We all want to succeed in our businesses! We want to be financially independent. We want to make a difference, find fulfillment and use our gifts. But we also want to be there for our kids. What most of us don’t realize is that we can have both: an opportunity to make a huge difference in the world and to be a great positive influence in our children’s lives. And it all starts with being a role model for our children.
If we want to inspire our children to greatness we, ourselves, must dare to be great. If we want them to experience lives that are full of fun, joy, fulfillment, challenges and rewards, we must make an example of our own lives.
For a long time, I was a not an inspired mom. I checked off items on my to-do list. I made our house a home. I went to work. But I did not jump out of bed in the morning to get the day started. One day, I couldn’t ignore that nagging feeling any longer. Something inside me was calling, “The world needs you and your talents. Do something about the things you don’t like in your life. Come on board, make a difference.” And so I did.
After much soul-seeking, I am here, happy, fulfilled, living the life I was meant to live. I am now working to inspire other moms to follow their dreams, to express who they are and what they believe in through meaningful, purposeful work.
Our work is a very powerful agent of social change. Through our work, we can open ourselves to inspiration and inspire others in turn. When we feel great about the value of our contributions, creating and operating a financially successful business becomes almost effortless! So roll up your sleeves, and join me and other moms in creating work that will inspire our children to dream!
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So, make sure that your business will allow you to be successful AND be an inspiring mom.
5 ‘Musts’ to a Mommy-Friendly Business Success
1) Create a vision
Without a vision of our life and work, we all float in a sea of every day tasks. Like a boat without a rudder, our lives have no direction. Ideas come and go, but we have no compass to guide us. Are you’re feeling like you’re caught in the drift? Take some time to visualize your ideal life. What would a perfect day look like for you? How does family, work, fun, learning etc. fit into your day? Imagine it with color and texture. Fill in all the details. The more clearly you create this vision, the more will it pull you on course to take the right actions at the right time.
2) Build a support team
Without a support team in our life and work, its easy to feel overwhelmed and often isolated. You tell yourself that you don’t even have time for a massage or have fun. And now we are talking about building a business? Yet that nagging feeling that there is more to life doesn’t go away. What can you do about it? Find people to support you. Find ways to reduce the energy-draining tasks in your life. Find out what gives you joy and pleasure. Focus on the ones that you love doing. Find help for the rest. This works in business and in life! Remember to base your success on the things that you’re good at. Focus on your talents and passions. Build a support team for the rest. Success will follow!
3) Explore!
Take some time to find books, search the Internet, find a coach or consultant, talk to successful business owners, and network. You need to research your market. Formulate your vision. And create a realistic business plan. Its important to realize that your business is your product, not the cookies, hair cuts or counseling services. Start to think like a professional! Believe in yourself, be honest and learn what you need to know.
4) Take risks
As moms, we tend to be nurturing, caring, careful and cautious. Its great for raising kids, but not for creating your ideal life. Its scary to leave your comfort zone, but its also exciting. Ask yourself, if I were guaranteed success in my dream business, what would I do? Why not do for yourself what you do for your kids every day? Nudge yourself to try something new. Challenge yourself. Let yourself climb higher than you thought possible. Don’t be afraid of stumbling, you’ll get back up and try again!
5) Surround yourself with other inspired moms
I can’t tell you how important it is to be supported by other like-minded people. We parents tend to work in isolation in our homes. We don’t have a company water cooler where we can bounce ideas off other people. We rarely do power lunches to connect and get inspired. Evenings in the cigar room or weekends on the golf course? Forget it! But it is important to connect. To know that we are not alone with our hopes and fears. And to find answers to our questions.
Fortunately, you have many options that will help you find like-minded entrepreneurial moms. You could join other entrepreneurs online, create a support group in your neighborhood, attend networking groups or join a coaching group. Once you experience the bonding and friendship-building that goes on in the group, you’ll truly appreciate how powerful it is.
Article by Christiane Holbrook, M.A.,
Personal Success Coach for Inspired and Entrepreneurial Moms
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