January 2018 Reflections: The Sober Realities of Mompreneurship

January was rough for me. Though I started the year hopeful that I would be able to work on me, it quickly turned to new and very pressing business matters. The days were long and stressful. I didn't even have time to think about what I really want. Despite it all, I am still thankful for God, life, health and strength, my hubby, my parents and kids, grand kids, and family.

Reflections

As I reflected on the month, I realized that many of the words I used to describe my experience were negative. I asked myself "why?" With so many blessings and opportunities why am I so pessimistic? Resoundingly the answer was "you haven't yet figured out your true purpose." Yes, I am a Mompreneur but is my business in an area that I am genuinely passionate. Don't get me wrong, I am passionate about business in general and I am passionate about parenting,motherhood, and home keeping . But If my entrepreneurial pursuits isn't in an area that makes me want to jump out of bed in the morning, the questions is, why not? How am I to change course, especially when my current business is one that is so important to my community and to my family's well being?

Being Real

I am just being real here. It's going to take time for me to figure myself out. There are good days in entrepreneurship and there are ones where you wonder why you are doing what you are doing. I am confident that if one is working in an area he or she is passionate about, it almost does not feel like work at all. For me, January was one of those months where I felt confused and discombobulated. Here are the five primary reasons for my malaise:

1. Not Sustainable - I realize that my workload is not sustainable; so I need to determine what projects to put on hold.
2. What About Me - I am constantly asking myself where am I in the equation. It is so easy to take care of everyone else, the business, the kids, the hubby and forget about oneself.
3. Major Capital Improvements - We are about to engage in a major capital improvement that will substantially affect our balance sheet's liability column. This is always a scary thought.
4. Aligned with Purpose - I constantly ask myself if my business is aligned with my life's purpose and if not what am I going to do about it?
5. Planning without a Plan - If my purpose is not aligned with my pursuits then it seems as though I am planning without a plan, rowing to the wrong destination, which gives rise to my current mood.

What to Do

Given all of this, I will take time to think more about my life's purpose. What makes me happy? What can I do all day, everyday and not even get tired or feel like I am working? How can I give more to others in a way that doesn't feel as though I am being drained? And finally how can this new purpose be integrated in my present life? To answer questions such as these will take time. I'm in no rush.

How are you doing on your journey of entrepreneurship? Are you passionate about your business? Is your business aligned with your purpose? Share your thoughts below and let's help each other.