PARENTING AS THE GREATEST SELF-DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

“Parenthood is the greatest self-development strategy!”

I’ve had this conversation with many mums. 

Parenthood brings your fears to the fore, shows you capacity for fatigue and soldiering on like you never knew possible, and shows you a kind of love, connection and consideration like no other.

Your child can mirror your strengths AND parts of yourself you may not want to acknowledge 🫣

Yes, mothering is the greatest all-encompassing-self-development-tool-kit wrapped in soft skin, big eyes and innocence.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way…. except to know we’re doing ok at it!

(Hack: let's decide we are parenting ok and put our energy into more useful thoughts, 'cause we wouldn't be wondering this otherwise👍)

In the realm of self-development and personal growth, I believe Entrepreneurship comes a close second to parenting.

Entrepreneurship requires self-leadership: you've got to motivate yourself, believe in your visions, be guided by your values and if you're lucky enough to have a Team, you're required to be their mentor and manager.

A mum also needs to self-motivate, believe in her visions, be guided by her values and mentor & manage her Team. AKA: children!

I’ve long held the philosophy that mothers are leaders. Take the below quotes about leadership as an example, and see the relevance when applied to raising children. It’s powerful.

Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others – John Maxwell

(A mother's job is to empower her children, right?)

The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example - John Wooden

(Remember, children are watching. The old adage, do what I say, not what I do doesn’t cut it with little ones)

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader - John Quincy Adams

(In a nutshell, isn't a goal of parents to raise children who are inspired to dream more, learn more and become the best version of themself?)

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects the wind to change. The leader adjusts the sails. John Maxwel

(Again, a mum at home by herself or raising children on her own is most empowered when she takes this perspective)

Email me and tell me your thoughts. Does any of the following resonate with your role as mum?

The similarities of Parenting & Entrepreneurship: 

• They bring delight, expansion & achievements you never dreamed possible
• They also bring you to your knees in fear & fatigue
• They require you to understand you have no control over anyone else … while taking 100% responsibility for your results
• They’ll need you to be gracious with success & hold faith in defeat
• You’ll be needed often & always - when you’re eager & when you can barely make it through the day. Usually unknown to anyone but you
• You’ll be seen to be thriving when inside you’re struggling & viewed as hard, when your intention is only full of love (Put a toddler down for a daytime nap or grounded a teen, anyone?)
• You’ll do best when surrounded by people aligned with your values & visions. Neither parenting nor entrepreneurship should be experienced alone
• Both offer the greatest risk & the greatest reward
• Both have the opportunity to provide everything your heart desires, as well as everything your heart fears (nothing's more true 💓)
• You can feel isolated and alone, yet not have time to yourself! Oh, the irony ....

I hope you feel comfort and connection as you read along, knowing you're not alone in your feelings. I'm right here with you, sending virtual high-fives and support ⭐💁‍♀️

But if you want REAL, live and weekly support, come coach with me. I'll be your sounding board and champion all-in-one.

Email [email protected] to learn more.

Stay amazing and enjoy,

Catherine