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Hey there, Big Striver,
In this era of Artificial Intelligence—and yes, I deliberately spell it out to honor the weight of these words—I've been reflecting on what it means for us as humans navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
The concerns about AI replacing jobs are valid. The anxiety is real. The pace of change is unprecedented. Amy Webb wasn't exaggerating when she called this a "tech superstorm" in early 2024.
But I believe what we're experiencing in 2025 goes deeper—we're in a Human Superstorm.
Many of us find ourselves caught in an exhausting cycle: striving endlessly without meaningful progress, facing never-ending tasks, feeling perpetually behind. We're trapped in a "never enough" culture—never enough output to reach never enough outcomes to serve never enough consumers.
This is precisely why my new Strategic Slowdown philosophy for businesses and workplaces is crucial.
When everything speeds up around us, the counterintuitive response isn't to accelerate further — it's to become more deliberate. More intentional. More human. More effective.
Artificial Intelligence excels at speed and scale, but it cannot replace the depth of human connection, the wisdom that comes from lived experience, or the creative breakthroughs that emerge from simply being present. These uniquely human qualities become our greatest assets in an AI-driven world.
I'll be honest—I'm using AI extensively in my work (as many of my clients know), but I'm using it as a tool that serves my human priorities, not as a replacement for my humanity.
Next week, I'll share specific insights on thriving in this new reality. But for now, remember this: We weather this storm not by racing faster, but by building a sanctuary of slowness. By reclaiming our humanity. By remembering that your brilliant mind exists for more than just work.
The path forward isn't about competing with AI's speed—it's about embracing our human capacity for depth, connection, and presence. The Strategic Slowdown isn't just a philosophy; it's your competitive advantage.
For more on this journey from constant doing to meaningful being, check out my latest blog post: Doing vs. Being: The Essential Balance for Ambitious Entrepreneurs and Leaders.
Breathing deeply with you in the storm,
XO
Shawn
LATEST BLOG
Doing vs. Being: The Essential Balance for Ambitious Entrepreneurs and Leaders
Discover the crucial difference between doing and being, and learn how finding the perfect balance between action and presence can transform your effectiveness as an entrepreneur or leader. Unlock your path to purposeful productivity and greater impact.
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SLOW BUSINESS TIP:
go ahead & be single-minded & focused on your favorite goal
Wearing a lot of hats?
Yes, I get it.
You're likely the entire marketing department, the client success manager, the bookkeeper, the sales director and the list of what needs done is never complete.
Many small business owners and consultants pride themselves on multi-doing -- believing it maximizes productivity. However, this approach often keeps you perpetually in "doing mode" without the powerful aspects of "being mode."
Try this: Schedule one 30-60 minute block in your week dedicated to a single favorite goal of yours — whether it's working on a new client proposal, strategic planning for your business, or your unsocial media content.
During this one block of time, close all other tabs, silence all notifications, put a sign on your door that you are busy -- and go all in on working only on that one goal. The key difference is not just focusing on one task (that's standard productivity advice), but bringing your full presence to it—engaging both your doing energy (completing the work) and your being energy (full awareness and presence).
This "doing-being state" helps you let go of distractions and shiny urgencies that will pop up and gives you permission to fully immerse in your expertise, and authentic insight that will help you work more efficiently.
🦥 Ready to to establish a Strategic Slowdown in your work? I'm offering a limited number of "Strategic Slowdown Chats" for small mission-led organizations to develop personalized, intentional yet impactful -- and slow -- business systems that ignite visibility and awareness without performing on social media until you are 75. Book a Strategic Slowdown Chat now!
A SLOW Life Tip 🦥
– because this is my #softandslow ERA.
This morning I finally took myself to an in-person yoga class.
Forced to slow down for 60 full minutes felt hard at first but by the end my whole body was starting to feel more relaxed in a way I hadn't felt in years.
As someone who has "done yoga" at home DAILY for nearly 5 years, I realized today that slow doesn't just mean being quiet and going strong for yourself every day.
To slow down, sometimes we have to lean in on others.
I didn't think I'd like going to an in person class after doing yoga at home for so many years. I was very set in my ways.
Turns out, it was exactly what I needed to slow down my day, my muscles, my heart rate and my stress.
And, that means my whole life.
What is something you've been avoiding or saying you don't like that you can give a chance in the essence of lighter living, softer being, slower spaciousness? Going on a long walk or hike? Hitting up a local farmer's market to buy fresh veggies to chop and roast? Whatever it is, it's waiting for you. Hit reply and tell me! 🦥
THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO BUILD A SLOW BUSINESS IN 2025
WORK WITH ME -- Details below!
Moving Beyond Social Media -- Develop Your Unsocial Marketing Strategy!
Zoom. • Anytime
Listen, there's much more to consistent, impactful marketing than showing up on social media just because you feel you have to ... Seriously, no more guilt! I am going to help you put your energy on a more impactful marketing strategy that WORKS. Interested in booking a Beyond Social Media Marketing Strategy Session? >>>> Hit reply and tell me ONE of your big goals for 2025.
may 07 - #MySoftEra Chat
Zoom • 12:30 to 1:30 EST
Life is really, really hard right now. Let's aim for softer, gentler, lighter and slower. Join me for this community conversation and brainstorm. Free and Open to ALL.
july 07 - The Slow Current Launch
Zoom • 1-2 pm EST
Celebrate the launch of the super affordable Slow Current." Mark the date to join the kickoff party!
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Coaching Client Praise
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"She challenged me with questions and homework, to keep the momentum going in the months before I started my business."
Thanks, Diana! :)
"There were days that I needed someone to talk to, who was objective and had the experience of starting a business. Shawn was that person. She listened and gave good advice. She walked me through some of the process of starting a business and kept me on task. I am thankful for her help! -- Diana Watson, Chief Storyteller and Founder of Diana Watson Media
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“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.”
— Parker Palmer