Juggling Chainsaws: A CEO Mum of 6’s Guide to Work-Life Balance
Hey there, fabulous readers! I'm your friendly neighborhood CEO (MIB Internationa), mum of six, and part-time circus juggler (not really, but it feels like it). If you've ever wondered how to keep your sanity intact while running a business and a household the size of a small village, buckle up! Here’s my not-so-secret sauce to achieving a *sort of* work-life balance.
1. Embrace the Chaos
First things first: forget about perfection. My house is not Pinterest-perfect. It’s more like a tornado decided to take a nap. Toys, laptops, and sticky notes are scattered everywhere. And guess what? That’s okay! Embrace the chaos and laugh at the madness. It's either that or cry, and waterproof mascara is expensive.
2. Master the Art of Delegation
Superheroes have sidekicks, so why shouldn’t we? Whether it's delegating tasks at work or home, find your trusty sidekicks. My older kids are pros at folding laundry (sort of) and my team at work handles the nitty-gritty details. Remember, delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a superpower.
3. Schedule, Schedule, Schedule
My calendar looks like a rainbow exploded. Color-coded and crammed with everything from board meetings to ballet recitals. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. Seriously, I’ve scheduled time to breathe. 15 minutes every Wednesday at 3 PM. Non-negotiable.
4. The Power of "No"
Learning to say “no” is a game-changer. No, I can’t bake 300 cookies for the school fair. No, I can’t attend a three-hour meeting that could have been an email. “No” is not a negative word; it’s a form of self-care.
5. Make Time for Yourself
Easier said than done, right? But even if it’s just hiding in the pantry with a bar of chocolate for five minutes, do it. Self-care doesn’t have to be a day at the spa (though that would be nice). Sometimes it’s just a quiet moment with your thoughts and a cup of coffee that’s still hot.
6. Laugh Often
Humor is my secret weapon. When the baby is crying, the dog is barking (I dont have one but we always stumble upon one on our journey), and I’m late for a meeting, sometimes all you can do is laugh. Because if you can’t find the humor in having yogurt smeared on your business suit five minutes before a presentation, what’s the point?
7. Connect with Other Supermums
Find your tribe. Other busy mums who get it. Swap war stories, tips, and encouragement. It’s like group therapy but with wine and fewer tears. HELLO GET TO MIB International!
8. Remember Why You Do It
When things get overwhelming (and they will), take a step back and remember why you do it. For me, it's the love for my family and my passion for my business. That’s what keeps me going, even on the craziest of days.
So there you have it, folks! My not-so-secret, somewhat chaotic guide to balancing life as a CEO and a mum of six. It’s not perfect, it’s not always pretty, but it’s my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a board meeting in 10 minutes and a toddler asking for a snack. Time to juggle!
Until next time,
Leona Burton
CEO MIB International, Mum, Professional Chaos Manager
