A Season of Stillness: Why I’m Taking a Step Back to Find What’s Next

If you’ve been following my journey here at TM Training and Consulting, you know I’m all about growth, strategy, and showing up with excellence. Whether we are developing leadership toolkits or navigating the complexities of organizational culture, my goal has always been to empower women to lead with clarity.

But lately, I’ve had to take a dose of my own medicine.

In the world of entrepreneurship, we are often told to "hustle harder," "scale faster," and "keep grinding until you make it." But what happens when the noise of the grind starts to drown out the "why" behind what you do? For me, that noise led to a realization: I need a season of stillness.

I have decided to take an intentional hiatus from my business. This wasn't a snap decision made in a moment of exhaustion; it was a prayerful choice to step back and evaluate if entrepreneurship, and specifically consulting, is where I am meant to be in this next chapter of my life.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

Before I dive into the "why" and the "what I’ve learned," I have to stop and say thank you.

Building a business is never a solo act, even when you’re a solopreneur. To my clients, thank you for trusting me with your visions and your teams. To my friends and family, thank you for being the sounding boards, the cheerleaders, and the shoulders to lean on when the days felt long. You all have been the wind beneath my wings, and I am deeply grateful for every person who has supported TM Training and Consulting.

The Lessons from the Front Lines

Stepping back gives you a perspective that you simply cannot get while you're in the thick of it. Over the past few years, I’ve learned some gritty, beautiful, and sometimes difficult lessons about what it takes to run a business. If you are a fellow woman entrepreneur or a small business leader, I hope these reflections resonate with you.

1. The Gritty Reality of the Solopreneur

Let’s be real for a second: being a solopreneur is hard. It is rewarding, yes, but it is physically and emotionally demanding. When you are the CEO, the marketing department, the HR manager, and the janitor all at once, the weight of every decision rests solely on your shoulders.

I’ve learned that while the "freedom" of working for yourself is a major draw, that freedom comes with a price tag of constant responsibility. You have to be okay with the grit. You have to be okay with the uncertainty. Most importantly, you have to realize that you can’t do everything: at least not forever.

2. Relationships Are the Heartbeat of Business

If there is one thing I am sure of, it’s that business is built on relationships, not just transactions. Every breakthrough I’ve had, every successful workshop, and every client win came down to the strength of the connection we built.

• Trust is your greatest currency. People don't just buy a service; they invest in you.

• Community is a lifeline. Without a network of fellow leaders and friends, the isolation of entrepreneurship can be overwhelming.

• Authenticity wins. Showing up as your true self: flaws, faith, and all: is what draws the right people to your mission.

3. The Necessity of a Clear Plan (and the Grit to Execute It)

I’ve spent a lot of time helping others set intentions and lead with clarity, and for good reason. Without a clear plan, you are just throwing spaghetti at the wall. But having a plan isn't enough; you need the discipline to execute it when the initial excitement fades.

Business requires a blueprint. You need to know how you’re going to get from point A to point B, and you need to understand the "how" of your execution. If the execution isn't working, it’s not always the plan that’s broken: sometimes it’s the pace.

4. Mental Wealth is Non-Negotiable

This might be the most important lesson of all: running a business will stretch your mental state to its limits. If your mind isn't right, your business won't be either. We often talk about financial health, but mental health is the true foundation of sustainable leadership.

Entrepreneurship tests your patience, your confidence, and your resilience. I’ve realized that being in a good mental state isn’t a luxury: it’s a business requirement. Taking this hiatus is my way of protecting my peace and ensuring that whatever I do next, I am doing it from a place of wholeness, not depletion.

Anchored by Faith

I’ve shared a lot about strategy and grit, but I’d be remiss if I didn't mention the foundation of it all: my faith. There have been moments in this journey where, quite frankly, I would have faltered without my relationship with God.

When things got tough, He was my anchor. When I felt lost, He provided the light. And as I step into this season of stillness, I am not afraid of the "empty space" on my calendar. Instead, I am leaning into it. I’ve learned so much, and now I’m simply looking forward to what God has next for me. Whether that means returning to consulting with a new fire or pivoting into a different calling, I know that His plans are always better than my own.

Looking Ahead: A Reflection for You

As I take this time to breathe and listen, I want to leave you with a few questions to reflect on in your own journey:

• Are you running your business, or is your business running you?

• When was the last time you sat in stillness to hear your own "why"?

• Are you protecting your mental wealth as fiercely as your bank account?

I don't have all the answers yet, and that’s okay. This season is about finding them. I invite you to stay connected with me as I navigate this pause. You can still browse our blog for resources and leadership tips while I’m away.

Thank you for being part of the TM Training and Consulting family. Here's to the beauty of the pause and the clarity that comes from stillness.

With gratitude and faith,

Tywanna Taylor

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