This month seemed fitting to have starting something new as the central topic since it’s a season of rebirth. I try to share others’ messages as part of Mompowerment from time to time, this seemed like a great opportunity to do a round up on starting something new so that I can share what other moms are saying. These working moms who all happen to be entrepreneurs have all started something new recently, whether a new role, new product or service, even a new book. And they share tips to help you as you start your own something new.
One In, One Out
I love to say yes to opportunities, as I’m a great believer in saying yes and then finding a way to make it work! I’m a consultant, so very used to juggling multiple projects at once. However, this has also meant that on many occasions I completely over-schedule myself and have had far too many late nights trying to get everything done. For my most recent projects, I’ve been super conscious that if I say yes to one thing, another has to go! This has really helped me ensure I’m not neglecting my family or sleep! For example, I was recently asked to join a volunteer board, however I wasn’t prepared to let any other commitments go, so I couldn’t. This simple technique has also helped me feel less guilty about saying no and helped me feel more in control of my workload.
Danielle Tenconi
Finding Support as you Start Something New
“A couple years ago I got involved with my local MOMS Club International Chapter. As a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom, I wish I had known about this group when my now 4-year-old was a baby! It’s connected me with a small but supportive group of other parents who are home and available during the day for playdates and meetups. A few of us have a babysitting coop going which has allowed me to get a few hours of free childcare so that I can do work while my daughters are cared for by a fellow parent. Spending time together is a welcome break from my work and gets us out of the house, which has been especially important this past winter after I had my second baby and had to contend with a long New England winter.”
The 3Ps: Patience, Preparation & Prioritization
I have three Ps for starting something new: patience, preparation and prioritization. I am an action-taker to a fault. I have learned that sometimes I need to be patient and allow the clear path to emerge from the mist. All the minutes of my life are packed full, like most mothers. You can’t start something new unless you make space for it and that requires preparation. In order to make space, you have to get some things done ahead or put them off until later. Most of us are pretty good about this when we’re expecting a new baby. We need to apply those ideas to other new beginnings. Making space for something new also requires prioritizing and it can be brutal. Take a hard look at what you can stop doing or outsource to make space for new beginnings.
Recreate your Personal Systems as You Start Something New
Any new business or even project feels exhilarating at the beginning but also overwhelming and uncomfortable and less predictable because of the newness and unknowns. First, simply recognize you are in the start-up stage. Expect crazy town, things you don’t know and the need for adjustments in all areas of your life. Second, plan to spend more time upfront as you work out these kinks. Take the time to recreate your personal systems for time management, tracking tasks, filing notes and ideas and more. My best working mom advice for those entering new seasons is to expect this turmoil and don’t get emotional about it. Say to yourself “Oh, here we are again. Time to make the right times for this new thing.”
The growth on the other side of a new start up is worth it. We only have the emotional, mental, and physical capacity to be in the “starting something new” stage for so long. Adapt quickly to streamline into efficient operations or you, your family, or the project (or all 3!) will self-combust.
Think Long-term
As you think over the new thing, remember that what you do now impacts what is passed on, not just to your kids, but beyond that to future generations.
This season of growth makes you study your life to see if it’s worth it to make that change. And when you decide it is, hold tight to that reason why. Hold tight to the legacy you’re leaving for generations. That makes the difference on the easy days, the hard days, the days in between.
Looking for more thoughts on work-life balance or want to read more advice from moms like these? Check out the Mompowerment book on Amazon (affiliate link).
