Mom Boss Entrepreneurship Guilt: Find Your Superpower
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jan 17
- 7 min read
From Mum Guilt to Mom-Boss Magic: Unleashing Your Entrepreneurial Superpower
Right, let's talk. You know that nagging feeling, the one that whispers (or sometimes shouts!) "You're not doing enough"? The one that makes you question if pursuing your business dreams is somehow selfish when you have little ones depending on you? Yeah, that's mum guilt, and it's something I know intimately. There have been days, weeks even, where the sheer overwhelm of juggling four kids, PhD deadlines, and client calls left me feeling like I was drowning. Like that time I was five minutes late picking up my six-year-old from school because I was wrestling with a tech meltdown, convinced I was failing as both a mum and a CEO. It felt like I was constantly choosing between attending school events and finishing client tasks, never quite measuring up in either role. But what if I told you that this very feeling, this constant juggle, isn't your weakness – it's actually your superpower?
It sounds crazy, I know. When you're tripping over toys, navigating toddler tantrums while trying to answer emails, or feeling that pang of guilt as you sneak in a work call during nap time, "superpower" is probably the last word that comes to mind. But hear me out. Motherhood forges within us an incredible set of skills that, when consciously harnessed, can transform your entrepreneurial journey. It's like that unexpected burst of energy you find to whip up a costume for character day at 10 pm after a full day of client work – that’s mom-boss magic in action.
Turning "Mum Guilt" on Its Head
The thing is, mum guilt often stems from the feeling that we're somehow falling short in one area or another – not quite the perfect mum, not quite the successful CEO we envision. It's like trying to balance on a wobbly tightrope with a baby on one hip and a laptop on the other. Been there? Thought so!
But what if we stepped off that darn tightrope altogether and started building a bridge? A bridge that connects, rather than divides, these two powerful parts of ourselves. Because, my friend, motherhood isn't a liability; it's an asset. It's a boot camp in resilience, adaptability, and the kind of efficient time management that would make a Fortune 500 CEO envious.
Think about it: you're already a master negotiator (ever tried reasoning with a toddler?), a pro at multitasking (who else can cook dinner, answer emails, and supervise a "science experiment" involving baking soda and vinegar – all at the same time?), and you possess an almost superhuman ability to anticipate needs and solve problems before they even arise (sixth sense, anyone?). These are invaluable entrepreneurial skills!
Embracing the Mom-Boss Mindset
So, how do we shift from feeling guilty to owning our mom-boss power? It starts with a fundamental mindset shift – transforming “I can’t” into “I can, & I will, even if my path looks different." My own PhD research journey, often undertaken with a baby on my lap and a toddler "helping" me type, has shown me that it's about taking ownership of your own pace & progress. Early on, I made the mistake of comparing my progress to entrepreneurs without kids, feeling like a tortoise in a race of hares. But then I realized, my journey is different, it's necessarily slower due to my commitments, but that doesn’t mean I can’t win my own race. It's about consistent, smart action, not speed.
Motherhood is NOT a Liability: Instead of viewing motherhood as something holding you back, reframe it as your secret weapon. Embrace the resilience, adaptability, and efficiency it has cultivated. Remember that early venture I mentioned, Nisbett & George? Honestly, that experience, juggling a newborn and a demanding business partner, was a crash course in resilience. It taught me so much about the challenges of balancing motherhood & entrepreneurship, and the critical importance of finding partners who are truly aligned with your vision & level of commitment. What seemed like a setback at the time, the venture dissolving, actually became a powerful catalyst for clarifying what I truly wanted in a business partnership and the kind of business I wanted to build.
Align Your "Why": When your business goals are deeply aligned with your family values, your motivation becomes sustainable. You're not just working for yourself; you're building a better future for your loved ones. This creates a powerful “why” that fuels you through the inevitable challenges. This resonates with Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" principle – purpose is your North Star. For me, that "why" is about creating a life where I can be present for my kids' school plays and build a thriving business that empowers other women.
Prioritize Well-being (It's Not Selfish, It's Essential): This is a non-negotiable, a core tenet of the Fuel pillar in our Business Flourish Framework. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your well-being, whether it's a quick 10-minute meditation, a walk in nature, or just a quiet cuppa while the little one naps, isn't selfish; it's the fuel that allows you to be your best in both roles. And honestly, if you are struggling in this area, taking care of yourself while building a business, remember this: you are not alone. So many of us feel this struggle deeply. This is exactly why we created our Business Flourish Framework. We get it, it's a windy path, but taking ownership of your well-being is key. You can learn more about it here: Business Flourish Framework.
Build Your Tribe: Connect with other female entrepreneurs who get it. Sharing experiences, tips, & even just venting about the daily juggle can be incredibly empowering. Knowing you're not alone makes a world of difference. Our free Femme:Connect Community is designed specifically for this – providing support, resources, & a safe space to share the beautiful chaos and celebrate the power of being a mother in business.
From Overwhelm to Empowerment: Practical Tips for Foundation Builders
Now, for the nitty-gritty. Mindset shifts are powerful, but they need to be paired with practical action. As a Foundation Builder, laying a strong groundwork is essential. Here are a few "Juggler's Shortcuts" to help you navigate the beautiful chaos:
Time Blocking Like a Boss:
Identify Your Peak Productivity Times: When do you have the most focus & energy? Even with little ones, there are pockets of time. Is it early mornings before they wake, nap time, or after they're in bed? For me, it's often those stolen hours after the kids are finally asleep, even if it means burning the midnight oil (and yes, a glass of wine often helps!).
Schedule Non-Negotiable Work Blocks: Treat these like important appointments. Even 30 minutes of focused work, consistently applied, can yield significant results. Use a tool like Google Calendar or Trello to visually block out these times and set reminders.
Communicate Boundaries: Let your family know when you're in "work mode." This might mean setting up a visual cue (like a "Do Not Disturb" sign) or simply having a clear conversation about respecting your dedicated work time. For example, I've taught my kids that when my office door is closed, it means "Mummy is building her empire – come back later!" (Unless the house is on fire, of course!).
Outsource & Automate:
Assess Your Bottlenecks: What tasks consume the most time & energy but don't directly contribute to your core business goals or income generation? For many of us, it's things like social media scheduling or responding to emails.
Explore Affordable Outsourcing Options: Can you delegate household chores (cleaning, laundry, meal prep) or administrative tasks (email management, social media scheduling) to virtual assistants or local services, even on a limited budget? Sites like Upwork or Fiverr offer a great starting point for finding virtual assistants. Remember, even a few hours a week can free up significant mental space.
Start Small with Automation: Begin with one key area, like email marketing or social media scheduling. Tools like Canva, Buffer, or Hootsuite can save you precious time, allowing you to focus on strategic tasks. If tech overwhelms you (it did me initially!), start with just one tool and master it before adding more. Our Launch Programme provides step-by-step guidance on choosing and implementing these time-saving strategies. Learn more at Launch Programme.
Embrace Imperfection:
Reframe "Perfect" as "Progress": Shift your focus from achieving an unattainable ideal to making consistent, measurable progress toward your goals. Is it perfect? Maybe not. Is it moving you forward? Absolutely! Just like when my toddler was learning to walk, there were wobbles and falls, but every step forward was celebrated, not criticized.
Set Realistic Deadlines: Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks with achievable deadlines. This reduces overwhelm and allows for the inevitable interruptions of family life. I remember trying to write my entire MBA dissertation in one go – epic fail! Once I broke it into smaller chapters, it became manageable.
"Done is Better Than Perfect" Mantra: Repeat this daily. Seriously, write it on a sticky note & put it on your laptop! It’s a powerful antidote to perfectionism. I used this mantra constantly while writing my dissertation, amidst nappy changes and toddler tantrums, and it was a lifesaver.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Did you finally finish that website copy while the kids were engrossed in their latest Lego creation? Did you secure your first paying client? These are HUGE wins – celebrate them! Even small victories deserve recognition. Did you finally declutter your inbox after weeks of procrastination? Pop the champagne (or the sparkling water – whatever feels like a celebration!).
Track Your Progress Visibly: Create a simple tracker (a spreadsheet, a journal, even sticky notes on a wall) to visually see how far you've come. This tangible record of your accomplishments is incredibly motivating. My whiteboard is covered in colourful sticky notes marking every milestone, no matter how small. It's my visual reminder of how far I've come.
Reward Yourself: Celebrating wins doesn't have to be extravagant. It could be a quiet cup of tea, a relaxing bath, or a small treat that acknowledges your hard work & dedication. I love treating myself to a new plant for my ever-growing jungle whenever I hit a major milestone – it's a little reminder of growth and resilience.
Your Turn: Own Your Superpower
It's time to stop seeing mum guilt as a weakness and start recognizing it as the source of strength it truly is. Embrace the mom-boss within you. Build your bridge. And watch your entrepreneurial journey flourish. Business coaching for female entrepreneurs is my passion, & I truly believe that with the right blend of mindset, marketing, and systems – all powered by AI & enhanced by a supportive community – you can achieve extraordinary things.
Ready to unleash your entrepreneurial superpower? Learn more about our signature Launch Programme, designed specifically for Foundation Builders, here: 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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