THERE WERE NO SCREAMING BABIES IN THE CORPORATE WORLD.
I was on my own living the single life (and free as a bird) for a decade before I got married.
My drive for business and my social life had all my focus.
Although I was believing that God would bring my soulmate, there were moments and heartbreaks along the way.
I almost lost hope that it was ever going to happen.
Then suddenly my life changed the second my dream guy appeared while I was on vacation–when I least expected it.
My life became a whirlwind.
I was in a long distance relationship within a week.
I was traveling about 1300 miles almost every two weeks.
I was engaged in six months, I moved to a new state, I got married, I got pregnant, I started a new business, and then before I knew it I was in labor. Ouch!
And out my darling baby came into my whirlwind world.
It hasn’t slowed down since, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
AND SO MY LIFE AS A MOMPRENEUR BEGAN.
The first six months were insane. The adjustment of balancing work and Mommyhood is not easy.
And the newborn stage, really?!
There’s no preparing for that.
You just have to hold on.
Don’t get me wrong. There are tons of blissful moments… in between all the sleepless nights, crazy hormones, and nonstop breastfeeding. Eek! so glad that’s over.
But now, as I stare lovingly into the sparkling blue eyes of my almost 15 month old, my heart is totally full.
My business is also busier than it’s ever been, and this part of my life also fills my heart with purpose and passion. I love what I do.
I wanted it all, a well-cared for family, a business and life that I love.
Moms ask me the question all the time, how do you keep up with it all? To be honest, I’m still figuring it out.
But I will share what has helped me make it through the past year, without going nuts.
HELPFUL TIPS ON BALANCING A BABY AND A BUSINESS
Tip #1 Prioritize
Make a list of all that needs to be done. Put a star by the three most important things that will help move your business forward that day. Do those first. Once the top three priorities are finished you can start working on the rest of the tasks.
It’s easier to pick the things we enjoy doing or feel like we’re good at. But often it’s the big things that push us out of our comfort zone that we put off and spend our valuable time instead with busywork.
Tip #2 Get a Meal System
You can pre-cook your meals on Sunday if you want. But if time is the issue, who wants to spend an hour cooking when you can be with your family. There are a ton of meal delivery options.
When you have your own business, time is money. The few extra dollars you may spend on a meal delivery system pays for itself with the time you save by having fresh food show up on your doorstep. The time you spend walking the aisles of the grocery store and trying to be creative with new recipes will go way down, trust me.
I feel less stressed knowing that every week I have three dinners completely covered and it’s nutritious. I use Blue Apron. Plated and Hello Fresh are popular options as well.
Tip #3 Get a Nanny or Mommy’s helper
If you really want to build your business you need to have focused time and minimize interruptions. A baby is a blessing from above, but also a major distraction.
Although there are days you may be balancing both work and your little munchkin at the same time, it’s not going to work every single day of the week. Get some help.
Find someone who can also do light housework and cooking during the baby’s nap time. Use the hours you have a nanny to do income producing activities, don’t spend this time catching up with friends over the phone, hanging out on Facebook, or shopping online. 😉
Tip #4 Practice Self-Care
When you’re busy folding laundry, cooking your hubby dinner, entertaining your kids, and answering phone calls and emails it’s convenient for Mompreneurs to let themselves go and put everyone else in the family first. This is one of the worst mistakes a Mompreneur can make.
Mommy time is crucial for sanity. Go get a manicure. Relax daily in a bubble bath with some candles. Get your rest! Book a monthly massage.
For me, it’s a barre workout 3-4 mornings a week, a manicure here and there, and a trip to the chiropractor for a killer adjustment twice a month. Don’t feel guilty. You deserve it.
If you feel good and look good you will get more done and have enough energy to take on the day. Pamper yourself and put yourself at the top of your to do list a couple days each month. I promise, it will keep you going strong and operating at the best version of yourself!
Tip #5 Say Goodbye to Your Perfectionist Spirit
Being a mom is messy. When you work from home with a newborn you will be doing business calls while changing smelly diapers. Dirty dishes may hang out in the sink all day long. Your house won’t be spotless and you will probably feel like you never really catch up with your business.
I believe that being truly successful at balancing a baby and a business is when you learn to let go of perfection. Embrace the challenges, it will become your new normal.
It’s not always easy, and some days still have to end with a glass of wine, but it’s worth it.
You’re worth it.
Pursue your dreams, all of them.
xoxo,
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