The Diaper Bag Theory: How Motherhood Prepares You for Business Growth
Think back to the first time you packed your diaper bag. You carefully placed diapers, wipes, a bottle—everything you thought you might need for an outing with your baby. Then, reality hit. A diaper blowout happened, and you realized you needed an extra change of clothes. A spit-up incident? Now you knew to pack a burp cloth. Over time, your diaper bag evolved, growing with you and your baby’s needs.
Your business is just like that diaper bag.
Starting with What You Think You Need
When we start a business, we pack our metaphorical diaper bag with the tools, knowledge, and resources we think we’ll need. Maybe it’s a business plan, a website, or a handful of marketing strategies. But just like that first trip out with your baby, experience quickly teaches us what we actually need.
Maybe you launch your business and realize you need better systems for organization. Maybe your initial marketing approach isn’t working, and you need to pivot. Each time you step out into the business world, you learn, adjust, and add new tools to your bag.
Learning Through Experience
As time goes on, your business—and your “diaper bag”—grows. You discover tools, strategies, and even mindset shifts that make things easier. You might invest in a course, hire a coach, or implement new systems that streamline your work. And just like with your diaper bag, some things will no longer serve you. The pacifiers and onesies eventually get replaced with lunch boxes and school supplies, just like some early business strategies will be swapped out for more advanced ones.
Sharing, Learning, and Growing
One of the best parts of motherhood—and business—is the community. How many times have you swapped tips with another mom? Shared an extra snack, diaper, or piece of advice? Business works the same way. We learn from others, share our knowledge, and grow together.
By connecting with other moms in business, you gain insights, avoid common mistakes, and find support when things get tough. Some days, you’re the one offering wisdom; other days, you’re the one receiving it. It’s a cycle of growth and support, just like in motherhood.
Letting Go Without Guilt
As your business grows, there will come a time when you need to let go of things that no longer serve you. Maybe it’s a service offering that isn’t aligned with your passion, a marketing strategy that isn’t working, or even a belief that’s holding you back. Letting go isn’t failure—it’s growth.
When you remove what no longer fits and make room for what does, you’re not starting over—you’re evolving. Just like you didn’t feel guilty when you stopped carrying bottles in your diaper bag, you shouldn’t feel guilty when you pivot in business.
Embrace the Process and Take Action
So, mama, as you build your thriving home and business, don’t get stuck in overwhelm, fear, or self-doubt. Trust the process. Start with what you have. Take action. Learn from experience. Adjust as needed. And when things change, don’t resist—embrace it.
Next time you feel lost or uncertain, just remind yourself of the Diaper Bag Theory. Keep going, keep growing, and know that just like in motherhood, you are learning exactly what you need along the way.
