3 Commandments to Help You Become a Rockstar Mompreneur
You became an entrepreneur so that you could be your own boss and spend time with your kids. You wanted to fit your work around your life, not the other way around. And now you do not have to ask anyone’s permission to take time off so you can get a kid to a dental appointment or have a parent teacher conference or see a school play. The down side is you have so many plates to keep spinning, it can feel pretty overwhelming sometimes. Relax, Mom: You got this! Here are 3 commandments to being a rockstar mompreneur:
1. Chase Flexibility and Organization Rather Than Perfection
Look, it’s not that there is anything wrong with perfection, but if you worry too much about it, it can prevent you from getting anything done. Life will be so much easier if you focus on being organized and flexible.
Flexibility
Let’s face it, as a mom, flexibility is the name of the game. You have to be ready for whatever life ‒ or your kids ‒ throw at you. One minute your toddler is playing right in front of you; the next they are tossing your car keys in the toilet. You field more requests before breakfast than most seasoned CEO’s do all day. Let clients know right up front that you have kids who might interrupt a meeting. On a similar note, teach your children not to interrupt you during meetings unless there is an emergency. And then show them how to slip you a note when you are talking to someone. Remember that sometimes even the best laid plans can go astray. Don’t beat yourself up if something didn’t go as planned. Tomorrow is always a chance to start fresh.
Organization
This one can be tricky, especially when you have little ones who may not yet be able to understand things like schedules and priorities. Here are a few suggestions to help you survive. Plan and prepare meals in advance. If you can make all of your dinners for the week in one day and freeze them, then all you have to do is pull them out to thaw when you are getting everyone out the door in the morning and heat them when you are ready to eat. Make sure that you have at least one day off a week. Make that day sacred. You will not meet with clients or take their calls. This is your prep day. Prepare meals for the week. Set your doctor appointments and parent teacher conferences for that day. And, by the way, do not forget to rest. You have earned it.
2. Self-Care Is Essential
Self-care is critical if you are going to be able to handle all of the things you do. As a mother and entrepreneur there will not be enough of you to go around if you do not take time to recharge your own batteries. Think that’s a joke? In Japan, the world “Karoshi” means death from overwork or burn-out. That word exists for a reason. Self-care is not selfish. If you do not tend to your own needs you can burn out and begin suffering from stress-related illnesses. Here are a few small things you can do to take care of yourself each day.
Hydrate
It may sound silly to mention such a simple thing on a list like this, but staying hydrated is essential to keep you in tip top physical shape. Dehydration will slow you down and cause your mood to alter.
Take Time to Meditate
This does not have to take a large chunk of your day. Even a few minutes of meditation a day can help you to regain your focus and clarity. Because it can help you reduce stress, it can also help to reduce blood pressure and improve your mood. Try lighting some candles to add a focal point for your meditation or just to bring a sense of calm and ritual to your practice.
Grab a Power Nap
Studies indicate that a quick 20 or 30-minute nap can help you to regain focus and alertness. And, as a mom, who couldn't use a nap?
Travel
Getting away from everything, even for a little while can help you gain perspective. It can also refresh and relax you. If you can manage it, you should definitely travel.
Read a Book
Reading is like a really cheap mini-vacation. It gives your mind a break from everything while you concentrate on the story. Depending on the material you choose, it can also offer you inspiration.
Seek Inspiration
You can get inspiration from your reading material, but if you don’t find it there, watch a motivational film or catch a TED talk on YouTube.
3. Celebrate Everything!
While you are busy trying to keep your life and business running, do not forget to enjoy yourself. A positive attitude is another one of those things that can impact not only your mood but your health, too. There is so much in your life that is worth celebrating: your children’s milestones, your own achievements and just how awesome your life is. You have amazing children and a job that you love. The way you take on life will affect how your children view their own lives. Because negativity attracts more negativity, and positivity attracts more positivity, by showing appreciation for all of the good things in your life, you will draw more good energy into your life. When you model this behavior for your children, they will develop it too. Model the sort of life you want your children to have: A Happy Life. Remember... In order to be a rockstar mompreneur, follow these commandments. Don’t worry about perfection. Focus your energies, instead, on organization and flexibility ‒ they will get you a lot further. Take time out for yourself because you need it and because you deserve it. And, celebrate everything, because your life is amazing and the more you appreciate that, the more you will attract amazing into your life and the lives of your family. You rock, Mom! Keep these commandments in order to keep rocking.