Summary of "My Digital Farmer Podcast" Episode 288: "How Much Longer?... The Value and Purpose of Waiting in Business"

Introduction

In Episode 288 of the My Digital Farmer Podcast, host Corinna Bench delves into the often-overlooked aspect of waiting within the entrepreneurial journey. Moving away from her usual focus on practical marketing strategies, Corinna explores the mindset and inherent value of waiting periods in business and personal growth. Drawing from her personal experiences, including a significant health challenge, she offers insights and reflections aimed at helping listeners find purpose and growth during times of uncertainty and delay.

Personal Reflections on Waiting

Corinna begins by posing a fundamental question to her audience: "What are you waiting for in your business?" (00:00). She emphasizes that waiting is a critical component of entrepreneurship that is seldom discussed. Sharing her own journey, Corinna reveals that she has been navigating a period of waiting due to a health issue over the past year. This personal struggle has provided her with profound insights into the value of patience and perseverance.

Understanding the Benefits of Waiting

One of the central themes Corinna explores is the potential benefits that come with waiting. She encourages listeners to reframe their perception of waiting from a negative to a positive experience.

• Motion in Stagnation: Corinna introduces a metaphor comparing physical stillness to molecular motion, illustrating that even when things appear stagnant, there is underlying movement. She states, "Everything in the universe is shaking and moving... Even when we feel like we're stuck, we're not actually stuck because we're living in a fluid environment" (16:30). This perspective helps listeners recognize subtle progress and ongoing activity during their waiting periods.

• Waiting as a Strategic Pause: Corinna suggests that waiting might be intentional, serving as a period for mastering skills or preparing for future success. She asks, "What if your waiting is happening for you?" (35:45), prompting listeners to consider that delays might be opportunities for growth, learning, and strategic positioning.

Seasons of Waiting in Life and Business

Corinna draws parallels between natural seasons and the phases of waiting in life and business. She highlights various instances where waiting is inherent:

• Gestation and Development: Just as a child takes time to develop and reach milestones, businesses and personal goals require time to mature.

• Paying Dues: Corinna references the necessity of enduring initial challenges and "boring" tasks to achieve long-term success, much like her son learning through the early years of an aviation program.

• Cathedral Moments: Building something enduring, like a cathedral, takes time and often involves multiple contributors over extended periods. Corinna likens this to creating significant projects or brands in business.

• Crucible Moments: Difficult and transformative experiences refine individuals, preparing them for future challenges and successes.

Practical Exercises and Mindset Shifts

Throughout the episode, Corinna provides actionable exercises and thought-provoking questions to help listeners navigate their waiting periods:

1. Identify Benefits of Waiting: She encourages listeners to list at least three positive outcomes that could arise from their current waiting situation.

2. Recognize Ongoing Motion: Corinna advises documenting all forms of progress, no matter how small, to counter feelings of stagnation.

3. Embrace Waiting as a Gift: By viewing waiting as a protective and preparatory phase, listeners can find peace and purpose in their current states.

Corinna shares her own practices, such as journaling and working with a coach, which have been instrumental in her coping and growth during her health challenges.

Trusting the Process and Future Self

A significant portion of the episode focuses on trusting oneself and the broader process. Corinna emphasizes the importance of:

• Focusing on the Journey: Instead of fixating solely on outcomes, appreciating the evolution and personal growth that occur during the journey.

• Trusting Future Self: Believing in one's ability to navigate challenges and achieve goals, even when the path is unclear. She states, "Do you trust your future self to know what to do next week, next month...?" (58:20).

• Setting Boundaries: Corinna discusses the necessity of establishing boundaries to protect one's time and energy, especially during vulnerable periods.

Letting Go of Attachments

Corinna explores the concept of detaching from specific outcomes to reduce stress and increase flexibility. She advises:

• Redefining Success: Allowing oneself to adjust goals and definitions of success as circumstances evolve.

• Surrendering Control: Letting go of the need to micromanage how and when goals are achieved, fostering a more adaptable and resilient mindset.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Corinna concludes the episode by reinforcing the idea that waiting periods are integral to growth and success. She urges listeners to:

• Appreciate Progress: Recognize and celebrate the small victories and learnings that occur during waiting times.

• Journal and Reflect: Utilize provided PDFs and reflection questions to delve deeper into personal experiences with waiting.

• Embrace the Process: Accept that waiting is not a setback but a necessary phase for achieving meaningful and lasting success.

In her final words, Corinna encourages her audience to release any negative feelings associated with waiting and to trust in the unfolding of their journeys. She leaves listeners with the affirmation, "You are right where you need to be," fostering a sense of assurance and optimism.

Notable Quotes

• "Everything in the universe is shaking and moving... Even when we feel like we're stuck, we're not actually stuck because we're living in a fluid environment." (16:30)

• "What if your waiting is happening for you?" (35:45)

• "Do you trust your future self to know what to do next week, next month...?" (58:20)

• "You are right where you need to be." (End of Episode)

Final Thoughts

Episode 288 of the My Digital Farmer Podcast offers a heartfelt and introspective look at the role of waiting in both business and personal life. Corinna Bench's vulnerability and wisdom provide valuable lessons on patience, resilience, and the unseen progress that occurs during times of waiting. By shifting perspectives and embracing the journey, listeners are empowered to find strength and purpose in every phase of their entrepreneurial endeavors.