As 2023 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of being a mompreneur - a dynamic role that blends the challenges of motherhood with the demands of entrepreneurship. This year has been a rollercoaster of experiences, each teaching me valuable lessons that have shaped not only my business but also my approach to life.
In this blog post, I'll share some of the key lessons 2023 has taught me about being a mompreneur:
Lesson 1: Flexibility is the Key to Success
One of the most important lessons 2023 has taught me is the importance of flexibility and being adaptable. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship often means navigating unexpected twists and turns. From sudden childcare issues to unforeseen business challenges, being flexible and adapting to change has become a cornerstone of my journey.
Embracing flexibility has not only alleviated stress but has also allowed me to find creative solutions to problems.
For example, in 2023, I had to manage the challenges of being a full-time mom, primary caregiver, managing household chores and being a present business owner and meeting the needs of my clients. I adapted my work hours to allow for me to work when my baby was asleep. I communicated my needs with my husband so that after a certain time in the day he would take our son for a bit in order to give me time to work. I started providing more online services such as my Business Stategy Sessions and Business Finance trainings.
I translated my knowledge into guides and ebooks on Etsy which meant I didn't need to always be present for my clients to be able to interact with me and that I could still assist people. This also helped me create 'passive income'.
By being flexible and open-minded, I was able to overcome the difficulties of juggling motherhood and business. In the process, I managed to grow my business.
Another lesson I learned from being flexible is the value of experimentation. Instead of sticking to the same old methods and routines, I tried new things and explored new possibilities. For example, I experimented with different formats and platforms for delivering my coaching sessions, such as webinars, and live zoom calls. I also tried new tools and techniques for improving my productivity and creativity, such as CHATGpt that helped me get creative inspiration for my content creation and saved me time. By experimenting, I discovered new ways to enhance my work and delight my customers.
Lesson 2: Outsourcing is a Lifesaver
As a mompreneur, the temptation to do everything by ourselves can be strong. We may feel that we have to prove ourselves or that we can't trust others to do the job right. However, 2023 has shown me that outsourcing certain tasks can be a lifesaver. By outsourcing, I mean hiring someone else to do the work that is not your core competency or that you don't enjoy doing.
For example, in 2023, I outsourced some of the tasks that were taking up too much of my time and energy such as graphic design and elements of my work load if I had an overflow.
By doing so, I freed up my time to focus on the core aspects of my business, such as creating and delivering my coaching programs, ebooks, client accounting projects AND I also freed up my energy to spend quality time with my family and pursue my hobbies.
Another lesson I learned from outsourcing is the importance of communication. Outsourcing is not a one-time transaction, but a relationship that requires clear and frequent communication. For example, in 2023, I learned to communicate my expectations, goals, and feedback to the people I outsourced to. I also learned to listen to their suggestions, questions, and concerns. By communicating effectively, I was able to build trust, rapport, and collaboration with the people I outsourced to, and ensure the quality and timeliness of their work.
Lesson 3: Prioritizing Self-Care is Non-Negotiable!!!
In the hustle and bustle of being a mompreneur, it's easy to neglect self-care. We may feel that we have to put our work and our family first, and that we don't have time or permission to take care of ourselves. However, 2023 has reinforced the importance of prioritizing self-care to ensure sustained success. By self-care, I mean taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
For example, in 2023, I made it a NON Negotiable to take care of myself by getting in a decent shower, eating healthy, sleeping well and exercising regularly. I also made it a point to do things that made me happy and fulfilled, such as reading and writing.
Another lesson I learned from prioritizing self-care is the power of saying no. Saying no is not selfish, but a form of self-respect and self-preservation. For example, in 2023, I learned to say no to requests, invitations, and opportunities that did not align with my values, goals, and priorities. I also learned to say no to distractions, interruptions, and temptations that did not serve my best interests. By saying no, I was able to protect my time, energy, and focus, and create more space for the things that mattered most to me.
Lesson 4: The Power of Time Management
As a mompreneur, time is a precious commodity. 2023 emphasized the need for effective time management. Setting clear priorities, creating schedules, and mastering the art of multitasking have become essential skills. The Google Calender app has been a lifesaver for me.
A lesson I learnt, something I was forced to learn is to SET BOUNDARIES. I set boundaries with my family on what was possibly achievable for me without burning out. I also set boundaries with clients on working hours, communication methods and timeframes.
Learning to optimize my time has not only increased productivity in my business but has also given me the freedom to spend quality moments with my family.
Lesson 5: Building a Support System is Essential
Being a mompreneur can sometimes feel like a lonely and stressful journey, but 2023 taught me the significance of building a strong support system. A support system is a network of people who can offer you support, guidance, and encouragement.
For example, in 2023, I built my support system by joining online and offline communities of fellow mompreneurs, attending events and workshops, and reaching out to mentors and coaches. I also strengthened my support system by nurturing my relationships with my family and friends, and asking for help when I needed it.
Another lesson I learned from building a support system is the benefit of giving back. Giving back is not only a way to express gratitude, but also a way to enrich your own life and the lives of others.
For example, in 2023, I gave back to my support system by sharing my knowledge, skills, and resources, offering feedback and advice, and celebrating their achievements and milestones.
Here is a link to the free resources I created for my online community to assist them with managing their business finances - click here to get Your accounting freebies!
I also gave back to the wider community by volunteering for causes I cared about, donating to charities, and mentoring aspiring mompreneurs. By giving back, I was able to create more value, impact, and meaning in my work and life.
Lesson 6: Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone
No entrepreneurial journey is without its share of setbacks, and 2023 was no exception. Rather than viewing failure as a roadblock, I learned to embrace it as a stepping stone to growth. Failure is not the end, but the beginning of a new learning opportunity.
I learned from embracing failure the importance of celebrating the journey. Celebrating the journey is not only about celebrating the successes, but also the failures, the struggles, and the efforts.
For example, in 2023, I celebrated the journey by acknowledging and appreciating every step I took, every challenge I faced, and every lesson I learned. I also celebrated the journey by rewarding myself for my hard work and dedication, and by sharing my stories and insights with others. By celebrating the journey, I was able to enjoy the process, not just the outcome, and to inspire myself and others to keep going.
As 2023 comes to a close, I reflect on the amazing lessons it has taught me about being a mompreneur. The year has been a testament to the power of flexibility, the value of outsourcing, the necessity of self-care, the importance of a strong support system, and the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. With these lessons in mind, I look forward to the new adventures that await me in 2024, and finding harmony in the changing demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Cheers to the resilience of mompreneurs and the lessons that shape us into the empowered individuals we are meant to be.
Let me know in the comments below what lessons 2023 has taught you.
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As an AI language model, I don't have access to personal experiences or specific events that occurred in 2023. However, I can provide you with general lessons that mompreneurs (entrepreneurial moms) often learn through their experiences. Here are six common lessons that mompreneurs may learn:
1. Time Management: Balancing the demands of motherhood and running a business requires effective time management skills. Mompreneurs often learn to prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and establish efficient routines to make the most of their time.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Being a mompreneur involves navigating unexpected challenges and changes. Learning to be flexible and adaptable in the face of unforeseen circumstances can help mompreneurs adjust their business strategies, plans, and schedules to accommodate the…