Women: Tips for Lasting Energy

Confessions of a Caffeine-Fueled Foundation Builder (Who Secretly Runs on Espresso)

Okay, ladies, let's be real. How many of us reach for that first cup (or let's be honest, that travel mug) before we've even properly opened our eyes in the morning? I know I do! And between you & me, sometimes that first hit of caffeine isn’t just a wake-up call; it’s a survival tactic. For Foundation Builders, especially, the beautiful chaos of motherhood & the demands of building a business from the ground up can feel like a full-contact sport. Caffeine? Yeah, that's my pre-game energy boost. It's that little extra "oomph" when you're juggling teething toddlers, temperamental teens, and trying to carve out time for that big dream you're building, one tiny, caffeine-fueled step at a time.

The Entrepreneur's Little Helper (Don't Judge!)

I remember during my MBA at Cranfield – juggling lectures, group projects, and a toddler who thought sleep was optional – caffeine became my lifeline. This was back when my school-aged daughter was still a baby, so between the demanding coursework and the constant sleep deprivation, my brain felt like it was running on fumes. One time, I was presenting a group project (after pulling an all-nighter fueled by industrial-strength coffee), and halfway through, while explaining a particularly complex financial model, my daughter's favourite stuffed animal – a rather bedraggled-looking unicorn – fell out of my overstuffed diaper bag. The whole class erupted in laughter, including the professor. It was mortifying at the time, a classic 'Oh great, here I am, a mum trying to hold it all together in this high-pressure MBA program, and my bag just betrayed me!' moment. It's exactly the kind of thing that happens when you're a Foundation Builder, juggling all the things and trying to project an image of professionalism while secretly feeling like you're barely holding it together. These "Sparkle-gate" moments are just part of our reality. And honestly? It's okay to embrace them. They're proof that we're real humans, doing our best in the messy middle.

Now, I’m not saying caffeine is the onlyonly answer (though some days it feels pretty close!). What I amam saying is, let's stop pretending it's some kind of entrepreneurial vice & reframe it. Think of it as a strategic tool, just like your email marketing sequence or your client onboarding process. It's about working smartsmart, not just hardhard. And sometimes, a bit of caffeine is that smart little nudge we need to get things done, especially when the kids are demanding all your attention & the dogs have decided your office chair is their new favourite nap spot.

From Frazzled to Focused: Strategies for Sustainable Energy for Female Entrepreneurs

But let’s also get real – relying solely on caffeine isn’t a long-term strategy. It’s like planting a beautiful garden & then forgetting to water it – not going to flourish, right? We need stronger roots. A recent study found that 67% of female entrepreneurs report feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. <1 -="-" Insert=">Insert" relevant="relevant" citation="citation" here="here</span>"> Sustainable energy management isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for building a business (and a life!) you love.

Here's how we ditch the caffeine crash and build sustainable energy, even in the whirlwind:

• Prioritize Your Wellbeing (Even in the Whirlwind): Okay, I hear you, this one's tough. But what if, instead of thinking "I don't have time," you reframe it as "I can't afford notnot to?" Even five minutes can be a game-changer. Remember that time my toddler decided to redecorate the living room with permanent marker while I was on a coaching call? Yeah, that was a momentmoment. Finding even five minutes of quiet after that felt like winning the lottery. It's not about having hours, it's about finding those micro-moments that refuel you.

• Build Smart Systems (Your Secret Weapon): Ladies, this is where our inner multi-tasking ninjas get to shine. We're already masters of the juggle. But are we leveraging the right tools? A McKinsey study found that businesses using automation can boost productivity by up to 45%. <2 -="-" Insert=">Insert" relevant="relevant" citation="citation" here="here</span>"> This isn't about being a tech whiz, it's about working smartersmarter . Imagine having an extra hour in your day, just because you automated your social media scheduling or used an AI tool to handle those repetitive tasks. What could you create with that extra time? More family moments? A new product? That first paying client? That's the power of smart systems. This is one area where AI can truly transform your business. If you're curious about how AI can help you streamline and scale, our Momentum 1:1 Coaching is designed to do exactly that. Explore Momentum Coaching

• Master Your Mindset (Because It’s All Connected): This is the core of it all. It's like the engine of your entrepreneurial journey. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if you're running on empty, you're not going anywhere. Ever feel like you're the tortoise in the race, with everyone else zooming ahead? Me too, sometimes. But the tortoise wins in the end, right? Consistent, focused effort, powered by a strong mindset, is what makes all the difference.

• Action Step 1 (Gratitude Reset): Start each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. It can be as simple as "My morning coffee, my kids' laughter, the sunshine." This shifts your focus from what's missing to what's abundant.

• Action Step 2 (Reframe the Negative): Catch yourself thinking a negative thought? Like, "I'll never get this business off the ground," or "I'm not tech-savvy enough"? Write it down. Then, ask yourself, "Is this true? Is this helpful? What's a more empowering thought?" Remember, our thoughts create our reality. We get to choose what we focus on.

• Action Step 3 (Visualize Your Wins): Take five minutes to vividly picture yourself achieving your goals. See it, feel it, believe it. What are you wearing? Who are you with? How does it feelfeel? This isn't just wishful thinking; it's about aligning your energy with what you want to create. This is your power.

These three strategies – well-being, systems, & mindset – are like the three legs of a stool. You need all three for stability & balance.

Beyond the Buzz: Owning Your Energy & Your Journey

Building a business while raising a family isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon (with a few unexpected hurdles thrown in for good measure!). It's okay to have days when you feel like a rockstar & days when you just want to hit the pause button. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself & your dream.

Feeling overwhelmed & ready to connect with other incredible female entrepreneurs who getget the juggle? Join our free Femme Connect community today. It's a space for support, encouragement, & celebrating those little wins (because they add up!). Find your tribe & get the support you deserve. Femme:Connect Community Page

P.S. What's your go-to energy boost when the entrepreneur juggle gets intense? Share your tips below – we're all in this together!

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista

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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