Striking a Balance Between Momming and Being an Entrepreneur
This time last year I was adjusting as a businesswoman learning how to manage clients, finding a process, and potty training to name a few things. Once the lockdown hit I was a one-woman show. I was building a brand and web design business while taking care of my 1.5-year-old who only wanted my attention any time I started doing anything related to work. I had more time than I had ever had but yet still didn’t have time. I felt so guilty whipping out my computer instead of playing with my little guy and added to it feeling frustrated with him, but it wasn’t his fault.
Once I realized that I was not giving him the love and attention he deserved I made some changes. Once he was off to sleep I went to work sometimes up until 4–5 am. Getting a couple of hours of sleep before he woke up in the morning. Those changes weren’t ideal at all but it was the best I could do given the circumstances. Since then I’ve learned a few things.
4 THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN MOMMING AND BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR:
- Time Management — Organizing your time you’re able to work more efficiently even in shorter bursts. Managing your time means using a schedule to structure your day, not just for you but also for your kids. Kids thrive off of structure though they may fight it at first, having a set of consistent time blocks for interactive, independent work time, meals, and downtime keeps them calm and collected since they know what to expect. This means less frustration and interruptions for you.
- Outsourcing — When you try to do everything on your own you inevitably forget something and head straight toward burnout. You increase efficiency when you outsource the right tasks. Depending on where you are in your business outsourcing may mean using free or low-cost productivity tools or hiring a professional for running parts of your business or keeping an eye on the kids. Every little thing you take off your plate adds up to the time saved. It’s ok to get relief, it doesn’t make you lazy, weak, or inept. It means you’re serious about using your resources — time & energy wisely.
- Community — Being a part of a community is crucial to growing your business and maintaining a sense of self. Within your community, whether in-person (if it’s safe in this era of COVID) or online you can bounce ideas off of one another, hear real-life examples of how others overcame the obstacle you faced, and serve as a rock and sounding board for others. Community makes you feel less alone and gives you the courage and support to keep going on those days you just want to give up.
- Set Boundaries — These can be uncomfortable to establish because you want to help others and setting boundaries can seem counterintuitive. In all actuality boundaries allow you to present the best version of yourself. Your family, friends, and clients know what to expect, you have a better sense of control around the actions you take, and you’re less likely to feel tinges of resentment toward those you’re supposed to be helping because you’ve taken on more than you can handle. By setting boundaries you also avoid burnout from trying to fulfill too many requests and being available for everybody at any time.
Sometimes when you’re a mom juggling multiple pressing needs the solutions provided aren’t always ideal and they usually involve some level of personal sacrifice, but you can learn to find a balance. Now I’m fortunate to have a regular schedule where my mom watches my Nato, but boy do I remember the struggle and yet miss those times where it was just the two of us bonding.
Mom’s you are doing the very best you can. Don’t discount yourself or let anyone else discount your efforts. Keep prayer, family, and your business in the right place and things will work out for the better sooner or later.
If you’re not sure where to start I’m happy to hop on a consult call with you. Email me at hello@8ninedesign.com or shoot me a DM on Instagram @8ninedesign!
