Floating the River:
TL;DR Summary
Okay, you're in a hurry, here’s the rundown: Business growth, much like floating down a river, has phases. Sometimes you’re paddling with aligned action, sometimes you’re relaxing on the riverbed, and sometimes you’re fully in flow, floating in success. The key is knowing when to engage, when to pause, and when to let the current carry you forward. Reflect on where you are, check your pace, and make sure you’re enjoying the journey.
A Journey Through Business Growth and Strategic Flow
By Kay Sibson
If you’ve ever spent a day floating down a river, you know it’s more than just hopping into an inner tube and drifting. Growing a business shares the same energy—it’s about preparation, knowing the journey, and staying present with each twist and turn. Here in Montana, floating down the river is a summertime ritual, where you park one car at the take-out point, load another with essentials, then drive up the river to launch the float. Business strategy is much the same. You have to plan, pack the right gear, and be open to how things might go, because as with any river, you can’t fully predict the flow.
So, are you paddling, relaxing on the riverbed, or floating in flow?
Paddling: Aligned Action or Hustling Upstream?
Paddling is where the action happens, whether it’s steering away from obstacles or just moving forward with intention. You might even get a thrill from paddling hard, but the truth is, it’s exhausting to paddle nonstop. In business, paddling represents the hustle—a key part of any Business Growth Strategy but not one you can rely on for everything. Too often, we think, “I’ll just get past this one rock, then I can float,” but there’s always another obstacle waiting around the bend. The trick is knowing when paddling serves you and when it’s just hustle for hustle’s sake.
Sometimes, it’s about co-creating with the universe, knowing that your efforts matter but that you’re also working with forces beyond you. There’s a balance between action and surrender that keeps you aligned with the current.
Are you paddling with aligned action, or are you simply pushing upstream?
When was the last time you paused to check if you’re moving in the right direction?
Sitting on the Riverbed: Relaxing or Getting Stuck?
It’s easy to mistake floating for relaxing on the riverbed, but if you’re truly on the riverbed, you’re actually stuck. Sometimes in business, this season of relaxation is a necessary pause—a recalibration where you take a breath, regroup, and reset. You’re choosing not to paddle, and that can be a strategic decision. However, stay there too long, and you lose momentum. In Strategic Business Consulting, these pauses are recognized as essential, but they’re also temporary.
Are you letting yourself relax to enjoy the moment, or are you on the edge of stagnation?
What do you need to pick up and move forward again?
Floating: The Art of Surrender
Floating is the sweet spot: it’s the part of business growth where you’re fully in flow, trusting the river to carry you. When you’re floating, you’re present, you’re ready, and you’re enjoying the success of aligned progress. It’s not about control; it’s about knowing you’re equipped to handle the twists and trusting the journey. In business, true success is a form of surrender—enjoying the momentum, knowing that you’ve got the tools and support to handle any obstacles ahead. Floating can look like a regulated nervous system, balanced Business Strategy, and a support team you trust.
Are you allowing yourself to float and enjoy the moment, or are you always planning for the next rapid?
What can you let go of to stay in the flow a little longer?
Embracing the Journey: It’s All Part of the Flow
Business, like a river, has its own natural flow, and every season is different. You may see others paddling faster, floating with ease, or even hitting riverbed snags of their own. It’s tempting to compare, but each journey is unique, and everyone is in their own season of paddling, relaxing, or floating. Your path isn’t a race; it’s about navigating with intention, connecting with the right support, and choosing to enjoy the view.
What does your business look like on the river right now? Are you paddling, sitting on the bottom, or floating? And are you enjoying it? Because that’s what matters.
Reflective Questions
Where are you in your business journey? Are you paddling, sitting on the riverbed, or floating?
What would your pace look like if it aligned with your current goals? Are you moving forward strategically, or are you caught up in unnecessary hustle?
Who’s in your inner tube? Consider if you have the right people, tools, or support to stay in the flow, and whether it might be time to seek guidance to keep you aligned and moving forward.
About the Author
Kay Sibson is a Creative Business Consultant who empowers entrepreneurs and creatives to achieve sustainable, aligned success through holistic, intuitive strategies. With a dynamic background in technical theater, event planning, and business management, Kay blends her creative insights with practical expertise to help business owners navigate the unknowns of growth with ease and purpose.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
