Why Slowing Down Could Be Your Best Business Strategy This Financial Year

How Taking Time to Reflect, Reset and Refocus Can Set You Up for Long-Term Success

July looked very different to May and June.

After an incredibly busy couple of months, I knew something had to change. In June alone, I was only home for eight days. Between client meetings, strategy sessions, grant submissions, travel, going to NZ to be bridesmaid and end of financial year deadlines, life was full. My business was certainly productive, but I also recognised that the pace I was maintaining wasn't sustainable in the long term.

As FY26 came to a close, I realised that if I wanted to start FY27 strong, I couldn't just keep pushing harder. I needed to slow down.

So that's exactly what I did.

I made a conscious decision to spend quality time with my family and step away from the day-to-day demands of work. I enjoyed (quite) a few rounds of golf, read a couple of books, took the caravan to Charlotte Plains for four days and had an amazing time, and I found myself cooking more and simply enjoying being at home. I also managed to book in those appointments that I had been putting off – like the optometrist, a facial and my car service. None of these activities were particularly extraordinary, but together they gave me the space I needed to slow down, think clearly, rest and recharge.

It also reminded me of something I often forget in business. Rest isn't the opposite of productivity - it's part of it.

When we're constantly busy, it's easy to mistake movement for progress. We tick off tasks, answer emails, attend meetings and jump from one deadline to the next and before long, we're operating on autopilot.

The problem is that autopilot rarely leaves room for strategy or intentional growth or impact.

Looking back, FY26 was my biggest year yet (revenue-wise). I worked with fantastic organisations, submitted more grants than ever, delivered strategic planning projects and provided financial support that helped not-for-profit CEOs free up their time and focus on leading their organisations.

I'm incredibly grateful for the trust our clients place in me and I absolutely loved the last year in business.

But success also brings a new challenge. It's tempting to keep doing exactly what you've been doing because it's working. Sometimes that's the right decision. Other times, it's worth stepping back and asking a few simple questions.

What's working?

What's no longer serving us?

Where do I want to be in 12 months?

Those questions are difficult to answer when you're running from one task to the next.

That's why I believe every business needs intentional pauses.

Not because you're burnt out, not because things are going badly, but because the best decisions are rarely made in the middle of the chaos.

I see this with many of the not-for-profit organisations I work alongside.

Leaders are under enormous pressure. Funding applications need submitting. Boards need reporting. Budgets need reviewing. Teams need supporting. The work never really stops.

Yet taking a moment to pause, regroup and reset often saves far more time than simply pushing through.

The same applies to grant funding.

A successful grant application isn't about throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. It's about understanding where your organisation is heading, what outcomes you're trying to achieve and which funding opportunities genuinely align with your strategy.

Without that clarity, it's easy to spend hours applying for grants that don't fit, chasing opportunities that won't move the organisation forward.

The strongest applications come from organisations that know their direction.

As I begin FY27, that's the mindset I'm taking with me. I know how I want to spend my time, what new things to introduce and also ensure that I also build a sustainable business that works for me and my family.

Yes, I'll continue helping organisations secure funding, strengthen their strategy and build financial confidence. But I'll also keep making space to think before I act.

Because sometimes the fastest way forward is to slow down first.

If you've raced through the end of financial year and rolled straight into the next one, perhaps now is the perfect time to hit pause.

Review your strategy.

Look at what's delivering the biggest impact.

Decide what deserves your energy over the next 12 months.

The work will still be there tomorrow.

You'll just be in a much better position to tackle it.

Ready to reset your strategy?

If the end of financial year has left you feeling like you've been running on autopilot, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect. The strongest organisations don't just work harder. They take the time to review what's working, refocus on what matters most and create a clear plan for the year ahead.

If you'd like support to review your strategy, identify funding opportunities or map out your next 12 months, I'd love to help.

Book a discovery call with Liz using the booking link here