Being a new dad has been the biggest joy of my life. Seeing my son start to crawl and have a personality of his own is such an incredible thing to witness. However, this has been a big period of growth for me as well.
Over the past 10 months, extra energy I’ve previously dedicated towards personal projects has gone towards helping my wife and son. I wouldn’t change a single minute of it, but it’s been challenging to see some of my other projects become stagnant.
However, I feel that I’m through some of the initial hurdles and am getting some energy and motivation to dedicate towards Storybooks!
Below are a few learnings from the past 10 months of being a first-time dad and entrepreneur:
It’s easy to feel guilty about not being able to give 100% to your personal projects, but remember, being there for your family is an invaluable investment. Every moment spent with your child is shaping their future and strengthening your bond. Embrace the chaos and understand that it’s okay to have moments where you’re not as productive as you’d like to be.
There’s no rush to achieve all your goals immediately. Balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship means adjusting your pace. Prioritize what truly matters and allow yourself the grace to progress slowly. Small, consistent steps can still lead to significant accomplishments over time. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Incorporating downtime into your schedule can boost your creativity and productivity. Use moments of rest to recharge and gain new perspectives. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you step away from the grind and allow your mind to wander. Embrace these periods as essential for your overall well-being and success.
The skills and patience you develop as a parent can translate into valuable attributes in your professional life. Improved time management, empathy, and resilience can enhance your leadership and problem-solving abilities. Personal growth often leads to new insights and approaches that can drive your business forward in unexpected ways.
When you feel ready, don’t hesitate to dive back into your projects. The journey of balancing family and work is ongoing, and there will always be opportunities to re-engage with your passions. Trust in your ability to adapt and find new rhythms that work for you and your family.
To all the new parents out there, you’re doing great. As with any new thing in life, it takes time to adjust. But once you get the hang of things, you’ll be even stronger because of it, both in your personal and professional life.
Take a moment to decompress, and perhaps read a story with your little one!