Taking the Leap: Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

May 4, 2010 - Carol McBee

Embarking on the adventure of entrepreneurship and motherhood guarantees never a dull moment. Leaving the comfort of our lives to voyage into the unknown can be an intimidating experience. There are two lessons I have learned about making big changes in our lives after having left the corporate world to pursue an entrepreneurial life and, two years ago, becoming a mom. First, we must reconcile our expectations with reality. Second, we must be open to the ever evolving process of learning and adapting if we are to thrive.

Reconcile Expectations with Reality

Before taking the leap into entrepreneur life I believed that by working for myself I would work less, experience less pressure, and have more time for me. As a new mom I was adamant my life would not change and my daughter would just conform to my way of living. Reality check, I work more now than I ever have, I experience a level of accountability like never before and my daughter, now two, is “the boss”.

The process of reconciling our expectations with reality is the process of accepting what life looks like now. Nothing can truly prepare us for the leap into entrepreneur life or parenthood; acclimatizing ourselves to our new landscape as quickly as possible without lamenting our initial expectations will move us forward faster.

Learn, Adapt, Thrive

Just like parenthood, being an entrepreneur does not come with a manual. Part of what will ensure our success is how willing we are to learn and adapt. Businesses are like children, with every stage of growth comes something new to discover. Surrendering to the certainty that as an entrepreneur and parent we are perpetually in a state of learning and adapting will ensure we thrive in any situation presented.

Here is some more key learning that has helped me along the way:

1. Be clear on what you do, what you want and what your objectives are –the clearer you are the more likely you are to achieve success
2. Know your priorities especially if you are a parent
3. Get out of the “Grey Zone” -Eben Pagan – Move away from multi-tasking and into concentrated work
4. It’s better to under promise and over deliver
5. Be open and kind to yourself through the process of development and growth
6. Take time for you

Aurea Crotty is the founder of Savoir Faire Professionals and the editor and chief of Pretty Savvy. Savoir Faire Professionals Inc, is an innovative professional development community catering to the up-and-coming Gen X’s and Gen Y’s in their 20s and 30s who are finding and building their careers. This community helps its members navigate their lives by providing support, mentorship and inspiration to help them achieve success.

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