As business owners, we’re often expected to work harder, hustle longer hours, and push through roadblocks without losing any momentum. But what if that model is outdated? What if that hustle culture is really setting us up to fail?
What if the key to creativity and motivation didn’t come from sitting at our desks longer but grew during the time we spent away from the office?
When we can move our bodies, get out of our day-to-day tasks, and think bigger—THAT is when our creativity starts to grow.
Months ago, I decided to train for the 29029 Eversting hike in Whistler, Canada. It’s an experience where you summit a mountain as many times as it would take to climb the height of Everest (which, yes, DOES sound crazy!).
I thought this experience would be purely a physical test. But I realised that it was SO much more than that. It ended up being a journey that reshaped how I see my business and its growth.
Moving my body up that mountain eight times over, all under 36 hours, definitely pushed my physical limits, but it also opened my mind, gave me clarity, and gave me new ideas that I would have never had sitting in front of my laptop.
That is the power of movement. The power of novelty. The power of getting out to do something new. And it can transform your business.
Movement Actually Unlocks Creativity and Innovation (It’s been studied!)
When I started that first ascent in Whistler, I was focused on the physical challenge ahead of me—each step, each ascent that I needed to complete.
But as my body started to get into a rhythm, as I started to think less about each step and more about the beautiful scenery around me, my mind started to clear. I started having new ideas. Big-picture ideas about my business and where I want it to go. The problems I had been wrestling with suddenly didn’t feel as complicated.
That hike showed me just how important it is to get out of our usual environments and just MOVE.
There have been countless studies that show the impact of physical movement on our creativity and problem-solving abilities.
One Stanford study found that walking boosts your creative output by an average 60%. Another study found that participants who walked, rather than sat, produced more creative responses on divergent thinking tasks, a key measure of creativity.
The act of moving your body helps your brain think differently. It stimulates the parts of the brain that lead to “out of the box” thinking.
And that type of thinking is essential when it comes to problem-solving in our businesses.
When we sit at our desks all day, stuck in front of a screen, our brains get complacent. But getting that regular physical movement creates space for us to think. It shakes things loose. It lets your creativity flow.
Now, I’m NOT saying you need to hike the height of Everest to get that movement in. Even just a 10-minute walk can be enough to spark new ideas and give your brain the reset it needs.
The mind-body connection for business growth is powerful. Movement opens up opportunities for new ideas.
Stepping Away to See the Big Picture
During my hike, I could have easily focused on how overwhelming each individual summit was. But instead, I found that when I zoomed out and looked at the bigger picture, it became easier to keep moving.
That’s a lesson we can all apply to our businesses.
So often, we get caught up in the daily to-dos. We focus on the small fires that need to be put out, and we forget to actually step back and look at the big picture. But stepping away from the details is essential if you want to carve out a long-term path for growth.
So, I challenge you to do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do in your work day. If you’re used to hermiting-away in your office for 8 hours straight, go for a walk right in the middle of the day. If you’re slogging through your to-do list, take an hour to get outside, meet up with another entrepreneur friend, and talk about where you want your business to be in a few years.
When we get caught up in the details, I’ve found that it’s easier to lose the passion for what we do. But taking the time to zoom out reignites that fire—and gives you some appreciation for how far you’ve come.
The Power of Community
One of the most surprising (but BEST) parts of my Whistler hike was the community.
The whole time, I was never climbing alone. Along the way there were volunteers, fellow hikers, and so many supporters cheering me on. When I almost quit on the second ascent, with the rain coming down in sheets and the ground beneath me turning to mud, it was my community that kept me going and pushed me forward.
And it’s the same in business. Even though being a business owner can feel lonely, you don’t have to climb along.
Building a supportive community is one of the most powerful ways to grow long-term. And that’s exactly what the HerBusiness Network is all about. We’re a community of like-minded women who are there to push each other forward, learn new strategies together, and support each other’s growth.
The same way I had people supporting me during the ascents, you can have a community of women entrepreneurs cheering you on (and giving you decades-worth of insights!). Business networking and collaboration make the whole journey a lot easier AND more rewarding. And you don’t have to reach the top alone.
Movement + Community + Vision = The Formula for Business Success
During my Everesting hike, I realised that it was far more than a physical challenge (though I will NOT underplay how difficult it was—my feet are still sore). But it was a lesson in how movement, community, and stepping back to see the big picture are all essential for business growth.
Whether you’re climbing your own mountain or just need to take a short walk to clear your head, movement opens up the mental space for creativity and new ideas. And having a strong community is what keeps you going when things get tough.
The mind-body connection for business growth is real. So take a step away. Move your body. Lean into community. And watch how the clarity and connections you build help you reach new heights.
And, if you’d like to get on the list to join the HerBusiness Network, you can join the waitlist here. We typically only open membership twice a year, so getting on the waitlist is the best way to be notified when we open up spots.
I hope to see you inside the community soon!
And, if you’d like to listen to the podcast episode all about my Everesting hike, head over to herbusiness.com/275.
Here’s to doing what you love,
Suzi
