Do you have kids? Even if you don’t, you’ll relate to this blog. It’s about the comparison between being a parent and running a business, and the discoveries I’ve made along the way.
When I first had Harry, it was a shock to the system. I could never have imagined what having a child would be like. It’s like loving something so much and being exhausted all at the same time. Since he’s grown into a toddler, I’ve been exhausted in a whole new way!
It’s tiring, unpredictable, and full of surprises (a bit like running a business). Along the way I’ve picked up some tricks; many of them rooted in the personal development and coaching I’ve studied over the last 10 years.
Here’s what I’ve learned: flexibility, focusing on the goal, and taking action are what lead to real results in business.
Naps, Toothpaste, and Business Growth
If you’re in my circle (a friend, a client, or a regular reader) you’ll know my child struggles with sleep. It’s the perfect example of my theory: the method doesn’t matter, the outcome does (within reason).
Let me tell you a story…
Another day in the Tam’s residence: Harry swears he isn’t tired, but all the signs say otherwise. His eyes are red, and he can hardly keep them open. I thought he’d fall asleep on the way home from swimming… no luck. Next, I tried the pushchair. For two hours I walked around our estate while he chattered away and leaned out of the chair to say “hello.” Finally, I took him out and fed him to sleep.
Now, if I think he’s more likely to sleep in my arms, I’ll try that first. I’m not bothered HOW he goes to sleep but that he goes to sleep. The outcome is the same… he’s asleep. Why does it matter how it’s done?
Take brushing teeth. Right now, the method is: he holds the toothbrush while I help. After a few seconds, he asks for more toothpaste. I let him try… he can’t do it. So “more toothpaste” goes on multiple times. End result? Teeth cleaned, no tears.
Again… outcome achieved, method doesn’t matter.
What Instagram Gurus Don’t Tell You
In business, you may fall into two camps:
- Following the “perfect method” some Instagram guru told you about.
- Waiting for the perfect method to appear.
Both are traps. They lead to stagnation and disappointment.
Someone told me this year that the only way to build my business was through social media. I don’t deny that it works, but so do lots of other things. I’ve tried many ways: social media, flyering, talking to people, collaborating. You name it, I’ve probably tested it.
Right now, the world is telling us that their way is the best way. That creates rigidity in business. If their way doesn’t work for you, it must be your fault, right? Your business is doomed? Really?
The world tells me that my toddler should go to sleep in a pushchair, why? It’s the same in business.
There’s no perfect way to build your business. There’s only the way that works for you. Just like parenting, you need to add flexibility into your approach and give yourself permission to change direction when needed.
So why do entrepreneurs get stuck waiting or clinging to one rigid plan? Ego. Especially in the age of social media. “If I change what I’m doing, what will people think?” The answer: they probably won’t even notice.
What they will notice, over time, is the resilience and momentum you build by staying committed to your outcome; no matter which actions get you there.
That’s how I run my business: start with the question, What’s my outcome? Then, how could I achieve it? There are always multiple ways.
One doesn’t work? Try another. That doesn’t work either? Try again.
When you keep taking action with the outcome in mind, you’ll learn, adapt, and grow. The faster you do this, the faster your business moves forward.
What Instagram Gurus Don’t Tell You
Here’s what I want you to remember when making decisions in your business:
- If I start debating with my toddler, I’ve already lost. Same in business. Don’t waste time on endless arguments about the “how.”
- Stay focused on the outcome.
- Have a plan, but build in flexibility. If something isn’t working, change it. (As Jim Rohn says: you’re not a tree.)
- Take small steps, reflect, and adjust as you go.
- Celebrate wins along the way. If you’re waiting for perfection, it doesn’t exist.
Try asking yourself regularly:
- What’s working? Why is it working?
- What’s not working? Why not?
- What do I need to stop, start, or adjust?
Parenting and business are both messy and unpredictable. If you’re attached to being “right” about the how, you’re going to lose. Drop the ego, keep your eye on the outcome, and stay flexible.
There’s no perfect strategy. There’s only the one that works for YOU.
Keep taking action, keep reflecting, and keep adjusting. That’s how you grow your business (and maybe get some sleep, too).
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