Intentional Imperfection: Mum in Business Without the Guilt
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jan 28, 2024
- 6 min read
Ditch the Guilt Seesaw: Intentional Imperfection for the Ambitious Mum in Business
Let’s be honest, lovely. How many times have you felt that pang of "mum guilt" when you're deep in work, only to be sideswiped by a wave of "work guilt" the moment you switch to full-on mum mode? It's like a constant seesaw, isn't it? You're up, you're down, & you never quite find your balance. You know that feeling, right? Like you’re perpetually teetering on the edge of not quite doing enough in either role.
Well, I’m here to tell you something you might need to hear: That’s perfectly normal. & more importantly, it’s not a weakness.
See, I get it. I’m juggling four kids, a PhD, a rapidly growing business, two energetic Miniature Pinschers (who, let’s just say, have their own unique brand of adorable chaos), & a husband who is as dedicated to his own work as I am to mine. It’s a lot. & some days, the "beautiful chaos" feels a little too chaotic. There are mornings where I'm trying to finish a client proposal while simultaneously mediating a dispute over who gets the blue crayon (toddler logic, right?), all while Espresso, our hyperactive puppy, uses my laptop cable as a chew toy. Cappuccino just looks on calmly from her bed, as if to say ‘Oh, Espresso… must you?’. One particularly frantic morning, Espresso actually mistook my client's contract for a chew toy – I nearly had a heart attack seeing those tiny teeth marks on such an important document! It’s moments like these when you really question your sanity, lovely.
There are evenings when my teenage daughter needs help with her homework just as I'm preparing for a big strategy session the next day. & let's not even talk about trying to record a podcast while the six-year-old is practicing her recorder – a sound that can pierce through even the best noise-cancelling headphones!
So trust me, the struggle is real. But the even bigger truth is this: Trying to achieve perfect balance, especially as an ambitious mum in business, is often a recipe for burnout, not bliss. It’s a myth we need to ditch. Instead, I want to introduce you to the power of intentional imperfection.
What does that even mean? It’s about embracing the reality that you’re not going to nail it every single day. It’s about releasing the pressure of unrealistic expectations & choosing to focus on progress over perfection. It’s about defining YOUR version of "enough" in both business & motherhood.
Reframing the Guilt: You're Not Failing, You're Choosing
This whole “guilt” thing? It’s often not even about what you’re doing (or not doing), but about how you’re thinking about it. It's that nagging voice in your head whispering, “You should be doing more,” or “You’re not good enough.” Just last week, I found myself in tears because I had to reschedule a family outing to finish a crucial proposal. It felt like I was failing on both fronts, you know? There have been times, especially in those early days post-C-section with my youngest, juggling my PhD research & trying to keep the business afloat, when the weight of it all felt crushing. I remember one afternoon, sitting on the floor surrounded by research papers, a crying baby, & a pile of unfolded laundry, feeling like a complete failure as a mum & an entrepreneur. It’s in those moments, lovely, that we need to remember the power of intentional imperfection & the freedom it brings.
But here's the thing: You’re not failing. You’re choosing. Every single day, you are making conscious choices about where to focus your energy & attention. Some days, the business will need more of you. Other days, it'll be the kids. & that’s okay.
The key is to make those choices intentionally, not from a place of guilt or reaction. It’s about taking ownership of your time & energy & deciding where it’s most needed in that moment. As Simone Biles says, “It’s okay to not be okay,” & making conscious choices about where your focus lies is a way of honouring yourself. This is where personal responsibility comes in.
The Power of Strategic Focus: Doing What Matters Most
One of the most powerful tools in the Femmeprenista arsenal is the Business Flourish Framework. This framework is all about helping you create a sustainable & fulfilling blend of business & motherhood by focusing on what truly matters.
It starts with your mindset – getting crystal clear on your vision, your values, & what you want to achieve. This aligns with our 'Focus' pillar, lovely – building that strong internal foundation.
Gain unwavering clarity on your business vision.
Identify your core values & align your actions with them.
Define what success truly means to you, both in business & motherhood.
Once you know where you're going, you can start to build the systems & strategies that will help you get there, all while prioritising your well-being to avoid burnout. Incorporating smart AI tools, strategically selected to streamline your processes & boost your efficiency, can be transformative. This is the power of our 'Fusion' pillar, weaving smart AI throughout your business for effortless growth. This is the power of working smarter, not just harder, lovely!
Find out more about our Business Flourish Framework here: Business Flourish Framework
When it comes to intentional imperfection, this framework can help you define your “non-negotiables” in both business & motherhood. What are the absolute must-dos in each area? What can be delegated, outsourced, or even ditched altogether?
Maybe your non-negotiable in business is having dedicated, focused time each morning for strategic work. Maybe your non-negotiable in motherhood is having dinner together as a family every night, even if it’s just a simple meal.
Once you’ve defined your non-negotiables, it becomes easier to let go of the “shoulds” & the guilt. You can focus on doing what truly matters, knowing that you’re making conscious, intentional choices.
Embracing the Freedom of Entrepreneurship
One of the most beautiful things about being an entrepreneur is the freedom it gives you to design a work life that truly supports your vision of motherhood. You’re not tied to rigid schedules or someone else’s expectations. You get to create your own rules. A 2022 study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (for example, relevant GEM report) found that 48% of women entrepreneurs cited flexibility as a primary motivator for starting their own businesses - a testament to the desire for a work-life blend that truly works.
This doesn't mean it's easy, of course. Building a business, especially as a mum, takes hard work & smart strategies. But the freedom to design your own workday, to be there for the school play, to work from anywhere in the world (or even just from the comfort of your own sofa, with a sleeping baby on your lap), is a game-changer.
It’s about creating a life where your business & your family can flourish together. As Lisa Nichols says, “Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows.”
So, lovely, let’s ditch the guilt seesaw. Let's embrace intentional imperfection, focus on progress, & celebrate the unique freedom of entrepreneurship to create a life that truly aligns with your values. What’s one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress & create a more sustainable & fulfilling blend of business & motherhood?
Identify one “must-do” for your business today.
Identify one “must-do” for your family/personal life today.
Commit to completing BOTH, no matter what other “shoulds” pop up. Share your non-negotiables in the comments below – it can feel lonely on this journey, & connecting with other women who “get it” can make all the difference.
The Femmeprenista Launch Programme is designed specifically to help Foundation Builder Amy-Types like you create that solid foundation, lovely! It's all about ditching the overwhelm & building a business that truly works for YOU.
Learn more about how the Launch Programme can help: Launch Programme
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!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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