Home Environment Entrepreneurial Success: Conquer the Chaos
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jun 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Home Environment Entrepreneurial Success: Conquer the Chaos
Conquering the Chaos: How a Focused Home Environment Fuels Entrepreneurial Success
Ever feel like you’re running a business meeting in a bouncy castle? Or perhaps your ‘office’ is a battleground against rogue Lego bricks & demands for snacks? I get it. As a mum of four, my house sometimes resembles a small, enthusiastic circus. But here’s the thing: that beautiful, messy reality, can either fuel your entrepreneurial fire or completely extinguish it. It’s all down to how you manage it.
Let's be honest. We, as women, & often as mothers, disproportionately shoulder the mental load of household management. We’re the default planners, organizers, & referees of domestic life. & while I wouldn't trade the joy of family for anything, that constant hum of responsibility can seriously derail our business focus. It’s like trying to conduct a symphony while simultaneously juggling flaming torches – exhilarating, perhaps, but hardly sustainable.
So, how do we create a home environment that supports, rather than sabotages, our entrepreneurial dreams? How can we bring a sense of calm to the chaos, especially if you're a Foundation Builder – just starting out & juggling everything?
Recognize the Burden & the BS
Let’s ditch the myth that we can ‘do it all’ without any impact. It’s not about complaining; it’s about acknowledging reality. My MBA at Cranfield, during which my second daughter was still a baby, underscored this reality starkly: unlike many peers with more childcare support, I often had to juggle late-night study with early morning drop-offs, leaving my “brain spent.” This wasn’t a level playing field, & ignoring that fact would have been detrimental. You know that feeling, right? Trying to solve complex business problems when you’re running on fumes & the mental load is crushing you. I get it!
To be honest, some days it feels impossible! Just last week, I was prepping for a client call when my toddler decided the perfect canvas for her artistic expression was… my laptop screen. Cue a mad scramble for wipes & a slightly frazzled start to the call, only made worse by the fact that I was about to teach a new client how to create a social media strategy! It's moments like these that remind me we are all in the messy middle!
Systems, Not Perfection: Flow in the Home
We're not aiming for a sterile, magazine-worthy home. We're aiming for *efficiency*. It's about creating systems that work *for* you, not adding more stress. It's time to reclaim our space & our minds.
Delegate or Ditch: Seriously. What tasks can you outsource? Can your teenage daughter take on more chores? Is there a local student who can help with household tasks? Can we even leverage AI to automate our system for efficiency? Stop trying to be a superhero & recognise that you don’t need to be. I know it can be hard to let go, but sometimes, as Adrieen Weriner would say, detachment is magnetism!
Batching is Your Friend: Just as you batch tasks in your business, batch them at home. Laundry on Mondays, grocery shopping on Tuesdays, etc. Create a rhythm that works for you & your family. This will save you so much time.
Zones of Zen: Even if the rest of the house is a kaleidoscope of toys & craft supplies, create a small, dedicated workspace that’s relatively clutter-free. (I know, easier said than done! But even a corner can be a sanctuary). Think of it as your personal command centre, a place where your creativity can thrive.
These small steps can all add together to ensure that all systems in our lives are accounted for. It is up to you to nurture those systems for growth. Much like my own mum did when she tended to my garden. At first, you nurture & then leave; that is the starting point but not the end goal! As I often reflect: initial investment without sustained support is like planting a garden but then forgetting to water or prune it. What are the actions & things that we need to do to get to that?
As I often reflect: initial investment without sustained support is like planting a garden but then forgetting to water or prune it. What are the actions & things that we need to do to get to that?
For instance, for a few months, I attempted to institute a strict "no work after 8 pm" rule, thinking it would give me more downtime. But honestly, it just led to me stressing about unfinished tasks and feeling guilty for 'relaxing.' I soon realized that for me, a bit of flexibility and the occasional late-night burst of inspiration was far more sustainable. It's all about finding what works for *you*.
Mental Fortitude & CEO Mindset: The Fuel to Keep Going
A focused home environment is only half the battle. You also need the mental toughness to navigate the inevitable storms & stay in CEO mode. Cultivating this CEO mindset means taking responsibility for your energy & focus. As Roxie Nafousi teaches, "Energy doesn't lie. Trust the vibes you get.”
Here’s a three-step checklist for staying mentally strong, even when the home front is chaotic:
1. **Time Blocking is Non-Negotiable:** Protect your work hours fiercely. Explain to your family that these times are sacred & disturbance is only for genuine emergencies. This might mean setting up a visual cue, like a sign on the door, or using a timer. Make it clear & consistent.
2. **Embrace the "Good Enough":** Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. A slightly messy house & a slightly imperfect meal are infinitely better than burnout & resentment. As Jim Rohn wisely reminds us, “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.”
3. **Self-Care Isn't Selfish:** It's the fuel that keeps the engine running. Schedule regular breaks, even if it's just 15 minutes with a cup of tea & a good book. Prioritizing well-being may be challenging, but it is needed if we are going to succeed at what we do, as per Lisa Nichols. After all, “Your job is to fill your own cup so that it overflows. Then you can serve others joyfully, from your saucer.”
You will only be able to grow & make all these steps if you believe that you yourself are capable. Take the step to turn it all into reality. After all, what is the other option?
Take Action (Small Steps, Big Impact)
Alright, you’ve got the theory. Now, let’s put it into practice. This week, if you are Foundation Builder, just starting out, spend 15 minutes identifying ONE area in your home life where you can implement a simple system to reduce chaos & free up your mental bandwidth. For example, can you designate a specific bin for rogue Lego? Can you automate your shopping list with a shared family app? It is all about finding ways to "work to our strengths." I found that even a corner can be a sanctuary. Let’s turn the corner together!
Ready to build a flourishing business & a fulfilling life? Then let's talk! At Femmeprenista, we provide the tools, strategies, & support to help you create a business that supports, rather than sabotages, your well-being. We understand that work-life integration isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Find out more about how our Momentum Coaching can help you scale your business sustainably:
P.S. Remember, progress, not perfection! Small wins add up to big results.
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…
www.femmeprenista.com
Join the conversation & get more insights: Join Our Facebook Community Today.
Comments