Flow or Force. How to Tell the Difference

Ever feel like you're pushing a boulder uphill in your business? That’s force.

Flow feels different. It’s not always smooth or easy, but it feels aligned. Like you’re moving with your energy—not against it.

Force looks like:

• Hustling because you think you should

• Doing what worked for someone else, even though it drains you

• Saying yes when your gut says no

• Feeling scattered, rushed, or constantly behind

• Resenting the work, you used to love

Flow feels like:

• Ideas that land with ease (even if the work still takes effort)

• Clear boundaries that make you feel safe and spacious

• Attracting clients who energise you

• Working with intention, not urgency

• Feeling grounded—even when things are busy

This doesn’t mean you never face resistance. All businesses have hard days.

There’s a big difference between stretching yourself in a healthy way vs. running on fumes.

Questions to ask:

• Am I doing this because it works for me, or because I think I should?

• Does this feel spacious or stressful?

• What would this look like if it was easy?

• If I could do this my way, what would change?

Tips to move from force to flow:

• Take breaks before you need them

• Notice what drains vs. what energises you

• Create routines that support how you work best

• Let go of the "shoulds" and listen to your instincts

When in doubt, pause, step away from your laptop, or put your phone down.

Reconnect with your breath. Choose what feels grounded.

Flow isn’t fluffy or woo woo. It’s efficient, sustainable, and smart.