The Valley of Disappointment: What It Feels Like (and How to Walk Through It)

When I started HavenlyCount, I imagined momentum right away. A few Instagram posts, a shiny new website, and I thought the clients would start rolling in. Instead, I found myself in what James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) calls “the Valley of Disappointment.”

It’s that stage where you’re working hard — posting, networking, building systems — but it feels like nothing’s happening. No “yes,” no clients (yet), no proof that it’s working. And your brain whispers: “Maybe this won’t work at all.”

Sound familiar? If you’re in the early days of building a business, you might know exactly what I mean.

Here’s what I’ve learned about getting through it:

1. Remember your blueprint, not the voice.
   That little voice that says “you’re behind” is not truth. It’s just fear. Your plan (your blueprint, your systems, your services) is truth.

2. Redefine progress.
   A booked client isn’t the only win. Each post, each outreach, each conversation is a seed planted. Seeds don’t sprout instantly, but they will sprout if you keep planting.

3. Track visible actions, not just results.
   I keep a simple tracker: Did I post this week? Did I reach out to one person? Did I show up for my business? That way, even if the “yeses” haven’t landed, I see proof that I’m moving forward.

4. Find small joys in the meantime.
   For me, it’s coffee, my dogs, or even posting something playful with my mascot, Vincent 🧛📊. It reminds me that my business isn’t just about income — it’s about building the life I want.

5. Trust that momentum is lumpy, not linear.
   The valley feels endless… until it doesn’t. Often, the first yes unlocks the second and third in quick succession.

Final Thought

If you’re in your own Valley of Disappointment, you’re not alone. Every business owner I’ve admired has walked through it. And the only way out is through. Keep showing up. Keep planting seeds. Your yeses are closer than you think.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in your business finances, that’s where I come in. Book a call and let’s bring clarity to your numbers.