Taking Inspired Action: A Time For A Bold, Fresh Start.

It is a new year and a time to make a bold, fresh start. 

As an entrepreneur, you’re probably no stranger to the wealth of business books available—each offering unique perspectives and advice. But it’s not often you find one that strikes a balance between being truly inspiring and immediately practical. Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis is one of those rare finds. Chase Jarvis, best known for his groundbreaking work as a photographer and creative entrepreneur, brings a fresh perspective to succeeding in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. In this book, he explores seven powerful levers that can dramatically influence your journey as a business owner:

1. Attention

Jarvis emphasizes that what you pay attention to grows. Whether it’s the direction of your marketing campaigns, your team’s morale, or your bottom line, where you direct your focus can dictate results. In a world saturated with distractions—emails, social media, and constant notifications—entrepreneurs must guard their attention fiercely. Jarvis provides strategies for turning attention into an asset, such as carving out distraction-free time for strategic thinking and identifying the high-impact activities that deserve your undivided focus.

Key Takeaway

By learning to harness attention, you invest your energy where it truly matters. You’ll stay aligned with your vision and make tangible progress on the projects that drive real growth.

2. Time

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how you allocate those hours can make or break your business. Jarvis points out that time is the most valuable resource an entrepreneur has. In Never Play It Safe, he delves into methods for better time management, prioritization, and avoiding the trap of busywork. It’s about maximizing your day with purposeful scheduling, delegating tasks that don’t require your direct involvement, and setting boundaries to protect your personal well-being.

Key Takeaway

Effective time management isn’t just about being “productive”—it’s about ensuring your limited hours drive meaningful outcomes for both you and your business.

3. Intuition

In the data-driven world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the power of gut instinct. Jarvis argues that successful entrepreneurs blend analytics with intuition, using their instincts as a compass when faced with uncertainty or rapidly changing circumstances. Intuition is honed by experience, reflection, and sometimes just embracing that internal nudge when there’s no hard data to guide you.

Key Takeaway

Your gut feeling can provide insight where logic leaves off. Developing and trusting your intuition can give you an edge, particularly in moments that call for swift, decisive action.

4. Constraints

While constraints might sound limiting, Jarvis sees them as tools for creativity and innovation. Constraints—be they time, budget, or resources—often force entrepreneurs to think outside the box and push for novel solutions. Learning to embrace constraints rather than fight against them can fuel resourcefulness and lead to breakthrough ideas that might never emerge under unlimited circumstances.

Key Takeaway

Constraints can be a catalyst for ingenuity. By viewing your limitations as challenges rather than roadblocks, you’ll discover fresh ways to differentiate your business and stand out from the competition.

5. Play

It’s easy to treat business as a never-ending to-do list, but Jarvis encourages entrepreneurs to weave play into their daily routine. Play fosters creativity, reduces stress, and can spark unexpected insights. Whether it’s scheduling regular brainstorming “play dates” with your team or simply allowing yourself space to experiment with new ideas, incorporating play keeps the entrepreneurial journey enjoyable and invigorating.

Key Takeaway

Allowing room for spontaneity and fun can break down mental barriers and rejuvenate your passion for the work you’re doing.

6. Failure

Jarvis reframes failure as an inevitable and even necessary part of innovation. Instead of avoiding failure at all costs, he encourages a mindset where every misstep is a learning opportunity. Entrepreneurs who view failure with curiosity rather than fear are more adaptable, resilient, and ultimately more successful. This doesn’t mean being reckless—it means recognizing that calculated risks often bring the greatest rewards.

Key Takeaway

Failure becomes a stepping stone when you focus on the lessons learned instead of dwelling on the setback itself. Every stumble can refine your process, sharpen your vision, and strengthen your resolve.

7. Practice

Finally, Jarvis stresses the importance of practice—consistent, deliberate effort to refine your craft and grow your business acumen. Just like musicians and athletes, entrepreneurs benefit from daily dedication. Whether it’s improving your negotiation skills, leadership style, or understanding of market trends, small, consistent steps build on each other to yield significant outcomes over time.

Key Takeaway

There’s no substitute for disciplined, ongoing practice in whatever domain you want to master. True expertise is earned through repetition, reflection, and a commitment to continual improvement.

Putting These Levers into Action

Reading about these seven levers—attention, time, intuition, constraints, play, failure, and practice—is only the starting point. The real value lies in applying them consistently to your day-to-day operations. By integrating these principles into your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll cultivate a more resilient mindset, discover creative solutions faster, and maintain the energy needed for sustained success.

Work with the WBC for a Winning Year Ahead

While books like Never Play It Safe can offer invaluable insights, having personalized support and guided application of these ideas can truly transform your business. That’s where the Women’s Business Center (WBC) comes in. We offer:

1. Expert-Led Classes – Stay ahead of the curve with workshops on strategic planning, marketing, financial management, and more.
2. One-on-One Counseling – Get tailored advice from experienced business advisors who can help you incorporate these seven levers into your own work rhythms.
3. Community and Networking – Connect with fellow entrepreneurs on a similar journey, share challenges, and celebrate successes.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these concepts and make the most of the New Year, we invite you to join our upcoming class and experience the power of targeted training, peer support, and expert guidance. Or, if you’d prefer a one-on-one approach, consider becoming a WBC client and receive personalized support to help you integrate these strategies seamlessly into your unique business model. Ready to make bold moves this year?