I came up with my idea to start a business when I was still on maternity leave, during lockdown, when we were about to move houses (and county). I had started to research creches and could not see how we were going to manage everything with two children. Like many, I began to reflect on what I truly wanted during the pandemic. It was not stressing over money for a career I wasn't sure I was fully invested in, with childcare that didn't meet our full requirements.
I went to a career coach and I just fell in love. Even during the discovery call, limiting beliefs I had around how my wage, equated to the cost of childcare became apparent. How many other moms were in this trap and how could we change it? So I enrolled in a coaching course and went about setting up Parene. I had a mixture of support, skills and savviness to get me started. However in my first 6 months there were three hard lessons, my mentor or research had not prepared me for:
Starting a business is quick, growing a business is slow
The skills you need as an entrepreneur are far different to an employee
Building these skills requires massive amounts of energy
The mindset you have around money will determine how fast you grow
Investing in yourself and your business is just as important as making money
As a mom getting started in business, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and neglect our physical and mental health. Its easy to get caught up in thinking that our child(ren), partners, house, Business, Clients, Friends, Family, Communities all need us first. For entrepreneurs and business owners, the demands of building and growing a company can leave little room for self-care. But building a self-care practice is crucial for not only your wellbeing but also the success of your business. This blog will explore the importance of building your wellness bank and provide simple daily tools for doing so, even with a busy schedule of building a business and raising babies. By prioritizing your self-care, you'll not only feel better, but you'll also be better equipped to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship and be more productive in your business endeavors.
It can often feel like there are never enough hours in the day. With the demands of running a business and taking care of a family, self-care can quickly fall by the wayside. However, building and investing in your wellness bank is critical to both your personal well-being and the success of your business.
So, what is a wellness bank?
It's essentially a metaphor for the three key resources that we have as humans: time, energy, and money. The idea is that by investing in these resources wisely, we can build up our own wellness bank and ultimately have more to give to our business and our families.
One simple way to start building your wellness bank is by creating a daily self-care routine. This routine doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, it can be as simple as spending a few minutes each day on activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
One effective daily routine is PJS, which stands for planning, journaling, and stretching. This routine can be done in as little as three minutes or as long as thirty minutes. Begin by taking a few minutes to plan out your day and set your intentions. Then, spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings. Finally, take a few minutes to stretch your body and get your blood flowing.
Another important aspect of building your wellness bank is knowing when to say no. As a mom in business, it can be easy to take on too much and spread yourself too thin.
However, learning to set boundaries and say no to things that don't align with your values or goals can help you preserve your time, energy, and money.
Time
Time management is often cited as a top priority. However, focusing on time management alone can lead to burnout and overwhelm.
It's time to shift the focus to
"Focus management."
Focus management is about allocating your energy to the most important tasks and utilizing your time efficiently. By doing so, you can maximize productivity and creativity, and ultimately build an abundance in your wellness bank. Here are some ways to shift to focus management:
Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important tasks for the day and tackle them first. This will help avoid distractions and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Take breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout. Use this time to engage in activities that help you relax and refocus.
Single-task: Multi-tasking can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
Utilize technology: There are numerous productivity tools and apps available to help you manage your time and stay focused. Use them to streamline your workflow and minimize distractions.
By shifting your focus to focus management, you can build an abundance in your wellness bank, and ultimately achieve greater success in your business and personal life.
Energy
As a mom running a business, you know that sleepless nights and dealing with tantrums can take a toll on your energy levels. It can be tough to stay motivated and focused when you're feeling drained and overwhelmed. However, there are strategies you can use to work around your energy levels and still get things done.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that you can't always control your energy levels. Some days, you may feel more tired than others, and that's okay. Instead of trying to push through and work at the same pace regardless of how you feel, it's better to adjust your expectations and work accordingly.
One strategy that can be helpful is to prioritize your most important tasks when you have the most energy. For example, if you tend to have more energy in the morning, try to tackle your most important tasks early in the day. This way, you can ensure that you're making progress on the most critical items even when your energy is low later in the day.
Another strategy is to break your work up into smaller chunks. Instead of trying to tackle everything all at once, break your work up into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can make progress on your work without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.
Money
Money mindset is the set of beliefs and attitudes one has about money and wealth. It's important to cultivate a positive money mindset to build a healthy and wealthy wellness bank.
A wealthier wellness bank means having more resources to invest in your well-being, your business, and your family.
One way to cultivate a better money mindset is to focus on abundance rather than scarcity. Instead of worrying about running out of money or not having enough, shift your focus to the abundance that surrounds you. Practice gratitude for what you have and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Another way to improve your money mindset is to practice conscious spending. Take a mindful approach to your finances by setting a budget, tracking your spending, and making intentional purchases. By being intentional with your money, you'll feel more in control of your financial situation and less stressed about money.
It's also important to address any limiting beliefs you may have about money. These beliefs may include thoughts like "money is evil" or "I don't deserve to be wealthy." Identify these beliefs and challenge them with positive affirmations and new beliefs that align with your financial goals.
By building a better money mindset, you'll create a wealthier wellness bank and feel more in control of your financial situation as a business owner mama.
Building your wellness bank is critical to your success and well-being. By investing in your time, energy, and money, and creating a daily self-care routine, you can build a strong foundation for your business and your life. Remember to be kind to yourself, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.
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