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THE CRUSH THE RUSH BLOG

A blog dedicated to helping female business owners design their dream job without spending hours online.

WELCOME TO

THE CRUSH THE RUSH BLOG

A blog dedicated to helping female business owners design their dream job without spending hours online.

A Behind-the-Scenes Reset for Life-First Entrepreneurs

blog business systems engagement strategy motivation Aug 13, 2025
business strategist for female entrepreneurs Holly Haynes

When you see over 500 episodes of a show, it’s easy to assume it started with a clear business plan, branding, and strategy.

Not here.

In March 2020 — yep, that March — the world was shutting down. I was still in corporate, raising twins, and wondering if I could create something meaningful outside of my 9-to-5.

I didn’t have the name Crush the Rush finalized. I didn’t have a monetization plan. I didn’t even know exactly what my business model would be.

But I had one thing:

A vision to mentor women who wanted businesses that didn’t run them into the ground.

So I decided to start a podcast.

What I didn’t realize at the time?

That podcast would become my testing ground, my marketing engine, and the heartbeat of a business that’s now built entirely around life priorities — not hustle culture.

The Early Days: Productivity and Possibility

In the beginning, I leaned into productivity tips — because I thought that’s what people wanted.

I shared:

  • Time-blocking strategies

  • How to batch content

  • Calendar hacks to get more done

And while I still love a good productivity tool, over time I got braver.
I started sharing the real strategies I used in my corporate career — the ones that allowed me to launch and grow a business from scratch during a pandemic… while being a mom of twins.

It became the puzzle I loved solving:

  • What are the exact steps to grow sustainably?

  • What levers actually move the needle?

  • How do you scale without losing your life in the process?

Growth, Guests, and the Quiet Reset

Fast-forward to today:
Over 500 episodes, an audience that’s grown into the thousands, and interviews with incredible guests like Jenna Kutcher, Amy Porterfield, and Ellen Yin.

But recently, something shifted.

This past summer, I stepped back. Not because we were stuck — but because I wanted to get intentional again.

We had just added over 2,000 new email subscribers in 90 days. Revenue was steady. Momentum was there.

But instead of riding the wave on autopilot, I paused to ask:

“What’s next? And how can we make sure it truly reflects what matters most?”

What the New Season Looks Like

We’re calling it a CTR Reset — not a rebrand for the sake of it, but a realignment.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Logo + colors: A fresh look that reflects calm confidence.

  • Intro + cover: Updated for clarity and energy.

  • Interview questions: Sharper, more tactical, and story-driven.

Here’s what’s staying:

  • The mission — helping you build a business that works for your real life.

  • The life-first business philosophy — your priorities come first, then your business model.

You’ll start hearing:

  • Personal updates: Behind-the-scenes of running a sustainable business.

  • Client stories: Not just wins, but the messy, real-life context.

  • No-fluff strategies: Less theory, more “here’s exactly what to do next.”

What It’s Looked Like for Me

This summer, my “life-first” looked like:

  • Less social media (I always feel better when I’m not scrolling daily).

  • More intention (every task had a purpose).

  • Being where my feet are (focusing on one thing each day).

  • Small rewards (record a podcast → take a walk outside).

  • Remembering I’m more than my business (welcoming more guests who speak to mindset and soul work).

I took two months off from recording new episodes.
I emailed my list just once a week.
I traveled.
I took more midweek walks than I have in years.

And guess what? Nothing broke.
Revenue still came in. Clients still got results.

That was my proof:
It is absolutely possible to grow without burning out.

Introducing a new private podcast series that’s just for you if you’re sick of all the Instagram BS! (or insert social channel of your choice). You can build a business without being a slave to the social engine. Grab the free series.

Your Turn: Building a Life-First Business

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering:

“Okay, but how do I make this shift for myself?”

Here’s how to start.

Step 1: Define Your Life Priorities

Before you even touch your calendar, define what matters most this season.

Ask yourself:

  • “What would my business look like if it was truly built around my life priorities?”

  • “If I had to choose just one thing to focus on this season, what would it be?”

Example:
If your priority is being present for your kids’ after-school hours, maybe that means no client calls after 3 p.m. — and restructuring offers around that boundary.

Step 2: Audit Where You’re Overcomplicating

Look at every recurring task in your business and ask:

“Could this be systemized, batched, or delegated?”

Example:
If you’re writing Instagram captions daily, switch to batching one month’s worth in a single 2-hour block.

Step 3: Identify What Can Run Without You

Ask:

  • “If I took two months off, what could keep running without me?”

Example:
Automate your lead magnet delivery and nurture sequence. That way, new email subscribers get value instantly — even while you’re offline.

Step 4: Redefine Success

When’s the last time you wrote down what success looks like now?

It might be:

  • Revenue AND flexibility.

  • Consistent client results AND time to travel.

  • Building a legacy AND enjoying the day-to-day.

Step 5: Build Your Next 90 Days Around Peace + Profit

Ask:

  • “What would make my next 90 days feel both peaceful and profitable?”

Example:
If your goal is to onboard two new clients, focus on one lead-generation method (like guest podcasts) instead of scattering your energy across five platforms.

Practical Prompts to Keep You Aligned

Here are some you can journal on, use as social media prompts, or bring to your mastermind:

  1. What’s one thing you’re doing this month that puts your life first?

  2. What would your next 90 days look like if “peace” was the metric?

  3. Where could a small system save you hours this week?

  4. Which offer could be simplified or combined?

What We Want for You

This is your reminder:

  • You don’t have to hustle 24/7.

  • You don’t need a bro-marketing playbook.

  • You can hit your revenue goals and take a vacation.

  • You can be a present parent and a powerful CEO.

The Crush the Rush Podcast is entering a new chapter — and you’re invited to build your business the intentional way.

So tell me:

What does a life-first business mean to you?

Send me a DM and let me know. Let’s start the conversation.

 Explore More:

Download the Freebie

Skip the burnout and get access to my free 5-day CEO Week Challenge.

Our most downloaded resource! Add your details below to join our FREE 5-day CEO Week Challenge and learn the exact schedule and toolkit to grow your business in as little as 8-10 hours a week.

Download the Freebie

Skip the burnout and get access to my free 5-day CEO Week Challenge.

Our most downloaded resource! Add your details below to join our FREE 5-day CEO Week Challenge and learn the exact schedule and toolkit to grow your business in as little as 8-10 hours a week.

WAIT! THERE IS MORE!

Are you bursting with ideas and wondering how the heck you are going to find time to make it happen?

Imagine your time management fairy god-mother coming in to wave her magic wand and show you a better way! And actually, see results. we combine productivity best practices, business strategy, and community support to help you get to the next level without burnout.

JOIN THE CRUSH THE RUSH CLUB

Holly Marie Haynes is a business strategy coach, podcaster, mom of twins, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand. She helps women create simple scaleable offers and systems to grow to multiple 6-figures.

Holly Marie Haynes is a business strategy coach, podcaster, mom of twins, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand. She helps women create simple scaleable offers and systems to grow to multiple 6-figures.