Entrepreneurship often feels like a relentless pursuit of success, leaving many feeling stuck despite their hard work. Susie deVille’s "Buoyant: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative, and Free" offers a refreshing perspective, focusing on the importance of reclaiming joy, creativity, and balance. Instead of chasing elusive shortcuts, deVille emphasizes investing in yourself—rediscovering purpose and vitality as the keys to entrepreneurial success. By shifting priorities from constant hustle to fostering creativity and meaning, entrepreneurs can unlock growth in both their personal and professional lives. The book provides practical exercises to help readers reconnect with their creativity, core values, and unique motivations.
A recurring theme in "Buoyant" is the importance of allowing ideas to breathe. Often, entrepreneurs stifle inspiration with self-doubt and judgment, discarding ideas before they have a chance to flourish. Journaling emerges as a powerful tool for overcoming these mental blocks. It creates a judgment-free space to explore thoughts, express frustrations, and experiment with ideas. Through regular journaling, entrepreneurs can gain clarity, process emotions, and uncover hidden patterns. By simply asking reflective questions like “What do I love?” or identifying personal anchors, individuals can create a foundation to guide their entrepreneurial journey. Articulating challenges, even without immediate solutions, often leads to surprising insights and a sense of lightness.
The book introduces the Five Ms—Meditation, Morning Pages, Movement, Moments of Inspired Learning, and Making Something—as practical steps to cultivate creativity and flow. These practices help bypass the conscious mind’s rigidity and tap into the subconscious, where innovative ideas often originate. Meditation, for instance, need not be lengthy or complex; even a brief session can create mental clarity. Morning Pages, a practice of freewriting three pages each morning, clears mental clutter and unlocks hidden thoughts. Movement, whether a walk or simple stretches, has been proven to enhance creativity. Moments of Inspired Learning, such as engaging with art or literature, provide fresh perspectives, while Making Something taps into tactile creativity, allowing ideas to emerge naturally. By integrating these practices into daily routines, entrepreneurs create fertile ground for inspiration and innovation.
Resistance, a universal challenge for entrepreneurs, is another focus of the book. This internal force manifests as self-doubt, fear, or procrastination, often convincing individuals they aren’t good enough. DeVille reframes Resistance as a sign of meaningful opportunities nearby. Rather than succumbing to the inner critic, recognizing Resistance can help entrepreneurs identify and pursue their most significant dreams. Exercises like naming and reframing Resistance allow individuals to externalize negative thoughts, seeing them as evidence of an idea worth exploring. Taking even small actions toward these dreams helps break through the barriers Resistance creates, fostering progress and momentum.
DeVille also emphasizes the importance of joy and play in entrepreneurship. Many people abandon their creative passions due to criticism or societal pressures, but reconnecting with these sources of joy can reignite imagination and resilience. Playful activities, whether doodling, dancing, or cooking, nurture curiosity and experimentation—qualities essential for overcoming challenges and fostering innovation. Reflecting on moments of pure joy through journaling can reveal patterns that guide individuals toward activities that energize and inspire them. By intentionally reintroducing play into daily routines, entrepreneurs can rediscover the creative energy that drives success.
Another critical aspect of the book is protecting energy. Modern entrepreneurial culture often glorifies burnout, equating relentless hustle with achievement. DeVille challenges this mindset, highlighting how chronic stress undermines productivity, creativity, and well-being. By conducting an “energy leak audit,” individuals can identify habits, interactions, and commitments that drain them. Practical strategies, such as trusting intuition, taking breaks, and prioritizing energizing activities, help entrepreneurs guard their vitality. Recognizing that they are already enough allows individuals to approach their work with calm and confidence, building businesses from a place of strength rather than stress.
DeVille introduces the concept of the law of accumulation, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions. True success doesn’t come from dramatic leaps but from incremental steps that compound over time. Creating a “Before and After” snapshot of the entrepreneurial journey helps clarify the path forward, identifying habits and milestones that align with long-term goals. By focusing on sustainable changes and celebrating small wins, individuals can build momentum without overwhelming themselves. The journey of becoming, rather than the end result, is where growth and transformation occur.
Throughout "Buoyant", DeVille weaves a compelling argument that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a grind. By prioritizing creativity, joy, and balance, individuals can build thriving businesses while living fulfilling lives. The book’s exercises encourage readers to reflect, explore, and take meaningful steps toward their dreams, fostering resilience and innovation along the way. It’s a reminder that success is not about doing more but about aligning with what truly matters. Through small, deliberate actions and a commitment to personal well-being, entrepreneurs can achieve success that feels as good as it looks.