Growth Mindset for Mumpreneurs: Unlock Success as a Busy Mum

A Growth Mindset: Your Secret Weapon for Entrepreneurial Success (Especially if You're a Mum!)

Okay, let's dive into the growth mindset. You've probably heard the term thrown around – it's one of those buzzwords that can sound a bit empty after a while, right? But trust me, when you're navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, particularly as a busy mum, cultivating a growth mindset isn't just a nice-to-have; it's your absolute secret weapon. And honestly, it's what I'm trying to instil every day in my own four children. The rapid pace of technological change, especially with AI transforming how we work & live, means adapting or being left behind, making a growth mindset more essential than ever.

I'm speaking from experience here. Juggling four kids, a PhD, and running Femmeprenista (not to mention two miniature pinchers with vastly different energy levels – Cappuccino’s zen vibes versus Espresso’s constant zoomies!) has taught me that mindset is everything. I vividly remember trying to finish a client proposal last week while my two-year-old was using my laptop as a canvas for her, shall we say, 'abstract' finger-painting, using my brand new "Rosewood" lipstick as her medium. Let's just say it ended up looking more like "Toddler Tornado" than "Rosewood," and my laptop screen became a modern art masterpiece. At that moment, a fixed mindset would have had me throwing my hands up in despair, muttering about the impossible juggle and feeling completely overwhelmed. But with a growth mindset? Deep breath, wipe the screen (and the toddler's hands and face – not an easy feat let me tell you!), reframe it as a challenge: How can I create dedicated work time while still being present for my family? The answer? A new system involving strategic time blocking, a carefully placed Paw Patrol episode (don't judge, mama – we all have our survival tactics!), and a deep dive into batching similar tasks. One trick that works for me is keeping a small whiteboard near my desk. Whenever a frustrating thought pops up, I write it down & then literally rewrite it as a challenge. It's surprisingly powerful.

This is the core of what I'm exploring in my PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship, specifically around resilience and resourcefulness: It's not just the system, it’s about how you respond. Yes, the system has failed many of us, especially us Millennials. We've got the stagnant wages, the sky-high cost of living, and let's be honest, with grandparents still needing to work, the traditional childcare safety net isn't always there. You feel like you're constantly treading water. But is it just the system? What are the small, smart steps you can take today? Remember what I always say: hard work beats intelligence when it's smart work.

Beyond the Buzzword: What a Growth Mindset REALLY Means for You

A growth mindset, at its core, is about believing that your abilities & intelligence aren't fixed. They can be developed through dedication, smart work, & a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities. A growth mindset is essential for navigating today's rapidly changing business landscape. This is the exact opposite of a fixed mindset, which sees abilities as static & avoids challenges for fear of failure. As an entrepreneur, this means seeing every obstacle – a failed launch, a critical client email, a tech meltdown – not as a sign of your inadequacy, but as valuable feedback for growth. In my research, this ability to reframe and adapt is a recurring theme amongst the most successful Black female founders.

Remember that time I completely messed up a product launch? It was for Cocoista Ltd., my afro hair & beauty venture. I’d grossly underestimated the logistics of shipping internationally. We ended up sending a box of hair products to Iceland instead of Ireland – not ideal! We lost nearly £2,000 due to shipping errors – a hard lesson, believe me. It was a proper face-palm moment. With a fixed mindset, I might have given up, convinced I wasn't cut out for this. But that little voice in my head, the one shaped by my dad’s fierce advocacy at school (he literally used to shout at teachers who tried to silence me!), reminded me that setbacks are just learning opportunities. It's about getting back up, figuring out what went wrong, & implementing a better system. And that's exactly what I did, learning a huge lesson about the importance of robust systems and planning for scale, which are key to the 'Flow' (Momentum & Systems) pillar of our Business Flourish Framework. You can learn more about the Business Flourish Framework here.

The Mumpreneur’s Mindset Toolkit: Practical Strategies

So, how do you actually cultivate this magical growth mindset? It’s not just about positive thinking; it’s about developing a toolkit of strategies & habits.

• Reframe Challenges: Next time you face a business obstacle (or a toddler who's decided your new rug is a giant colouring book), ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I use this as an opportunity to grow?” Instead of thinking, “I can’t handle this demanding client,” try reframing it as “How can I delegate or systematize this process to better serve this client & free up my time?” It’s a game-changer. Honestly, it is. This is also a key part of the ‘Focus’ (Mindset) pillar within the Business Flourish Framework, which is all about getting your mind right.

• Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Start before you're ready. Launch that imperfect product. Send that slightly wonky email. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal. We all start somewhere, & the entrepreneurial journey is about taking consistent action & learning as you go. Don’t let the pursuit of perfection hold you back from taking action. Let me tell you, my first website was far from perfect – it was a bit like a Frankenstein's monster of different templates – but it got the job done!

• Celebrate the Small Wins: Running a business while being a mum is no joke. Those small victories – landing a new client, finally automating that annoying task, getting the kids to school on time and with matching shoes – deserve to be celebrated. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. It fuels your momentum. You know, sometimes it’s as small as finishing my coffee before it gets cold – a true win in mum-land!

• Find Your Tribe: This entrepreneurial journey can feel lonely, especially when you’re juggling so much. Connecting with other female entrepreneurs who get it is essential.

• Invest in Yourself: This might seem counterintuitive when you're strapped for time & resources, but investing in your personal & professional growth is essential. This could mean joining our Launch Programme to finally get that business launched with a bang & set up systems that will support you as you scale.

From Overwhelm to Empowerment: Owning Your Journey

I know what you're thinking: This all sounds great in theory, Carlene, but what about the reality of school holidays, teething toddlers, and the never-ending laundry pile? Trust me, I get it. My journey is slower, my path is different, juggling four kids & a PhD while recovering from my fourth C-section. Am I going slower than a 20-year-old with no dependents? Yes, of course. But does that mean I can’t get there? Absolutely not! That's down to me. It’s about owning your journey & making conscious, smart choices. It’s about realizing that your path might be winding, but it’s yours.

So, what’s one small, smart step you can take today to cultivate a growth mindset & own your progress? Share it below – let’s inspire each other!

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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