey into two timestamps, the winning season and the slow season. These seasons tend to be in constant flux with each other, but how long we spend in each at any given time isn’t up to us. I think we’re all very familiar with the winning season. It’s that point of time where we’ve successfully secured the bag and are reaping the benefits. This season typically looks like that new promotion, new venture, graduation, home purchase, or jumping the broom. 

We put so much weight and value on this season. After all, it’s that time of year where we feel happiest. I practice delayed gratification, so my wins often feel monumental because of the extensive road and hard work leading up to it. Don’t get me wrong, celebrate the heck out of yourself when you achieve those huge wins. If you don’t, then who will? But, I think it’s equally as important that along the way we have other pursuits that bring us joy that we can look forward to. Work hard, but make sure you dedicate some time to play a little, too! 

The Slow Season 

The slow season can be referred to as time where most of us are still working equally as hard but we’ve haven’t quite manifested our hearts desires as of yet. It’s that time of not seeing huge results or gains. We all know this season is necessary. It births our winning season, but how do most of us spend and view that time? This timestamp is marked by stagnation on the outside, but what about what’s going on, on the inside? 

I believe that we are given this time not only to foster patience, resilience, and faith — but to serve as a moment for us to do the work within. Working on yourself of course never ends, but you can use this slow season productively by unpacking and examining yourself. This means looking at your core values, commitments, routine, habits, relationships, perspective, and so forth. My current slow season has been intentionally filled with checking in with myself more often, setting up ventures for me to look forward to, and letting my creative juices flow. 

Here are some questions to consider during your slow season: 

What does self-love look like to me?

How intentional am I about choosing the people, places, and events where I  spend most of my time?

Do I trust myself?

Am I showing up in the best way possible for myself daily?

Have I created a list of life affirmations that I can follow? 

Are my thoughts about others and myself often destructive, demoralizing, and full of despair?

Can I do anything differently currently to improve myself?

Am I living my best life during a time where it may not be my BEST life?

Let’s take advantage of the downtime by finally committing to ourselves. You owe it to yourself. 5, 10, and 15 years down the road you’ll be thanking yourself you unpacked, faced, or confronted your fears, traumas, burdens, and disbeliefs. The reality is that there will always be a new mountain to climb over, so take some time to ensure that on your way to the top your spirit is in tack and your heart is in the right place.