From Potty Training to Entrepreneurship: Why You Should Always Try One More Time
How I Almost Gave Up on Potty Training (and What It Taught Me About Building a Business)
Key Takeaways:
- Parenting and entrepreneurship share one key truth: persistence pays off.
- Even after repeated setbacks, breakthroughs often come right after you want to quit.
- Whether it’s potty training or launching a product like Bottimals, progress happens one small success at a time.
- Every “no” or “accident” is data — not failure.
There was a point during potty training my son when I was ready to throw in the towel. After cleaning up the third accident of the morning, I thought to myself, maybe he’s just not ready. The messes, the laundry, the frustration… it was exhausting. So, a pull-up went on him and off we went for our morning outing.
On our way out, I realized his diaper was still dry, and I thought, let’s try one more time today. And then it happened, a moment of us both celebrating while he successfully used our portable potty in the back of the trunk. IYKYK!
I reminded myself to be patient, to celebrate every small win, and to trust that progress wasn’t always visible right away. And just like that — something shifted. He finally got it (at least for that day).
The Turning Point That Mirrors Entrepreneurship
That “try one more time” moment hit me hard because it reminded me so much of my journey building Bottimals — our comforting, bottle-hugging lovey designed to help babies accept bottles more easily.
Starting a business, like potty training, tests your patience and belief in yourself. You knock on countless doors — retailers, partners, investors — and many of them stay closed. You pour your heart into something, not knowing which email or connection will be the one that changes everything.
But when you stick with it, the breakthrough comes.
One retail store finally said “yes.”
One mom shared her success story.
One producer replied to an email.
And suddenly, all those failed attempts feel like necessary steps on the way to getting it right.
Progress Is Rarely Linear
Both parenting and entrepreneurship have a funny way of humbling you. One day you feel unstoppable — your child’s dry all day, your business gets a win — and the next, you’re cleaning up another mess or dealing with another “no”.
The truth? That’s just part of growth.
When my son finally masters potty training, it wasn’t because of one magical trick — it was the accumulation of all those imperfect tries. The same goes for building Bottimals. Every “no,” every revision, every small connection adds up to something meaningful over time.
So, What’s the Lesson Here?
Don’t stop one try too soon. Whether you’re parenting, building a business, or chasing a personal goal, the breakthrough often hides behind your toughest day.
If I had given up after that last accident, my son wouldn’t have had his moment of pride — and I wouldn’t have had mine.
And if I had stopped after the first dozen rejections for Bottimals, I would’ve missed seeing how our little idea could comfort babies and bring peace of mind to parents everywhere.
Final Thoughts
When you’re in the middle of a mess (literally or figuratively), remember: every “accident” is progress in disguise.
Keep showing up.
Keep trying one more time.
Because your next breakthrough might be closer than you think.