October has always been one of my favorite months. The air turns crisp, sweaters come out of storage, and pumpkin patches spring up everywhere like little orange reminders that time is moving along. But you know me—I can’t walk through a pumpkin patch without seeing a lesson or two for business and life.
Whether you’re running a small business, managing your family finances, or balancing it all as a working mom, October is a wonderful time to pause and reflect. Here are some lessons from the pumpkin patch that might just help you plant a stronger foundation for your business and your life.
1. You Can’t Rush Growth
Pumpkins don’t pop up overnight. They take months of tending, watering, and watching before they’re ready for harvest. The same goes for your business or career. Too often, I see entrepreneurs expecting instant results from a new marketing plan or a service launch.
The truth? Sustainable success takes time.
Tip for business owners: Track your progress monthly, not daily. Look for trends over time, rather than obsessing over every bump in the road.
Tip for working moms: Remind yourself that balancing work and family is a long game. Some seasons are harder than others, but the payoff comes with patience.
2. Choose the Right Pumpkin for You
In the patch, not every pumpkin is meant to be yours. Some are too small, some too lopsided, and some are picture-perfect but not practical for carving or cooking. The same applies to opportunities.
Just because an opportunity looks good doesn’t mean it’s right for you or your business.
Tip for business owners: Before saying yes to a new project or client, ask yourself if it aligns with your long-term goals and values.
Tip for moms juggling work: Don’t feel pressured to volunteer for every classroom event or take on every extra task at work. The right “pumpkin” fits your life, not just your schedule.
3. Don’t Forget to Clear the Vines
Anyone who’s tried to walk through a pumpkin patch knows it’s easy to get tangled in the vines. Businesses can be like that, too—messy, overgrown, and full of distractions.
Fall is the perfect time to clear away what isn’t serving you.
Tip for business owners: Review your expenses and subscriptions. Are there tools or services you’re paying for but not really using?
Tip for working moms: Streamline your home and work routines. Sometimes saying “no” to the extra commitments clears space for what truly matters.
4. Shine a Little Light
Once you’ve picked your pumpkin, the fun part is carving it and letting the light shine through. That’s what your business and personal life need too—visibility.
Tip for business owners: Share your story. Don’t just talk about your product or service; talk about why you started, who you help, and what you’ve learned. People connect with authenticity.
Tip for moms: Celebrate your wins, even the small ones. Got everyone out the door on time for school? That counts. Finished a big project at work while juggling dinner and homework? Shine a little light on yourself—you’ve earned it.
5. Remember to Enjoy the Season
Sometimes in business (and in life), we forget to enjoy the moment. We get so caught up in the next milestone, the next deadline, the next “should” on our list. But when you’re standing in a pumpkin patch, you’re reminded to slow down, look around, and breathe it in.
Tip for business owners: Celebrate your progress, even if you’re not where you thought you’d be yet.
Tip for moms: Let go of perfection for a day. Burnt cookies still taste good, and kids remember laughter more than spotless kitchens.
A Final Thought
October is full of reminders that life is about balance: work and rest, harvest and preparation, responsibility and joy. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, balancing books, or just trying to make it through bedtime routines without losing your cool, give yourself grace.
Remember, even the biggest pumpkins started as small seeds. Take care of your patch, clear the weeds, don’t be afraid to shine your light- and as always, Tally-Up is here to help!