Hello, fellow supermoms and business mavens! As the scorching sun of summer approaches, I find myself managing the exhilarating roles of a full-time, only-child mom AND a business owner. While it may seem impossible, I've thought about how to make it work A LOT.
I thought about how we reframe things in our minds…..it’s all about Serving and Managing our different responsibilities. (I don’t like the word “juggling” - we’re all working for balance.) With that in mind, here are some things to consider if you find yourself in the same or a similar situation:
1 - Give Yourself Permission
Picture this: You're sitting at your desk, continuing to work with your school-age child asking “When are you going to be done????” Instead of battling the guilt of working too long, it's time to give yourself permission. Permission to prioritize your kids, not overwork, and to pull your hours back in the Summer. Remember, you're setting a wonderful example for your child to see that they are important but your business is important, too!
HOT TIP:
Even just ordering your groceries or giving something to your virtual assistant to do will extremely LIGHTEN your mental load, I promise! Embrace the power of outsourcing. Delegate tasks that don't require your personal touch, like hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative duties or ordering groceries online. Trust me; these small steps will free up precious time and mental space for both your business and your little ones.
2 - Set Boundaries in Place:
Ah, boundaries—the ultimate superheroes of work-life balance. When your workspace and playground are just a room apart, it's essential to establish clear boundaries to maintain sanity. Let your family know that your home office is your designated work zone, and when you're inside those four walls, you mean business (literally).
HOT TIP:
Create a visual cue to signal your availability. It could be something as simple as a closed door or a whimsical sign that says, "Mompreneur at work, approach with caution." This way, your loved ones will understand that interruptions should be reserved for emergencies or designated break times.
Of course, there will be times when your little one bursts through the door in a full superhero costume, demanding you join their imaginary world. In those moments, don't forget to savor the joy and take a well-deserved play break. The key is finding the balance that works for you and your family, and remember, laughter is the best stress reliever!
3 - Have a Plan But Hold it Loosely:
While summer is synonymous with spontaneous adventures, having a plan will prevent chaos from spawning. Embrace the freedom of flexibility while ensuring you have a general outline of your day. Create a schedule that accommodates your business commitments and being fully present with your child and their need for fun in the sun.
Here’s what I’m going to do for my business this summer:
Meet with 1:1 clients WHILE my son is at morning day camp two days each week. That time will be dedicated to my clients while my son is having fun at camp!
Sell my service in a way that makes the most sense for me. When someone wants to work with me, I’ll suggest Voxer coaching because it is ON THE GO like me!
On other days when my son is at home, I plan to work 2 hours per day. That’s it. Whatever doesn’t get done, doesn’t get done, and I’m happy with that. One hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon or 2 hours straight in the mornings. IF I need to work an extra early morning or late night to get something finished I will do that. But being present with my kiddo is more important to me than whatever I can get done in more than 2 hours. I only have 8 more summers with him.
(Remember, I have an elementary-age kiddo who is an only child so this will look different for your family. This is what will most likely work for us.)
HOT TIP:
Maximize the early morning or late evening hours when the temperatures are cooler and little ones are more likely to be asleep. Dedicate these peaceful hours to tackling crucial business tasks that require your undivided attention. As for the daytime, embrace the beauty of multitasking and let your child in on the fun. Set up a cozy corner in your workspace where they can engage in activities like coloring, reading, or even pretending to be "mom's assistant."
Remember, summer is a season to celebrate, so incorporate exciting outings and family adventures into your loose plan. Schedule pool days, picnics in the park, or even impromptu ice cream stops!
What are your tips and tricks? I would LOVE to hear them and add them to mine!!!
This episode was inspired by my friend and soloist business owner, Erica Goode. Her priorities inspire me to use my gifts and talents well to bring in income for my family AND be ALL IN as a mom when the kids get home from school. She has inspired me to go for BOTH. You can find her brilliant podcast, Coaches, Consultants + Money wherever you find podcasts.
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