When I first started my business, it felt like a juggling act. Managing my home, my kids, my marriage, and growing my dream seemed impossible at times. I made a lot of mistakes, but there are three that stand out most clearly to me. Today, I want to share those mistakes with you — the ones I learned the hard way — so you can avoid the same struggles and find your rhythm faster. I’m not perfect, but looking back, I realize there are strategies that could have saved me from the overwhelm I faced. If you’re trying to balance a business with family life, these lessons might just help you build a solid foundation to thrive.
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As women, we often feel like we have to be everything to everyone. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important or to burn out. Whether you’re in the thick of juggling multiple roles or just starting out and want to avoid it altogether, I’m here to guide you. My mission is to help moms succeed both in business and at home, without sacrificing one for the other. That’s why my business is all about helping women implement systems that allow them to thrive at home and in their careers. You don’t have to give up your dreams or risk burnout — the key is creating systems that help you do it all without losing yourself.
Mistake #1: Not Taking My Business Seriously
In the early days of my business, I didn’t take it seriously enough. It wasn’t that I didn’t care or lacked passion — I just didn’t have the confidence to fully step into my role as a business owner. I treated my business like a side hustle or hobby, even though I had big dreams for it. I’d talk about my business to others in a way that didn’t reflect my true commitment, and I didn’t set aside dedicated time to work on it. I thought that staying up late and grinding would be enough, but it wasn’t.
It wasn’t until my husband pointed out that I wasn’t fully owning my business that I had a wake-up call. He told me I wasn’t portraying my business as something serious when I talked to others. That moment was a turning point. If I wanted my business to grow, I needed to treat it like a real business — not just a passion project. The first thing I did was implement systems and boundaries. I began setting aside specific times for work and treating my business as a priority.
Actionable Steps to Avoid This Mistake:
- Change Your Mindset: Stop treating your business like a hobby. Treat it as an important part of your life.
- Set Boundaries: Block off time for your business, just like any other job.
- Get Organized: Use task management tools like MeisterTask, Trello, or Asana to stay on track.
- Create Systems: Start small with time-blocking or a project management system, and expand as you grow.
- Set Goals: Have clear goals to keep you focused and moving forward.
The most important step is to start. No system is perfect at first, but with consistency, it becomes second nature.
Mistake #2: Undervaluing My Worth at Home and at Work
The second mistake I made was undervaluing myself, both at home and in my business. I didn’t recognize the immense value in the roles I played at home — as a wife, mother, and caretaker. I was so busy trying to manage everything that I didn’t give myself credit for the skills I was using daily. Organizing, managing, and creating balance at home are essential skills that I now realize were transferable to my business. Once I recognized my worth, everything shifted. I started seeing myself as a capable leader in both my home and my business.
A conversation with my husband helped me realize how much I was downplaying my work. He said, “Why don’t you own it more when people ask about your business?” That moment made me realize I was undervaluing myself both at home and at work. When I started to value myself more, my business grew, and my home management systems became more efficient. I became more confident in all areas of my life.
Actionable Steps You Can Take Right Now:
- Acknowledge Your Value: Recognize the important work you do at home, and how it translates to your business.
- Set Boundaries: Prioritize what’s important and protect your time — both at home and in your business.
- Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of yourself makes you better in every aspect of life.
- Own Your Achievements: Celebrate your wins — both big and small.
It’s okay to say no. When you’re building a business and managing a household, setting boundaries is crucial. Check out these helpful tips on Mastering Work Blocks: Your Key to Work-Life Balance as a WFHM to protect your time and energy.
Mistake #3: Not Involving My Kids in My Business
The third mistake I made was not involving my kids in my business sooner. I used to think it was best to keep business and family separate, but now I see that was a mistake. Involving my kids could have been a great opportunity for them to learn valuable skills. For example, I had witnessed a family where the parents openly discussed business, finances, and hard work with their children. Their daughter grew up with an entrepreneurial mindset, and I realized I wanted the same for my kids.
I’ve also been hesitant to share my kids’ lives on social media, fearing for their privacy. But now, I realize there’s beauty in sharing this journey with them. I missed out on documenting the moments when they were actively involved in my business. I now wish I’d been more intentional about involving them, capturing memories, and teaching them how business works.
Actionable Steps to Avoid This Mistake:
- Include Your Kids: Get your children involved in the process of running your business, even in small ways.
- Document the Journey: Capture those moments when they participate, so they can look back on them later.
- Protect Their Privacy, but Share Their Growth: You can balance privacy with sharing their learning experiences online.
I realize now that if I had started involving them sooner, they could have gained valuable skills and insights. Kids thrive when given the chance to tackle challenges and learn from real-world experiences. By involving them in my business, they would not only learn practical skills but also understand the value of hard work. Learn more about how to Help Your Kids Thrive With Challenges and empower them to face challenges with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Reflecting on these lessons has been transformative for me. By taking my business seriously, recognizing my value, and including my children in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve been able to create a more balanced, thriving life. It’s not easy, and there’s always room for improvement, but by learning from these mistakes, I’ve been able to scale my business without sacrificing the things that matter most. You don’t have to feel guilty for pursuing both your business and family goals. For more advice on Overcoming Mom Guilt, check out this helpful read.
If you’re ready to take your business and home life to the next level, I highly recommend checking out the Systemize Your Life or Systemize Your Biz programs. They provide the tools and strategies you need to implement systems that work for you. It’s never too late to start building a life that allows you to thrive in both your business and home life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools can I use to organize my business?
To get more organized in both your business and home life, it’s essential to implement a task management system that works for you. When I first started, I struggled with staying on top of everything until I found MeisterTask. It helped me visually track tasks, set deadlines, and organize workflows, which made a huge difference in my productivity. If you’re looking to get more organized and stay on top of your responsibilities, I highly recommend giving MeisterTask a try to streamline your process and boost your efficiency. You can learn more about how it helped me in this blog post.
How do I find balance between my business and family life?
Finding balance between your business and family life starts with setting clear boundaries and prioritizing what matters most to you. It’s essential to define specific time slots for both work and family to ensure you’re fully present in each area without feeling overwhelmed. One key aspect is implementing systems that help you stay organized, streamline your tasks, and avoid burnout. For example, using a task management tool like MeisterTask allows you to break down tasks into manageable steps, helping you focus on both your personal and professional priorities. It’s also important to make time for self-care—taking breaks, setting aside personal time, and asking for support when needed. For more tips on managing time and achieving a balanced life, check out my post, Mastering Time: Lessons on Finding Balance and Success.