How Busy Catholic Moms and Mompreneurs Avoid a Mutiny How Busy Catholic Moms and Mompreneurs Avoid a Mutiny

Busy Catholic moms often feel pulled in 100 different directions. Consider these: juggling kids stuff, working in and out of the home, volunteering activities, taking care of hubby.

When the to-do list gets too high, it’s easy to either become a task-master drill sergeant or to feel overwhelmed and end up Facebooking. This often leads to neglecting the finer, more important details of our relationships.

And our spouses and kids will let us know—either in a outright revolt or subtle lack of cooperation.

When I feel stretched beyond my comfort zone, playfulness exits first.  Being fully present, patient, and relaxed soon follow.  When the tension extends past a day or so,  the little people  in my home—ages 6, 9, and 12 — become unhappy customers and let their voices be heard directly and indirectly.

I had forgotten the important family connections that fuel my drive to be a successful mom and Catholic mom business owner.  Bitten by the consequences of getting my priorities out of order, I remembered the wise words of colleague Michael Jarecki, associate counselor in Pastoral Solutions Institute.

Michael defines the simple equations for family harmony, which can lead to a productive work and home life:

  1. “rules (+) relationship = responsibility”
  2. “rules (-) relationship = rebellion”

Basking in a sea of defiance, I knew I had to get to shore. Getting out of balance is inevitable especially when you always challenge yourself and your business to new heights. But there are ways to get out of the imbalanced state:

  1. State the Problem – Ask yourself what isn’t working.  Some problem hotspots have deeper sources.
  2. Go Deeper – No mompreneur goes into business because she wants to ignore her family. You wouldn’t want household or volunteer jobs eclipse your primary vocation, would you? Look into your business and  your homelife and identify things that rob you of the outcome you desire.
  3. Analyze the Problem – Now that you’ve moved beyond the surface, look at the underlying cycles that aren’t working. Identify at least one area you can change. You may need to create a different system or activate a new resource. You can change the cycle by interrupting it at any point.
  4. Forgive Yourself – Own where you have fallen short. Apologize to your family for what you’ve done and failed to do. Most importantly, forgive yourself. When you admit that you messed up and commit to your loved ones your plans to change, you model the beautiful process of seeking and receiving God’s mercy and love.
  5. Be Accountable – Use an accountability partner and system to help you commit to change.
  6. Reaffirm God’s Life Plan for You – Obstacles accompany being a successful business owner.  Don’t let doubts about continuing your business or functioning as a mom enter in when a challenge arises. Seek God’s guidance in prayer and in consultation with trusted advisors to ensure your calling harmonizes with God’s.

Our God is a god of order. While this world is not perfect, those who harmonize their actions with God’s plans will yield good fruit. Success at home fuels success at work.

The Catholic Mompreneur Biz Tip:  When something isn’t working in the business or at home, it’s just God’s way of guiding you to prioritize working on that area.  Face it; break it down; and implement the chosen action.

Copyright 2013 Christina M. Weber