As I write this article, it is Perinatal Mental Health Week. According to PANDA, 1 in 5 mothers experience perinatal anxiety and/or depression. Based on my own experience of being a mother of two little girls and running a thriving business, and the experiences of hundreds of my clients, mothers who are small business owners suffer from it even more. With the specter of burnout looming over 48.5% of mothers according to Ohio State University, it becomes imperative to explore strategies that not only mitigate burnout but also align with a framework that fosters growth and connection.
Let’s delve into five tips for mothers in small business to beat burnout, that is inspired by my LIGHT framework, which is detailed in my #1 best-selling book: Light It, How to Trust your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business.
As I know we always retain more information with a story, let me take you through the story of a fictitious mum and business owner, Bryony, while sharing the 5 tips.
1. Lean into Your Purpose and Vision:
Story: Byrony, a small-business owner, initially started her venture when she was pregnant with her firstborn, about three years ago, to spend more quality time with her family and have a positive impact on the environment. But found herself caught in the grind of twelve-hour workdays, seven days a week and not getting outside at all.
Tip: We know the large majority of small business owners end up working more than 50 hours a week. So it is time to go back to why you started your business: Was it flexibility? Was it to be present for your children? Lean into the reason you started your business. Commit and share it with your partner, your family, your team, and your clients. Reconnecting with your initial purpose provides clarity and motivation but also clearer boundaries around your work schedule.
2. Illuminate Your Priorities:
Story: Bryony lost sight of her family-centric and positive environmental vision amid the pressures of entrepreneurship. She is stuck in the hamster wheel doing everything, but at the same time, she feels like nothing is done properly.
Tip: We know the power of putting a destination in the GPS and following the route. So it is time to apply it in business to beat burnout. I call this creating your ‘illumination map’, a tool I share in my book that helped hundreds of mothers in business: what are the essential business activities to get to your purpose and vision? Focus on what truly matters to avoid burnout. Evaluate tasks, determining what must be done, and what can be deleted, automated, delayed, or delegated.
3. Gather Resources Within and with Others:
Story: Bryony is working on her own at her kitchen table and she is craving to surround herself with like-minded people who understand her vision, her passion, and her reality as a mum in business. She keeps doubting herself and her strengths as she is struggling to get clients for her business.
Tip: So it is time to pause and write down all the strengths you have, and all that you know! It is what I call gather within. At the same time, we know it takes a village to raise a child, so let’s apply the same principle to business. Take time to gather with others by seeking help and forming a supportive network. It’s okay to lean on others.
4. Honour the Journey and Make Space:
Story: Bryony is feeling impatient in her business, and that’s why she is working so hard. She heard so many stories of overnight success yet it is not what she is experiencing. So she works harder and harder every day.
Tip: If you don’t want to burn out and want to stay inspired, engage in morning rituals, and walk in nature. It is essential to create space away from the business. Did you know that Bill Gates would go into the woods often to find inspiration? When we slow down, we accelerate. So honor your current phase and understand that being, not just doing, is crucial for avoiding burnout.
5. Transform the Way:
Story: Bryony is feeling guilty because she is missing out on so many special moments with her family, kids, and friends.
Tip: Embrace a new way of doing business that aligns with your purpose. Establish boundaries, like setting specific times for work and family, to ensure a harmonious coexistence.
In conclusion, the LIGHT framework serves as a beacon for female entrepreneurs, particularly mothers in small businesses, to navigate the challenges of burnout.
