Below, you’ll find the show notes for Episode 010 of The Made by Motherhood Podcast. The Made by Motherhood Podcast is a warm, encouraging space for moms building businesses while raising families — with gentle guidance for business, home, and motherhood. Subscribe on Spotify Podcasts, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe anywhere podcasts are available.
Motherhood changes you in ways you never expect. It stretches you, humbles you, and teaches you lessons you could never learn anywhere else. For me, becoming a mom completely reshaped how I approach business.
In this post, I’m sharing five powerful lessons motherhood has taught me about running a business. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, understood, and inspired to see how your own motherhood journey can positively shape the way you work.
Lesson 1: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
Before becoming a mom, I thought running on fumes was simply part of entrepreneurship. Motherhood quickly showed me otherwise.
You can’t give your best to anyone—your kids, your clients, or your business—if you’re completely depleted. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a responsibility.
Small ways to prioritize yourself could look like:
- Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
- Drinking more water
- Taking time for something that fills your cup
When you care for yourself first, you’re able to show up stronger in every other area of life.
Lesson 2: Flexibility Is Your Superpower
If there’s one thing motherhood teaches you fast, it’s that plans don’t always stick. Nap strikes, sick days, and unexpected needs pop up often.
At first, I resisted this lack of control. But eventually, I realized that the ability to pivot and adjust isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.
In business, create structure but hold it loosely. Batch your work, set realistic deadlines, and always leave room for the unexpected. Flexibility allows you to move forward without breaking under pressure.
Lesson 3: Perfection Is Overrated
Motherhood strips away the illusion of perfection. You quickly learn that trying to do everything perfectly only leads to frustration.
The same is true in business. Before motherhood, I would overthink every Instagram post, website tweak, or launch. But when time became more limited, I learned to let go.
Done is better than perfect. Progress is always better than waiting for flawless. Show up, do your best, and allow your work to evolve over time.
Lesson 4: Your Why Becomes Clearer
Motherhood sharpens your focus. Suddenly, your why isn’t just about growing revenue or hitting milestones—it’s about creating a sustainable, fulfilling life for your family.
I began asking myself:
- Is this project worth my time?
- Does it align with the life I want to create?
If the answer was no, I let it go. Building a business with longevity means focusing on what truly matters and letting your why guide your choices.
Lesson 5: Small, Consistent Efforts Lead to Big Results
Motherhood teaches patience. Just like raising kids, business growth doesn’t happen overnight.
I used to think success came from big, bold moves. Now I know that small, consistent efforts—like writing one email, engaging with a client, or making a small improvement to a system—add up to the biggest transformation.
Consistency compounds. Give yourself grace and keep showing up, one step at a time.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood has shaped me into a different kind of business owner—one who values rest, flexibility, progress, purpose, and consistency. These lessons have helped me build a business that fits into my life, instead of running my life.
If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share with me on Instagram at @kellyzugay. And if you enjoy the Made by Motherhood Podcast, subscribing and leaving a review helps this message reach more moms in business.
Remember: you are doing an incredible job—both as a mom and as a business owner. Give yourself grace, trust the process, and keep showing up.
