The Best-Kept Secrets for Moms Who Want to Thrive in Business
The late summer days are slowly fading, and there's a certain buzz in the air that signals something familiar—back-to-school season is upon us.
For many moms, this time of year brings a mix of excitement and a sense of impending chaos.
The once-lazy days of summer are now replaced with school shopping, lunch packing, and the rush of getting everyone out the door on time.
As a mother and an entrepreneur, I know all too well the feeling of trying to balance it all, and let me tell you, it’s no easy accomplishment.
I’ve been in the trenches, juggling the needs of my girl with the demands of running a business. It can be exhausting, overwhelming, and at times, downright impossible.
You’re not alone in this. I’ve faced the same struggles and challenges, trying to balance being a mom and a business owner. It’s not easy, but over the years, I’ve learned some important lessons.
These lessons have helped me find a better balance, even when things get hectic.
I’m sharing them with you in the hopes that they can help you too.
1. The Reality of “Perfect” Balance
I remember when I first started my journey as a mom and a business owner, I had this idealistic vision of what balance would look like. I thought I could manage it all perfectly—be the best mom, run a successful business, and keep everything in its rightful place.
But the reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
Some days, I felt like I was winning at both roles, seamlessly transitioning between mom mode and zoom calls.
Other days, I felt like I was failing miserably, with neither role getting the attention it deserved.
But here's the truth I had to accept – the idea of “perfect” balance is a myth. There will be days when you’re on top of everything, and days when you feel like you’re barely holding it together.
And that’s okay.
Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and your family.
The key is to keep moving forward, knowing that some days will be better than others.
2. Embracing the Overlap
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that trying to keep your roles as a mom and an entrepreneur completely separate is not only difficult but unnecessary.
I used to think I had to compartmentalize my life—keeping my work and home life in neat little boxes. But life doesn’t work that way, and neither do we.
There will be times when your experiences as a mom will influence your business decisions, and when your entrepreneurial skills will come in handy in parenting.
And that’s not something to shy away from; it’s something to embrace.
You’ll find that your business benefits from the patience and empathy you’ve developed as a mom, and your children can learn valuable lessons from seeing you run a business.
3. Giving Yourself Time to Transition
Switching from “mom mode” to “business mode” isn’t as easy as flipping a switch.
After dropping my girl off at school, I often found myself needing a moment to gather my thoughts before diving into work. And after a long day of meetings, I needed some time to decompress before I could fully engage with my girl.
At first, I thought this need for transition time was a sign of weakness, like I wasn’t efficient enough. But I’ve come to realize that it’s a normal and necessary part of balancing these two demanding roles.
Your brain needs that same kind of time to shift gears between being a mom and being a businesswoman.
Giving yourself permission to take these moments isn’t just helpful; it’s crucial for maintaining your sanity and being fully present in whatever role you’re in at the moment.
4. The Weight of Guilt
Ah, guilt—the constant companion of motherhood.
I used to carry it around like a heavy backpack, always feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. If I was working late, I felt guilty about not spending time with my kids. If I was with my kids, I felt guilty about not working on my business.
But here’s what I’ve learned – guilt doesn’t serve any purpose other than to make you feel bad.
It doesn’t make you a better mom or a better entrepreneur. It just weighs you down and keeps you from being your best self.
Imagine guilt as that heavy backpack I mentioned earlier.
The longer you carry it, the more it drags you down.
Letting go of that guilt doesn’t mean you don’t care – it means you’re allowing yourself to focus on what’s important without the unnecessary burden.
Remember, feeling torn between your roles isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign that you care deeply about both.
And that’s something to be proud of, not guilty about.
5. The Strength in Flexibility
When I first started out, I thought the key to success was having a rigid schedule and sticking to it no matter what.
But life, especially as a mom, doesn’t always go according to plan.
Kids get sick, clients reschedule, and sometimes, things just don’t go the way you expected. I’ve learned that flexibility is far more important than having a strict schedule.
Being able to adapt to whatever life throws your way will make you more resilient and better equipped to handle the unexpected.
6. The Power of Self-Compassion
I used to be my own worst critic. If something didn’t go as planned, I’d beat myself up about it.
But over time, I’ve realized that self-compassion is not only important; it’s essential.
Some days will be tough, and you won’t get everything done. And that’s okay. Being kind to yourself during these times isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Imagine you’re talking to a close friend who’s going through a hard time. You’d offer them kind words and understanding, right? That’s exactly how you need to talk to yourself.
Self-compassion isn’t about lowering your standards; it’s about recognizing that you’re doing your best in a tough situation. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
7. The Necessity of a Support System
I used to think I could do it all on my own.
But the truth is, no one can do everything by themselves, and trying to will only lead to burnout.
Having a support system—whether it’s family, friends, or hired help—isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.
Think of your support system as a safety net.
When you’re juggling so many things, it’s inevitable that something will slip.
But with a strong safety net, those slips don’t lead to disaster. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on others when you need it.
It doesn’t make you less capable; it makes you smart.
8. The Importance of Boundaries
Boundaries are something I struggled with for a long time. Without clear boundaries, work would spill into family time, and family time would spill into work.
This led to stress, frustration, and a feeling that I was never fully present in either role. But setting boundaries—whether it’s turning off your phone during dinner or designating certain hours for work—has been a game-changer.
This focused time is more productive and more fulfilling.
9. The Trap of Comparison
In the age of social media, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other moms or entrepreneurs. I used to scroll through my feed and wonder how everyone else seemed to have it all together while I was barely keeping it together.
But here’s the thing – what you see online is only a small, curated snapshot of someone’s life. It doesn’t show the whole picture.
Imagine you’re running a marathon. Some people are ahead of you, others are behind, but the only race that matters is the one you’re running.
Everyone’s journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for you.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own path and what’s best for you and your family.
10. The Beauty of Dual Roles
Finally, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that being both a mom and an entrepreneur isn’t a burden – it’s a gift.
The skills you develop in one role often enhance the other. As a mom, you learn patience, empathy, and the ability to multitask—skills that are invaluable in business. And as an entrepreneur, you learn problem-solving, creativity, and resilience—traits that make you a better parent.
Embracing both roles not only makes you a better mom and a better entrepreneur, but it also makes you a stronger, more fulfilled person.
As we head into this back-to-school season, remember that you’re not alone in this journey.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s possible one day at a time.
Oh, and btw - whenever you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here for you.
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