Stepping Back in Peaks of Success: 3 things I learned by going offline in my busiest time

Stepping Back in Peaks of Success: The Power of Disconnecting to Reconnect

Would you be willing to take a step back from a highly engaged community and social media at the height of great things in your business?

I did just that and learned some really valuable things from the process.

Why I Stepped Off the Carousel: The Courage to Disconnect, Overcome FOMO, and Deliver Greater Value

Stepping back from the spotlight, especially during a time of high delivery and some really great successes, might seem like a radical move—but sometimes, the most transformative decisions are the ones that defy convention.

I decided to do just that - taking a massive leap of faith in taking time out from writing my regular Monday Mojo's to my amazing community and most recently, after one of my most important events of the year, I took 30 days pretty much of social media.

We are in a modern world of constant connectivity  - where our online presence is often equated with success, taking a step back might seem counterintuitive—especially during one of your busiest and most successful years.

Yet, that’s exactly what I did. After nearly a year away from blogging and 30 days off social media, I’ve gained invaluable insights that have not only reshaped my approach but also deepened my ability to serve my clients.

This experience taught me three core lessons about the power of stepping away, overcoming FOMO, and navigating the fear of disconnecting from a community you cherish.

Let's dive in:

1. The Courage to Step Off the Carousel

The decision to step away from the perpetual cycle of social media and content creation requires a unique blend of courage and self-awareness. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that if you’re not constantly visible, you’re not relevant.

But here’s the truth: relevance is built on value, not visibility.

The courage to disconnect is about trusting that your worth doesn’t diminish when you’re not actively engaging online.

This point can be heavily argued both for and against - however when it comes to weighing up your brand, your promise and your authentic connection to why you are creating valuable impact - taking time to regroup rather than being a content factory is not always a negative thing and with risk comes reward.

Stepping off the carousel means embracing a new kind of productivity—one that isn’t measured by likes, shares, or comments but by the depth of your impact on the people you serve.

It’s about shifting focus from broad reach to deep engagement, and that starts with giving yourself the space to think, reflect, and innovate.

My focus during this time was to deliver extraordinary value for my current clients, to listen even more and to dive deeper into a new chapter for the business with a huge project I knew I would need all my energy and conviction for. "Sort of" wasn't going to cut it.

2. Overcoming FOMO: How to Stay Grounded and Focused

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a powerful force, particularly in an age where the next big thing is always just a scroll away.

When you step back, it’s natural to worry that you’ll miss key opportunities, fall behind, or lose touch with your community. But the reality is that the most important work often happens when you’re not looking and also when others may not be either!

To overcome FOMO, it’s essential to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

Trust that the right opportunities will come to you and that by focusing on your core mission, you’re actually positioning yourself to attract what truly matters.

Stay grounded by setting clear intentions for your time off, and remind yourself that this break is an investment in your long-term success.

Whilst I have not been on social media and took a huge break from blogs and emails - my connection to my day to day clients, their needs and deliverables never wavered.

It was abut where my focus was - not for it to be spread across too many areas and dilute the quality.

3. Navigating the Fear of Disconnection

One of the hardest parts of stepping back is the fear that you’re letting down the very community you’ve worked so hard to build.

I care deeply about our clients, followers, and supporters, and the thought of disengaging can be daunting. But it’s important to remember that your community values you for your insights, authenticity, and leadership—not just your constant presence.

When fear comes up, use it as a signal to reconnect with your purpose.

I asked myself:

• How can I serve my community even better when I return?

• How can I use this time to understand their needs more deeply?

By focusing on these questions, you’ll not only ease the fear but also come back stronger, with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader offer that suits a wider range of budgets and needs.

The Pros and Cons of Disconnecting

Pros:

• Clarity and Focus: Stepping back gives you the mental space to see the bigger picture, refine your goals, and identify new opportunities.

• Enhanced Creativity: Without the constant noise of social media, you can tap into a deeper level of creativity, leading to more innovative solutions for your clients.

• Renewed Energy: Taking time off allows you to recharge, reducing burnout and increasing your capacity to deliver high-value work.

Cons:

• Temporary Disconnect: You might miss out on immediate trends or conversations, but remember that this is only temporary, and the benefits often outweigh the short-term loss.

• Fear of Irrelevance: It’s natural to worry about being forgotten, but in reality, a strategic break can make your return even more impactful.

• Missing the Community: You may feel a sense of loss from not engaging with your audience, but this can also strengthen your commitment to delivering value when you return.

A Deep Dive into Client Value and Broader Offerings

During my time away, I focused on one key area: delivering high value to my clients. This involved diving deeper into the challenges they face, understanding their pain points, and exploring how I could offer more tailored solutions.

• The result? A broader range of offerings that cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring that I can support my community more effectively.

By stepping back, I was able to reassess how I can provide even greater value—not just for my top-tier clients but across the board.

Whether it’s through more accessible resources, personalised coaching, our new digital offerings, and I’m now better equipped to meet the diverse needs of my community.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Power of Stepping Back

Taking a break from social media and content creation is not about retreating from your mission; it’s about refining it.

It’s about understanding that true leadership isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being effective.

By having the courage to step off the carousel, overcoming the fear of missing out, and navigating the fear of disconnection, you position yourself to deliver greater value and make a more significant impact when you return.

So, if you’ve been feeling the pull to step back, I encourage you to listen to it. The carousel will keep spinning, but sometimes the most powerful moves happen when you step off and take a moment to pause, reflect, and realign with your purpose.