The Secret to Balancing Motherhood, Business, and Boundaries
Last month, I shared a glimpse into my life as a single mom of two and a business owner (or four!) over on Instagram in this post. Shortly after, an old friend reached out. She’s a new mom, juggling her baby and a growing business, and she confessed she felt like she was drowning.
“Can we meet for coffee?” she asked. Of course, I said yes.
Motherhood and entrepreneurship? It’s my sweet spot—one of my favorite conversations. Over the next three weeks, I’m peeling back the curtain and sharing the exact three strategies I told her that have helped me (mostly) stay sane while raising kids and building businesses.
Here’s the thing, though: these strategies are simple on the surface, but there’s a reason they’ve been game-changers for me.
This week, let’s unlock the first key: boundaries.
Boundaries: The Game-Changer You Didn’t Know You Needed
Here’s the truth: Boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re survival tools. They’re how you manage your time, energy, and sanity.
But let’s be real: boundaries are hard to set. Why? Because as women, we often feel guilty for saying no or carving out space for ourselves. But here’s the secret: boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary.
And the best part? Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. Sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.
The Simplest Boundary That Changed My Life
One of my best moves? Setting clear boundaries with my email.
This isn’t groundbreaking, but it works: I updated my email signature to set expectations. Now, it says:
“Our office hours are 9-5 Monday – Friday. If you have an urgent matter, please text us at 512-200-4418.”
This little line does a lot:
- It tells people when I’m working.
- It communicates when they can expect a reply.
- It gives me permission not to feel on-call 24/7.
I even helped my friend come up with her own version:
“Like you, I spend my downtime changing diapers and folding laundry. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can (and maybe even after a shower!).”
Cute, right? It’s relatable, honest, and sets the tone for balanced communication.
The Boundary I Had to Set With Myself
Boundaries aren’t just about other people—they’re about you, too. And I had to learn this the hard way.
At one point, my days looked like this:
- 8 AM to 3 PM: Working while the kids were at school.
- 3 PM to bedtime: Working on my phone while they were home.
- 8 PM to midnight: Back at my desk with a glass of wine.
It was exhausting. I was burning the candle at both ends, and it wasn’t sustainable.
So, I did something radical: I started prioritizing quality over quantity.
- Mornings became time for hikes with friends.
- Afternoons included reading breaks, walks, or even naps (yes, naps!).
And you know what? I was more productive, more creative, and—most importantly—happier.
The Tools That Keep Me Sane
I’ll let you in on a little secret: my iPhone’s “Focus” settings are my best friend.
- Work Mode: Blocks personal apps and calls during work hours.
- Personal Mode: Hides work notifications so I can fully disconnect.
These small tweaks have helped me protect my time and energy in ways I didn’t think were possible.
Want to Know More?
Here’s the thing: boundaries are just the start. Over the next few weeks, I’m sharing the other two strategies that have been game-changers for me—and they might surprise you.
Want to know what’s next? Subscribe to my newsletter, and you’ll get exclusive access to all the juicy details. Plus, I’ll share real stories, practical tips, and the tools I use to balance life as a mompreneur without losing my mind.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
As Jessica Jackley wisely said:
“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”
Boundaries are the first step to deciding what matters most. Let’s figure it out together.