Bravely Connected

One common concern I hear from moms is balancing motherhood with their passions, especially when considering an entrepreneurial journey. The uncertainty of how this balance will look can be daunting. I can relate to this deeply, as my journey began in a similar fashion. I wrote about it in my first book, “Culture Rebel – Because The World Has Enough Desperate Housewives”.

This week on the podcast, I interview Toni Zhove, a successful realtor and single mom. She said this to me, “When I started my career, I knew few people in Calgary and had to hit the ground running, often doing things outside my comfort zone like door-knocking and handing out banana bread at local stores. This proactive approach, driven by a sink-or-swim mentality, helped me carve a path forward.

Being a single mom for most of my career, I’ve had to learn to stay present despite the chaos of real estate. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, requiring immense resilience and internal resources. Drawing from my experiences and the mentorship of my dad, I’ve learned the importance of emotional intelligence, which is what I attribute to my success.”

The Role of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves a range of skills that help us handle challenges and thrive. It’s about being self-aware and reflective. This ability to reflect and recover influences all areas of life, including business, family, and personal relationships.

Integrating Passion and Parenting

One key to balancing passions and motherhood is getting clear on your priorities. Showing up for your children while building your career is essential. Children observe everything, and time flies by quickly. Balancing these roles requires an internal commitment, ensuring your life, passions, or business reflects who you are as a person.

Emotional Intelligence in Practice

Emotional intelligence allows us to handle life’s inevitable challenges more effectively. Whether in work, parenting, or personal relationships, the ability to be self-aware and reflect is vital. The result is the ability to be resilient and quick to recover from setbacks.

Toni states, “Reflecting on personal growth has always been crucial for me. Morning routines involving journaling, reading, and reflection set a positive tone for the day, helping me manage emotions and connect better with others. This self-awareness fosters deeper relationships and builds trust, essential for any entrepreneur.”

Practical Steps to Enhance Emotional Intelligence

For those looking to enhance their emotional intelligence, curiosity is a powerful tool. Being curious about your feelings and reactions can lead to greater self-awareness and compassion. Ask yourself simple questions like, “How am I feeling right now?” This curiosity helps shift your mindset from self-criticism to self-reflection, paving the way for personal growth.

Balancing motherhood and passions is challenging but achievable. By integrating emotional intelligence into daily practices and staying curious about our emotions, we can navigate these roles effectively. Remember, your endeavors should reflect who you are, and prioritizing emotional intelligence will help you thrive both personally and professionally.