Back to Work…Post-Baby

by Kim McGuire, CPCC, Founder of Savvy Leader Coaching

How do we balance it all and make every part of our lives successful?  As women entrepreneurs, we are likely to find ourselves launching a company we are passionate about regardless of our family situation.  Whether we founded our company before having kids or, being a new mom, launched a business to create greater flexibility, we will surely find ourselves taking a bit of a break to have some mommy time.  Getting back to work post-baby takes dedication, drive and passion.

Let’s face it, as a mother, each one of us feels guilty at some point about leaving our babies and working.  I remember feeling guilty for two reasons – first because I was leaving my son with the sitter for the day and second, I was secretly relieved to get a break. 

I also felt a struggle to transition from being ‘mommy’ back into my professional persona – from the way I dressed (beware of the ‘mom uniform’) to the topics of discussion (there was only so much feeding and sleeping talk I could handle).  There were other challenges.  I found the start up time resulted in a temporary negative cash flow in addition to the distractions of working from home.  The boundaries were getting less clear and my beliefs about myself had begun to change.  The part I had the most difficult time with was having the confidence that I could be as effective as I was pre-baby. 

A few months ago, I had enough of the ‘transition’ period and made some changes--some are listed below.  I jumped right in with goals that I had been procrastinating on such as writing a blog and launching an e-newsletter.  I also had a new logo and business cards printed up and in so doing, I basically re-launched my business and, more importantly, my self-confidence and belief in myself.  Now, when I speak to people about my business, I don’t mention right off that I am coming back from maternity leave; I speak with confidence about my business.  I will always be a mother and yet that is solely defining me less and less these days.

Here are some tips that have helped me in re-launching my business, post-baby:

• Create a vision and post it where you can see it every day - a way to re-connect with your passion for your venture.  You can create a Vision Board (clippings of images or words describing what you want in your life on a board) or write out a Vision Statement (imagine what your business will look and feel like in the future).
• Create routine and structure for yourself as if you were in a corporate setting – work out and get ready as if you were going to an office. 
• Hire a coach to keep yourself accountable.  A coach or mentor can challenge you, help you focus on top priorities and keep your attention on your passion for your company.
• Watch out for the procrastination bug – do the activities with deadlines or that you like doing least, first.  You’ll feel much more accomplished at the end of the day.
• Take time out for yourself so that you can truly be present with your partner and kids.  By filling up your schedule with outings to the gym, having girls’ night or taking a yoga class, you will give more of yourself as a mother, partner and business owner.

At times you will feel challenged in balancing it all – try to keep things in perspective. Pick one or two of these tips above for one week and let me know how it goes!

Kim McGuire, CPCC is a certified life coach and founder of Savvy Leader Coaching.  Kim coaches Entrepreneurial Women to achieve balance and success in all areas of their lives.  In addition to private coaching, Kim conducts workshops on Vision Boarding, Team Communication and Goal Setting. 

Comments

[Jane]

It's very difficult to make our life successful without a stable income. Been part of work at home moms forums I've started my own website to better understand affiliate marketing and make some money.
Your vision tip is very valuable for setting goals and be persistant on the way to success.