Baby and Business
Five Things I Discovered in the
First Five Months of Being a Mompreneur
Before the birth of my daughter Angelina, I had some grandiose ideas of how I would run my coaching business while she slept. I imagined I would be super productive, and focused, as items were quickly checked off my to-do list. I was in for the surprise of my life.
I want to share some of the things I have discovered in these first five months of being a mother, with the intention that it can help a new mom or any business owner find the strength and time to grow their business and purse their dreams.
When I arrived home from the hospital. I literally had work to do and I nursed the baby, while typing on my computer. A part of me felt guilty, while another part of me felt good for not losing my identity as a businesswoman. I had no idea how I was going to be able to be both a business owner and a mother. However this new challenge is also a huge blessing in my life. I feel very tired at times, however I have never felt happier and more fulfilled in my life. Here are five changes I have made in my life, that have allowed me to thrive as a mother and business owner. We woman are extremely powerful beings, if we believe in ourselves and support each other.
1. Embrace Support and Actively Seek It
Being a “mompreneur" has been the perfect opportunity for me to create community—a community of people whose intention is to support and be around people like my new cute baby and myself. My support team includes the following people: My amazing partner, with whom I do my best to communicate my needs very clearly, and also acknowledge all he does to make sure our lives run as smoothly as possible. My mother, two sisters
and my niece, who play with the baby and babysit while I write this article, do coaching calls and take care of the essentials. My business coach with whom I speak once a month for clear business strategy with a focus on
the few activities that I can do this month to move my business forward and be profitable. My intuition coach who helps me be in the flow and let things happen, instead of “making them happen,” which use to be my usual mode of operation. My Dream Factory circle that I recently joined for the inspiration of seeing other women—especially other mothers—playing big; that inspiration is priceless. My few close friends that I can call on, some just to talk or go to lunch with. There are many other people because it truly takes a village. The point here is to ask for help and allow yourself to receive it.
II. Be Grateful and Know You Are Enough
Sometimes it feels like I am not doing enough to grow my business or to help my baby develop, but then I stop and remember that being here and being who I am is enough. I have found that we women sometimes love to compare ourselves. I have been guilty of this, but instead of thinking of what I am not doing or what I could be doing differently or the conferences I am missing out on, I go on a gratitude rampage. I start giving thanks for every single thing that is going right in my life. I really take the time to feel the gratitude in my heart and I truly believe this gratitude practice of mine is
magical. It makes miracles happen. For example, people I haven’t heard from in years call me asking to work with me. The right connections
emerge from a decision to go to a particular store, and it goes on and on. Instead of wondering if you are doing enough, focus on being thankful for what you have done and what you actually have.
III. Focus on the Essential Few
When people think of running a business they think of so many moving parts, but if you really sit back and think about what really generates profit in your business, I bet you could narrow it down to a few activities. I challenge you to try this and delegate the rest. For me what generates profit and results is to be actually coaching people. So instead of endless networking events, social media obsession or tiring e-mail promotions, I focus on delivering the very best coaching that I can. Period. When I have a few extra minutes I will post on social media, do an interview at a radio station and speak at a conference once a month, but nothing crazy. As a management geek I adopt this thought: “Do First Things First and Second Things Not at All”
IV. Live in the Present and Thrive
I have found that presence, like being truly present, heart, mind, body and soul is key to being successful at everything. Once I accepted the joys
and trials of being a new mom with a business, everything got a bit easier, because what you resist persists. At any moment when I have an extra five minutes of time, I ask myself: What is the one thing that I can do right now that will render me the greatest results? I allow my heart to speak and I go and do that as fast as I can before my baby wakes up.
I have also found that if I live in the present moment I am appreciating life more. I am appreciating my baby and the things I have and, as I said before, gratitude is magic. I am no guru or expert, but I know that one woman sharing her story and holding space for others to be amazing can be transformative. My intention is to be helpful to women and to be at peace and joyful in my life, so I may radiate this energy everywhere I go and with everything I do. This is not always easy, but is doable and inspiring. I look forward to connecting and supporting other
Mothers with a business in this community and hearing about your best practices to being a stay-at-home mom with a profitable business.
With love,
Clara Angelina Diaz
www.ClaraAngelinaDiaz.com