The 7 Principles I Live By Right Now In Business & Life
There’s something powerful about living by guiding principles, especially when life feels like it’s in constant flux (like I’m sure it is for most of us!). Right now, I’m a year into being a new mother while holding space for a business during significant market shifts, all while managing the beautiful complexity of life in my mid-thirties—family, friendships, health, home, and of course, running a business that supports other people’s livelihoods.
If you’re feeling the weight of similar seasons, whether it’s macro factors like market changes and AI advancements or personal challenges like caring for children or aging parents, you’ll understand why grounding principles have become my anchor.
Today, I’m sharing the 7 principles I live by right now in business and life—the specific anchors that are most resonant for me at this exact moment. My hope is that you can take what feels true for you and leave the rest, using these insights to help you lead with energy and inspiration while truly loving your life amidst whatever flux you’re experiencing.
1. Knowing Your Trade-Offs in Motherhood
Let’s kick off with some real talk for the mums. Being a working mum means trade-offs are inevitable. For me, it’s about setting clear boundaries — working when we have care for my daughter, Sunny, and soaking up those precious bedtime hours with her. These decisions help me stay sane and keep my mental energy intact. I review them weekly to see if things need shifting to suit my family and me.
2. If Business Was Easy, Everyone Would Do It
Here’s a mantra that keeps me steady: if business was easy, everyone would be doing it. This is my reality check when things get tricky. It stops me from feeling like a failure when challenges pop up and reminds me that, despite the hurdles, thriving and achieving are still on the table. A little resilience goes a long way.
3. Intentional Living Equals Intentional Days
Life is best lived by design, not default. So, I focus on creating intentional days through daily habits. From simple box breathing sessions to ditching tech before bed, these routines set the tone for who I want to be. It’s about being deliberate in what I do each day to align with my bigger life goals.
4. Coming Back to Your Purpose
Especially when life feels chaotic, my purpose acts as my anchor. I aim to support incredible humans in building businesses from home — a dream our mothers and grandmothers could only imagine. My decisions aren’t swayed by industry trends but are grounded in this mission that I deeply care about.
5. The Beauty is in the Build
Building can be daunting, but every step is part of the magic. It’s easy to get caught in the rush to the finish line but honouring each moment of creation and the effort that goes into it makes the process rewarding. So, instead of stressing about getting there, I’m soaking in the journey and loving the creative process.
6. You Can’t Control What Happens, But You Can Control How You Respond
In our everyday interactions — whether with family, business challenges, or even trolls in the comments section — I remind myself that my control lies in my response. This keeps me focused on staying true to my values and helps me choose how I want to show up every day.
7. Be Yourself; Everyone Else is Taken
Authenticity is power. No one else can bring what you bring to the table. There’s no need to dim your light because being you is what sets you apart. Sure, putting yourself out there can be daunting, but the reward of being authentic is unmatched and it fosters real connections and success.
I hope these principles resonate with you and maybe even inspire you to think about what guides you in your life!
Connect with Ellie:
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