Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

In this solo episode I share three of my favourite mantras — simple phrases that have helped me stay grounded, keep perspective, and keep moving through the ups and downs of running a creative business. I talk honestly about the challenges of comparison, perfectionism, and the isolation that can come with working alone, and how these little reminders can help steady our thoughts and ease self-doubt.

Episode themes:

• How simple mantras can help steady your thoughts and ease self-doubt.
• Recognising and managing comparison and perfectionism in a creative business.
• The value of community and support for sustaining wellbeing and creativity.
• Reflection and action: celebrating wins, sharing work, and nurturing your support network.
• Noticing the phrases that resonate with you and using them to guide your work.

Episode highlights:

• 00:38 Why small phrases can have a big impact
• 02:19 Tackling comparison: “Comparison is the thief of joy”
• 05:30 Moving past perfectionism: “Done is better than perfect”
• 09:20 Leaning on your support network: “It takes a village”
• 13:01 Finding your own grounding words

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

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For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com