Create a Strong Work-Life Integration Strategy

I am a mom myself. And I’ve been in a situation where I thought just copying what I’ve seen around me really works, which is not always the case. So I would say the most important, thinking to go through as a working mom, is to really understand why am I doing all of this. The minute you committ to a business, you take on a huge responsibility. And the responsibility actually is not just around the business. Obviously it also has some benefits for the family and you might even expect greater benefit, like a greater mission on this world. However, I would say, start with being responsible to yourself first. It’s a little bit like the oxygen mask scenario on the aircraft when they tell you: before you help other passengers, put the mask on yourself. That’s my biggest learning that I can really strongly recommend is look at your own wellbeing first.

That means understand what you’re in for, how much energy and time you actually want to commit to your business – that’s an important decision to make because it impacts heavily on your private life. And then the next question should be, do I have the resources for that? Which includes my body, my mind, my mental wellbeing, and a lot of other little factors like nutrition that I certainly have to look into and take care of. And if I don’t, then with all the good intentions and with all the great strategies in place, it won’t take you far. 

So I would say, really look at what is my strategy for myself being successful and being successful in a setting of being a working mom, which means you already have a huge amount of responsibilities and duties that you can’t just stop as you wish. So you certainly have to find a way to integrate it, but be clear with yourself. And then based on that, define what works for you. You can borrow and get inspired by others, but it certainly has to fit you and only you. And this is my biggest learning, and I would really encourage you to spend time on this, quite some extensive time, before you even look at your business plan or anything else, to really start looking at yourself first, take inventory, and then look at the resources that you have inside you and around you, and then look how resourceful you can be with those.

I think the most challenging part is really determining the time you need to take a business off the ground. I think we tend to maybe overestimate our abilities and underestimate how hard it can be. So, there should be a proper plan, really, a good strategy you put in place with yourself. As I said, you know, be aware of all the other commitments you already have as a family member and as a mom. So I would say, look at what is the real effort and time commitment that I want to put into my business, that I can realistically put into my business, and then block that time, block it as if it was the most important meetings on this week, this day, or this month. 

I personally have a number of dates which are sacred. They are dates with myself. I have a jour fixe every single month that I can really recommend. It is my downtime, or I take myself, my thoughts and no technology whatsoever into a nice place that I enjoy, which can be woods nearby or I go to the sea. I love sailing, so I would also jump on a boat and really spend the time with myself to not only reenergize, but predominantly rethink what I’m doing. If I’m still in the right track, if what I’m doing makes sense the way I’m doing it. 

And then obviously think about the next steps: where do I want to go? And what do I want to achieve? And do I have still the right support in place? Do I also have the resources like financials and maybe some helpers that I do require in place. And if I don’t, I should maybe put a plan together to actually get there. So real, firm commitments with yourself is extremely important. 

The other thing I would say is we tend to forget to surround ourselves with people who inspire us on their journey. As a working mom, you tend to be in an environment where you have other moms, you have maybe stay-at-home moms and maybe also that just other settings in your social environment that don’t quite appreciate your effort and your interest in being a mompreneur. So the question really is: where else can you get that inspiration? Where else can you get that energy? Where else can you get those ideas? And if you can’t find them in your own inner network or circle, then don’t beat that up. Don’t be hard on it, but actually just look elsewhere. 

I found online communities that I really cherish. So again, I would have firm commitments. I will go there once a month, dial up, dial in and actually be there and pre-prepared and have follow on conversations, which can be as little as a chat on WhatsApp or on LinkedIn or something, or it can even be in person. Obviously I’m privileged being in Berlin, so there’s a lot going on and I could go out and meet people also over a coffee.

The third thing I would say is don’t forget to celebrate. So be also quite explicit on that with yourself. So I am going to take stock of my business, of my life, and I’m going to involve people who matter to me. Do take time to celebrate, look back at what you’ve achieved. Look back at where you already stand, be proud of yourself, and also be proud again of your body, your mind, that you’re able to cope with all of this, because it is a fascinating journey, but it can be tough and it can be quite rough on the personal side. So do take time to really celebrate and enjoy it.