From swapping power suits for pajamas to mastering the art of negotiating snack times alongside business deals, my journey into entrepreneurship has been a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns. Armed with a BBA in Marketing Communications and fueled by years in academia, I never anticipated that the most transformative shift in my career would come with the arrival of my two children, now aged three and six.
As a mother, the conventional corporate world no longer seemed to align with my values and aspirations. It was amidst the chaos of parenting, where dressing up meant swapping a stained shirt for a slightly less stained one, that the spark of entrepreneurship ignited within me.
The longing for autonomy, flexibility, and the desire to create a legacy for my children ignited the spark of entrepreneurship—a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of balance. And let me tell you, I’m right in the thick of it! Balancing business meetings with playdates, and conference calls with diaper changes—it’s a wild ride, to say the least.
But through it all, I’ve discovered the true meaning of multitasking. Who knew negotiating a deal could be interrupted by a three-year-old demanding a snack or a six-year-old declaring they’re a superhero?
Amidst the chaos, there’s beauty. The laughter, the milestones, the moments of sheer joy—they make every late night and early morning worth it. And through it all, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of effective time management.
I’ve worn many hats—a business owner, a mentor, a strategist, and above all, a devoted mother. From founding my own business, Creative Dynamics, to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through uncertain terrain, I’ve gained a nuanced understanding of managing both professional and familial responsibilities. As a business coach and an imposter syndrome coach, I’ve helped many navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, including the self-doubt that often creeps in.
Yet, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I’ve faced storms of doubt, navigated uncharted territories, and encountered obstacles that threatened to derail my aspirations. But through perseverance and a steadfast commitment to growth, I’ve emerged stronger, armed with insights that I’m eager to share with fellow ‘mompreneurs’ on similar paths.
With this background in mind, let’s delve into the heart of the matter: effective time management strategies for the modern mompreneur.
Set Clear Priorities
When transitioning from a traditional job to entrepreneurship, it’s essential to set clear priorities. Start by breaking down your goals into manageable tasks. Utilize tools like Todoist or Wunderlist to create to-do lists and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Identify the most critical tasks that align with your long-term objectives and focus your energy on completing them first.
Create a Structured Schedule
Establishing a structured schedule is key to managing your time efficiently as a mompreneur. Personally, I’ve found that blocking out time from 5pm to 7pm for dinner, bath, and playtime with the kids works wonders. Once the kids are in bed around 8pm to 9pm, I carve out another hour to tie up any loose ends from the day. I rely heavily on Google Calendar to block out these time slots, allowing me to juggle my various responsibilities effectively. With running an agency, managing a team of 10, developing other aspects of my coaching business, and volunteering on the board, breaking down my time is essential. My family and kids are non-negotiables, so it’s crucial for anyone reading this to outline their own non-negotiables and structure their time accordingly.
Practice Time Blocking
Time blocking involves dividing your day into distinct blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or activities. Use time-tracking apps like Toggl or Clockify to allocate blocks of time for focused work, family bonding, household chores, and personal pursuits. By dedicating specific time slots to each activity, you can maintain focus and productivity throughout the day.
Practice Mindful Multitasking
While multitasking is often viewed as a productivity killer, practicing mindful multitasking can help you make the most of your time as a mompreneur. Use productivity apps like Focus@Will or Brain.fm to create a conducive environment for focused work while engaging in other activities. For example, listen to instrumental music or ambient sounds to enhance concentration while completing household chores or attending to your children.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is non-negotiable for mompreneurs who want to thrive both personally and professionally. For me, incorporating mindfulness practices has been transformative. I use meditation apps like Headspace or Calm to center myself amidst the chaos. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of scheduling regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply and relax.
I’m still a work in progress when it comes to prioritizing self-care, but I’m slowly carving out time each month to spend with friends or in supportive communities. I also cherish moments spent taking my dog for walks or visiting wineries in the area with friends—it’s all about finding what rejuvenates you and making it a priority in your schedule.
Delegate and Outsource
As a mompreneur, it’s important to recognize that you can’t do it all alone. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, whether it’s outsourcing administrative work for your business or enlisting help with household chores. Consider tapping into resources like freelancers or virtual assistant services to find qualified professionals who can assist you with tasks outside your expertise. By leveraging such services, you can lighten your workload and focus on high-priority activities, allowing you to maximize your productivity and efficiency. You can work with a virtual assistant agency like mine to get started.
Utilize Technology Tools
To effectively manage the demands of mompreneurship, it’s crucial to leverage technology tools and establish boundaries while remaining adaptable to change.
These are designed to streamline your workflow and improve productivity. Project management platforms like Trello or Asana can help you organize tasks, collaborate with team members, and track progress on projects. Additionally, communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams facilitate seamless communication with your team, regardless of your location.
Set Boundaries
Establishing boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a mompreneur. Use time-tracking apps like RescueTime or Toggl to monitor your screen time and identify areas where you may be spending too much time on non-essential tasks. By setting boundaries around work hours, email notifications, and social media usage, you can prevent burnout and ensure that you have dedicated time for self-care and family.
Stay Flexible and Adapt
Flexibility is key when balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and motherhood. Use project management tools like Notion or Airtable to create flexible workflows that can accommodate changes and unexpected challenges. Embrace a growth mindset and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Stay open to new ideas and approaches, and be willing to adjust your plans as needed to ensure that you can adapt to changing circumstances effectively.
By utilizing technology tools, setting boundaries, and staying flexible, you can navigate the complexities of mompreneurship with greater ease and resilience.
In the unpredictable dance of entrepreneurship and motherhood, there’s one truth that remains unwavering: our children will always come first. No matter how meticulously we plan, life has a way of throwing curveballs that can disrupt even the most finely tuned-schedules. So, amidst the chaos and the triumphs, remember to give yourself grace. Embrace the messy moments, celebrate the victories, and hold onto the joy that comes from building a legacy for your children.
Because in the end, it’s not just about managing time—it’s about cherishing the moments that truly matter. So, fellow mompreneurs, as we navigate this wild ride together, let’s remember to prioritize what truly counts: the love and laughter of our little ones.
