If you’ve ever wondered why one week you can knock out all your work with ease, execute an idea with ease, network like a pro, or tackle your inbox like a boss, but the next week you can barely form a sentence – you’re not broken. You’re just hormonal.
And we don’t mean that as something negative and it’s surely not a weakness. It’s wisdom!
As women, our bodies move through a 28–35 day hormonal cycle that impacts how we think, feel, and work. Basic tasks can feel like complete overwhelm on some day and unfortunately we can not just stop working (nor do we) when our bodies aren’t feeling up to the task.
But here’s the truth: as an entrepreneur when you learn to align your business tasks with your natural energy cycles, everything changes. You stop pushing against yourself and start working in flow. This isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about running your small business smarter.
The 4 Phases of Your Cycle and Their Superpowers
Your cycle isn’t just about your period. It’s a monthly pattern that affects your brain, energy, mood, and performance. Each phase brings strengths you can leverage as a CEO. Let’s break down the four phases of your cycle, what they’re good for, and how to build your entrepreneurial rhythm around them.
1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
Theme: Rest & Reflection
Hormones: Estrogen levels rise slightly and progesterone drop
Mindset Support: Go inward. Get quiet.
Your energy will probably be low during this phase, so this is your most introspective time. Your brain wants rest, not output. Instead of fighting it, use it strategically.
Best tasks for entrepreneurs:
- Review your monthly metrics (what worked, what didn’t)
- Journal or mind-map for clarity
- Revisit your long-term vision or annual goals
- Delegate and protect your calendar from meetings
Give yourself permission to slow down. Rest is not a reward – it’s fuel for your next phase.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 6–13)
Theme: New Ideas & Energy
Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone levels rise
Mindset Support: Play and experiment.
With the rise of your Estrogen, so does your energy – This is your “get stuff started” phase. Energy is high, motivation is up, and your brain is wired for creativity and planning.
Best tasks for entrepreneurs:
- Brainstorm marketing ideas or new offers
- Map out project plans or campaigns
- Write content, blog posts, or email sequences
- Try something new: a different reel format, an event, a pitch
- Learn something new – take online courses or seminars to further your expertise
Think of this as your spring season. Plant new seeds and take inspired action.
3. Ovulation Phase (Days 14–17)
Theme: Visibility & Communication
Hormones: Estrogen and testosterone levels peak
Mindset Support: Be seen. Be bold.
This is your superpower phase for connection and confidence. You’re most magnetic, social, and articulate – aka perfect for front-facing work.
Best tasks for entrepreneurs:
- Go live on Instagram or host a workshop
- Pitch yourself for podcasts or collaborations (make sure to schedule these in your phase of your cycle and don’t over commit yourself)
- Network, schedule discovery calls, close sales
- Launch something! Ride the wave of charisma
Your voice is powerful here – use it.
4. Luteal Phase (Days 18–28)
Theme: Detail & Completion
Hormones: Estrogen & Progesterone levels start high, but begins to drop (if not pregnant)
Mindset Support: Ground and focus.
Energy begins to dip, you may feel sluggish or even have a sense of depression. Avoid trying to start something new because you won’t have the energy or the excitement for it. Shift yourself into a detail-oriented, analytical mode and focus on mundane tasks.
Best tasks for entrepreneurs:
- Edit your website, offers, or content
- Finalize client deliverables or invoices
- Organize backend systems or prep automations
- Record trainings, create SOPs, and close loops
It’s your harvest season. Wrap up, reflect, and wind down.
Let Go of the “Push Through” Mentality
You’re not lazy. You’re a part of a natural cycle. And when we try to work like our energy is the same every day, we end up burnt out, resentful, and unproductive.
Embracing your cycle is not about doing less. It’s about doing the right things at the right time and creating a sustainable rhythm that fuels creativity and results.
Create Systems That Flex With You
You don’t need to overhaul your business, just batch smarter.
- Batch visibility/content during ovulation
- Batch strategy + creative planning during follicular
- Batch admin and editing during luteal
- Leave open space or time off during your menstrual phase
Let tools (like content schedulers, autoresponders, and client onboarding automations) support your low-energy days so your business keeps flowing without draining you.
When your energy dips, your mindset can spiral. That’s when doubts creep in, your to-do list feels impossible, and comparison kicks up. But, when you expect the ebb and flow, it doesn’t feel like failure. It feels like wisdom.
Be kind to yourself. Plan ahead. And remember, you are your business’s greatest asset. Treat yourself like one!
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