What I’d Change If I Were Starting My Business Over

Lessons in Alignment, Courage, and Not Letting Motherhood Hold Me Back

If I could sit down with the earlier version of myself—the one balancing two babies, a laptop on the kitchen counter, and a head full of big dreams—I’d tell her a few things. Not to change the outcome, but to change the energy behind it.

Because looking back, it wasn’t the systems (though yes, those do matter) that made the biggest difference. It was how I showed up for myself—or didn’t.

So if you’re just starting out, or feeling the nudge for a fresh start, here’s what I’d do differently:

I’d Focus on Alignment Over Approval

I spent too long trying to build a business that looked good instead of one that felt right. I said yes to opportunities that didn’t align, partnered with people who didn’t share my values, and chased strategies that felt exhausting—not exciting.

If I could start over, I’d get quiet and ask:

Does this move me closer to the business and life I actually want?
If the answer wasn’t a full yes, I’d pass.

I’d Stop Operating from Scarcity

You know the mindset: “If I don’t say yes to this client/opportunity/collaboration, it might be my last.”
Let me tell you something—scarcity will trick you into building a business you don’t even like.

If I could go back, I’d trust that the right clients will come, that abundance follows boundaries, and that more isn’t always better. Better is better.

I’d Make the Jump Before It Was “Perfect”

I waited to launch programs, courses, and services until they were polished, pretty, and borderline overthought. You know what would’ve served me better? Launching when it was ready enough.

Perfection is a procrastination trap. Progress loves action.

If I could start again, I’d put it out there, tweak it on the fly, and let real-world feedback shape the next version.

I’d Trust My Gut More Than the Noise

There’s a lot of advice out there. And don’t get me wrong—I love a good training. But sometimes, I let other people’s strategies drown out my own intuition.

I knew what my business needed. I just didn’t trust myself enough to act on it.

Now? I listen to my gut way more than I ever have!

I’d Stop Using Motherhood as an Excuse

This one hits deep. For a long time, I saw being a mom as a limitation. I felt guilty for working, guilty for dreaming big, guilty for needing more than just playdates and pickups.

But now I see it for what it is: my why.
I’m not building despite being a mom.
I’m building because I am one.

My kids are watching what’s possible. So I move forward with them as my reason, not my roadblock.

Truthfully, I wouldn’t change the journey—I’d just walk it with more confidence, more clarity, and a whole lot more self-trust. And if you’re in the thick of building your dream right now, I hope this gives you permission to let go of what’s no longer serving you.

Start messy. Choose alignment. Lead boldly.
And stop waiting for “right” to show up before you do.

You’ve got this—especially if you’re a mom. Because if you can raise humans, you can raise a business too

Author: Carissa Mason