What Preschool Graduation Taught Me About Running a Business
On August 20th 2024, we hit a major milestone in our household—Gabriel, my soon-to-be 4-year-old, graduated from preschool! 🎓 As I watched him proudly walk across the stage, with a cap that was just a tad too big and a grin that could light up a room, it struck me: this tiny, precious moment held some powerful lessons about entrepreneurship.
Yes, you read that right. Somehow, in the midst of cheering for Gabriel and snapping a million photos, I found myself reflecting on how running a business is a lot like guiding our little ones through life’s early milestones.
Growth Takes Time, Just Like Preschool
Remember when your toddler first started learning their ABCs? It didn’t happen overnight. They learned one letter at a time, practicing over and over again, until suddenly they could recite the whole alphabet with confidence. Gabriel had that moment too, and it reminded me of how business growth works.
In entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to fall into place immediately. But, just like our kids, we need to take things one step at a time. Whether it's mastering a new system, launching a service, or simply surviving the day-to-day grind, it’s all about those small, steady steps.
💡 Actionable Tip: Break your big business goals into smaller, more manageable phases. Focus on one thing at a time, and celebrate each step forward—no matter how small.
Patience is Everything (And It’s Hard)
Let’s be real: parenting teaches you patience in ways you never imagined. Remember when your little one was learning to walk? It was full of stumbles, wobbles, and maybe even a few tears (on both sides). But they kept at it, and eventually, they got it.
Entrepreneurship is no different. There are setbacks, mistakes, and moments where it feels like nothing is working. But, just like our kids, we have to keep going. Gabriel didn’t master walking in a day, and your business won’t hit all its goals overnight either.
💡 Actionable Tip: Be kind to yourself. Set realistic expectations and don’t get discouraged when things don’t go perfectly. Patience isn’t just a virtue in business—it’s a necessity.
Celebrate the Small Stuff
Gabriel’s preschool graduation wasn’t just about completing school; it was about acknowledging all the little victories along the way. Learning to share, making new friends, figuring out how to zip up his coat—those are the small wins that built up to this moment.
In business, it’s easy to focus on the big milestones—landing a huge client, hitting a revenue goal, or launching a new product. But the small wins are just as important. Did you successfully manage a tricky project? Did you get through a tough week? Those deserve recognition too.
🎉 Challenge for You: What’s one small win you can celebrate in your business today? Don’t wait for the big achievements—acknowledge the progress you’re making right now.
You Need Your People
Gabriel didn’t get through preschool on his own. He had his teachers, classmates, and of course, his family cheering him on. In business, having your own support system is just as important. Whether it’s a mastermind group, a business partner, or simply a fellow entrepreneur who gets it, your community matters.
Running a business can be isolating at times, but you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your people when you need advice, encouragement, or just someone to vent to.
💡 Actionable Tip: Take a moment to connect with your community. Share your wins and challenges, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your support system is there for a reason—use it.
You Can’t Do It All (And That’s Okay)
Here’s a hard truth that parenting teaches you quickly: you can’t do it all. You can’t attend every playdate, whip up gourmet meals, and run a successful business all at once. And guess what? That’s totally fine.
In business, just like in parenting, sometimes you need to delegate, automate, or simply let some things go. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
💡 Actionable Tip: Look at your to-do list and figure out what you can delegate or streamline. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart strategy for keeping your sanity intact.
In a Nutshell: The Real Business Lessons from Motherhood
As I helped Gabriel toss his tiny graduation cap in the air (because, let’s face it, he needed a bit of help 😅), it hit me: Motherhood and entrepreneurship both teach us to take things one step at a time, recognize our progress, and understand that every little effort counts. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth every bit of the hard work.
So, what about you? How are you balancing motherhood and business? What lessons have you learned along the way? I’d love to hear your story—drop a comment below or reach out directly. Let’s keep the conversation going!
P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the juggling act, let’s talk about some simple systems and workflows that can lighten the load. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of tweaking your approach to make everything run smoother.
About Crystal Eva
Crystal Eva is a Fractional Chief Operating Officer. She empowers and supports women entrepreneurs by streamlining their technology, enhancing client retention, and elevating the client journey and onboarding process with seamless efficiency.
P.S. Are you ready to streamline, elevate, and turbocharge your business growth so you can live a more balanced life?
Here are all the ways I can help you ⤵
Looking to impress clients from Day 1? Grab the New Client Onboarding Workbook that’s been tested and proven to be effective and for a limited time, Crystal is sharing this valuable step-by-step guide and templates with you for FREE!
Feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks that are holding you back from scaling your business? Crystal’s Monthly Support Retainer Service might be the game-changer you've been searching for. Schedule acomplimentary discovery call with Crystal today!
