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Mom Balances Home Based Business And Family
As a mother with young children, this author offers actionable insights for creating a home business. Learn about her specific system that incorporates weaving balance between business within an enriched family life.
How do all those lucky people working from home stay focused and on task? I used to wonder but I have discovered five daily steps that help me to develop a strong career from the comforts of my own home. Applied daily, these tools - and with an exceptional marketing system - create a solid business system that outlines my path. Together with my partners and the backing of a 20+ year organization, I am defining my own success which includes a balanced life with time for my family and lots of fun.
The most important aspect to address whenever starting any endeavor is identifying your ‘WHY’. That is your deep sense of purpose, the reason you are doing a particular activity. This is your time to dream big and start envisioning it and believing you will achieve it. Letting go of any feelings of guilt regarding gaining wealth or giving up hours with the children needs to take place as well. You will be able to schedule around that and have the most productive hours of work time take place during your children’s quiet time.
As a mom with three young children (ages 7, 4, and 7 months), a husband, and a home, I have realized, it is all about balance and having a positive attitude. Most days begin with the whirlwind of getting ready for school and making breakfast. I have found if I begin that day with 15 minutes of working time, I never feel the urgency to ‘get to work’. I choose to view and answer emails at that time and I review and organize my generated leads. That allows me to start formulating my plan for the day in my head.
The most important time of the day for me is my “Golden Hour”. I allow no interruptions during this period and I focus my energy solely on actions that generate revenue. These may be answering leads, placing ads, or writing articles. I have prearranged a number of friends on a rotation to play with my infant son, of which most of this time he is napping. I make sure I am not busying myself with the many other household tasks that can stare me in the face, such as doing the dishes and laundry. My coffee is already made by this time as well.
There are times I need to work with my children around me. Nap times can be very productive times of the day for me. Again, it is all about balance, timing, and pre-planning. I will let my daughters know what I am doing and why (saving for Disney trip or planning for college). If I need to make a phone call or am expecting a phone call, I tell them of that and then make sure they have no immediate needs. When I am finished with a call, I will let them know I am accessible again. It also helps to have a special hand signal that is only used to symbolize, “Quiet please, Mommy is working on the phone.”
Personal development is an important part of achieving success as an independent business owner. This can be in the nature of books, movies, and/or affirmations. I read or listen to books while exercising on a bike or treadmill. Keep books on tape to listen to in the car while waiting to pick kids up from school or activities. It is very effective to record yourself speaking positively into a recorder and setting those words to your favorite music.
One of the most important pieces of gaining success at home is to have a support team of other business entrepreneurs. These people should be as successful as you and some should be more so. Masterminding with my team encourages me to gain better understanding from others. Gaining confidence in your own abilities is also of key importance.
Following a five step plan on a daily basis will allow you to work from home and carry on a busy schedule. These steps include setting a schedule for tasks such as daily visualization of your goals, participating in income producing activities, personal development, surrounding yourself with other leaders, and having confidence you are a leader in your own right. In order to keep yourself at home with your family you will need to steer yourself down the path of success and wealth.