Life Mantras to Live By ~ Why Women Really Can Have It All By Merrin Schnabel

As a busy mother, wife and business owner I know first hand how hard juggling it all can be, but that juggle doesn’t mean you can’t do it — if anything I have long been an advocate for the total opposite.

Since starting Geelong Women’s Business Club, the first thing many women who are looking to start their own businesses say to me is, “how do you do it and balance kids and hubby and still have time for you?” The answer to that is not as mystical as you may think.
For the past few years now, I really have made a mindset shift — that you can in fact have it all. That may sound really simple, but the reality is ‘it really is’. Shifting your mindset to believe it is possible for you is the key to getting it. And I am living proof of this! I have two gorgeous sons, a 19 year marriage plus am able to run my own businesses and work as an influencer. I also run a successful Geelong hotel with my husband. Am I busy? Absolutely — BUT do I get it all done AND enjoy it — yes I do.
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For me that really is the key to having it all — balancing all three pillars: family, self and business. All three pillars need to be nurtured and nourished in order to reach optimum success and happiness. Simply overworking yourself is not going to cut it — then you won’t feel like you have it all. You’ll feel tired, overworked, resentful and I meet so many women in this position — I used to be one of them!
Don’t get me wrong, motherhood and marriage both have their challenges but work/life balance is so important to making it all work when “having it all”. I have personally found, in the past I used to hustle to the point of burnout — feeling like I had to keep going and could not rest otherwise I wasn’t doing enough. It was through getting to this point, I realized the importance of self-care.

I realized I have to find balance and started implementing it — my career went to new heights. I initially found it hard to switch off, but once I did honor every aspect of my life, my family, self and work went to the next level. For me, the secret to having it all is to actually force myself to switch off. It sounds so simple and it really is.

There will always be critics who will say this is not maintainable — but if you make it your lifestyle it absolutely will be and I am living proof of this.

To show it is possible for anyone, here are my tips to truly have it all.

• Find a coach/work with someone who can show you the tools and techniques to implement work/life balance.
• Take time for yourself — this is key. You can’t have it all if you’re not prioritizing yourself.
• Don’t let setbacks stop you, keep going no matter what.
• Use principles like meditation, manifestation and gratitude journaling to help you truly appreciate what you have. I found my spiritual awakening really took things to the next level for me and I became happier than I ever had before.
• Follow your desires. DO the things that you are passionate about and make you happy. Do not let the world stop you from what you truly want to do.

Meet Our Contributing Author — Merrin Schnabel

Credit: Merrin Schnabel

Merrin Schnabel is an Australian influencer and business woman, who founded Geelong Women’s Business Club events that now run nationwide to empower women to be their best selves in life and business. Learn more here.