Celebrate Your Wins: A Mom Entrepreneur’s Guide to Appreciating the Journey
As moms and entrepreneurs, we are no strangers to the endless to-do lists, the late nights, and the dreams that feel so big they’re almost overwhelming. We’re constantly moving forward, thinking of the next task, the next goal, and the next opportunity for growth—both for our business and our family. But in the middle of all this hustle, how often do we stop to take a breath and look back at how far we’ve come?
If we’re being honest, probably not nearly enough. And yet, isn’t that something we constantly encourage in our kids? When they’re learning to ride a bike, we celebrate every wobble they steady. When they bring home a drawing from school, we’re quick to point out how much better they’ve gotten since last time. We are naturally wired to see and celebrate the positives in our children because we want them to feel proud of themselves, to build confidence, and to know they’re capable of amazing things.
But when was the last time we did this for ourselves? When was the last time we—as mom entrepreneurs—looked at the miles we’ve already traveled and gave ourselves a moment to simply appreciate the journey?
This was the exact topic of a recent episode on the Like a Mom podcast. We talked about how easy it is to fall into the trap of focusing on what still needs to be done and lose sight of all that we’ve already achieved. As moms, we’ve mastered the art of finding the silver linings for others. We cheer our kids on for small victories. We teach them the power of gratitude and self-reflection. And yet, we often forget to turn that same energy inward.
Think about it for a moment: your ability to see the positive in your kids’ efforts, to encourage them, to celebrate them—that’s a skill you already have. It’s innate. And that same skill can be applied to yourself and your business. You already know how to do this; you just need to remind yourself to do it.
It’s easy to feel like there’s a never-ending road ahead. Maybe you haven’t hit your income goals yet. Maybe your website isn’t perfect, or your social media following isn’t where you want it to be. Maybe you’re juggling so much at home that your business sometimes feels like it’s taking a back seat. But here’s the thing: you’re still showing up. You’ve made it this far. You’ve built something out of nothing, and you continue to grow it—even on the hard days.
Take a moment right now to look back. Remember when your business was just an idea? Remember the first sale, the first client, or the first time you put yourself out there? Remember how terrified and thrilled you felt? That’s progress. That’s growth. That’s something to be proud of.
And just like you tell your kids that they should be proud of their progress, you need to tell yourself the same thing. Because here’s the truth: gratitude isn’t just about being thankful for what you have. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the effort, the persistence, and the courage it took to get here.
So how do we start building this practice into our busy lives? Here are a few ideas:
Pause at the End of the Day: Before you go to bed, take a moment to write down one thing you accomplished that day in your business or personal life. It doesn’t have to be big; even small wins matter.
Celebrate Milestones: Whether it’s the anniversary of your business, landing a new client, or simply surviving a tough week, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate.
Talk to Your Kids About Your Wins: Just like you share in their victories, share yours too. Let them see that you’re proud of yourself and the work you’re doing.
Gratitude Journaling: Start a gratitude journal specifically for your business. Write down the things you’re grateful for and the progress you’ve made.
Remember, being a mom entrepreneur isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey. And that journey is filled with moments worth celebrating. The next time you feel overwhelmed by the miles ahead, take a moment to look back. You’ll realize just how far you’ve come—and that’s something to be proud of.
