Have you ever felt stretched thin, trying to juggle all the responsibilities of family, business, ministry, volunteer positions, and personal growth—while staying faithful to the call God has placed on your life? If so, you’re not alone.
One of the hardest, yet most necessary, lessons we must learn is when to scale back so we can grow forward. Scaling back doesn’t mean giving up; it means creating space for what truly matters in this season. It means recognizing that not everything (or everyone) is meant to go with you into the next chapter of your life and business.
Sharing ONE lesson from my own journey…
For a while, I struggled with where to fit in writing the Prayer Book that I committed to years ago. People kept asking about it, but between family, coaching, business, ministry, and my free Facebook group, and more–there never seemed to be enough time.
Then, I realized recently: it was time to release something. The free group I had been offering—though it once served a purpose—was no longer aligned with where God was leading me. At the same time, He was opening more teaching and speaking doors in both my business and ministry. To keep up, I had to reevaluate who I am serving through my business and make sure I was focusing on the women He has assigned to me, not just providing information to those who don’t truly need it.
When I prayed for clarity, and made a move, I noticed something: people were unsubscribing from my email list. I was discouraged at first but then instead of feeling discouraged, I began to understand what was happening. God was pruning. The shift in my audience wasn’t rejection—it was realignment. And that realization gave me peace.
What is Scaling back?
Scaling back is intentionally pruning areas of your life, work, and commitments so you can grow stronger, healthier, and more aligned with God’s purpose. Just like a gardener prunes branches so a plant can bear more fruit, we, too, must release things that are no longer serving our growth. Every time I have over the years of my life it’s been an uncomfortable and ultimately beneficial shift!
Why is this important?
There is a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
If we hold on to what once worked but is no longer fruitful, we risk missing what God is trying to do now. It won’t always be comfortable to let go of certain people, positions, or places where we’ve invested our time and energy—but it may be necessary. Read that again. I did because even though I wrote it to you, I have to be reminded!!
- That volunteer role that drains your time but no longer fuels your spirit? It may be time to step away.
- That client who is no longer aligned with your mission? It may be time to bless and release them.
- That business project you started out of obligation rather than purpose? It may be time to let it go.
Letting go is not failure. It is faith. Faith that God has something greater ahead.
Seasons Change—and that’s Okay
As women of God, business owners, career leaders, and nurturers, we must learn to embrace the shifts that come with each season. Holding onto what is past its time only clutters our capacity for new growth.
Today, I encourage you to ask:
➡ What is God calling me to scale back on?
➡ What am I holding onto out of fear, comfort, or obligation?
➡ What do I need to release so I can receive the new thing He is doing?
Friend, God is faithful. If He is leading you to scale back in certain areas, it’s because He is preparing you for greater.
Praying for your clarity and courage in this season.
Blessings,
Lisa Shaw
Web: LisaShawCares.com
Email: Lisa@LisaShawCares.com
P.S. If this resonated with you, hit reply and let me know what area you feel God leading you to scale back in. Let’s walk this out together!
