The BEST Advice for Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
I’ve been a big fan of Whitney White, a.k.a. Naptural85 on YouTube, for years. I remember when she first began posting hair tutorials and family vlogs back in 2010. Since then she has made YouTube part of her career portfolio in addition to being a graphic designer, social media influencer and now the owner of her own hair care company Melanin Haircare.
Since the Stay-At-Home order went into effect in Florida mid-March, I’ve been balancing teaching online, working on Understated Clothing, writing for my personal blog The Blogger Next Dior AND being a solo parent to a two-year. It hasn’t been the easy at all. At the moment, I’m still unsure about my work environment come this Fall. A quick YouTube search on videos suggesting how I can get a better grip on everything, the one listed below popped up. If I’m going to listen to the advice of anyone balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, it will most definitely be Whitney. Here is how I’m applying them to my daily life:
Find balance - I try my best to block out time for different activities. For example, I usually wash dishes around 7:00 p.m. I try to work out when Ava is eating breakfast. I like writing on blog posts mid-morning and completing tasks for Understated Clothing mid-afternoon.
Each time I finish with something career, entrepreneurial or housekeeping related, I make sure to take a break and give Ava 10-30 minutes of my undivided attention. She’s gotten into the habit of knowing that “as soon as Mommy is done, she will come play,” is a promise. Every day doesn’t look quite the same, but I feel good knowing that every day I was able to devote time to each area of my life.
Take care of your physicality. - In April/May I completed the 21 Day Fix workout program by Beachbody. I learned that even on days that I didn’t FEEL like working out, I NEEDED to workout. Discipline overrides emotions. Plus the endorphin rush post-work out was essential to me keeping my stress levels low.
I’m now on the Beta phase of T25, another Beachbody regimen, but I’ve moved my workout to first thing in the morning before breakfast. Early morning work outs allow me to exercise uninterrupted because Ava is occupied with breakfast and I get the added benefits of fasted cardio/strength training.
Get rid of perfectionism. - Let. It. Go. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the planning phase that you fail to ever execute. Write, review and hit publish. Take the picture, make a few edits and then add it to your feed. I no longer worry about being perfect. My focus is on getting better and I can only get better by trying.
Learn to say “No.” - It’s okay not to respond to every text message right away. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t want to take on an extra project at work. I’d rather do something for someone because I truly want to than do it and then be resentful. It is hard saying no in the beginning but it does get easier. Creating boundaries is necessary for your mental health.
Get help. - Can’t lie. I struggle in this area something serious. With matters regarding my daughter I have no problems with seeking out assistance. But with things for myself? Whew. It’s almost impossible for me to part my lips to ask for help. Why is it so hard? Ugh. Let’s just say for now I’ll save that for my next therapy session.