The Mom life + Biz Life combo can be a difficult one to navigate. As a majority of my clients are busy moms they have little time to do much of anything else. When they do carve out time its very important to dive into work and be focused. BUT sometimes, for many of those I work with, the mom life is overlapping the biz life and it can be a bit challenging at times.
I have been very fortunate that i’ve worked out a routine where I don’t work while the little mr is awake. I get up shortly after my husband leaves for work, I get my workout in, snag some coffee, and get to work. When the little one wakes I turn off my work mode and jump right into mommy mode. When he goes down for his nap I jump back into work mode for a bit and it’s quitting time again when he wakes. There are times where I will put him to bed and night and get a bit more work done but i’m really limiting my late night work these days.
YES that just seems to perfect right? I had a client tell me they just wanted to pinch me because they were jealous of the work schedule i’ve been able to create for my business. So while I realize this isn’t a schedule that can work for all I haven’t always had this schedule and have some tips to make your mom life + biz life combo less stressful 😉
So, when the kids are driving you bonkers, when they just wont let you sit for a few minutes to work, when they just want something again and again it’s time to create some “work together” time. For me, our little guy is still little lol so would he refuse a nap and I can’t skip out on a call or a project I can sit at my desk with him either on my lap or beside me in his own chair and we “work together”. I give him some paper and colored pens or pencils or I give him a keyboard that isn’t attached to a computer anymore oorrr ill pull out his own little learning laptop and he works on numbers or colors while I get some work done. Even if your kiddos are older they can still “help you work”. Give them some activities that help you or give them activities of their own that they can do along side you while you work. At the end of the day the little rascals just want our attention and to be doing things with us. This is a great compromise that helps momma knock out work stuff and kiddos help.
Another way to tackle the combo is to plan ahead! I can talk about this until i’m blue in the face. When you do have those time blocks where you can sit down and work uninterrupted for a few minutes or and hour or so It is so important to “come to work” knowing what must be done before you even start. Make your to-do list before you even sit down to work so that when your fingers hit the keys you know what you need to accomplish! You wont waste time piddling around getting started if you have a list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Take five minutes before turning off the lights and crawling into bed and make a to-do list for your work schedule the following day.
Ok, so let your kids work with you, work from a list, all fine and dandy but what about those days where you just have errand after errand after errand and you simply can’t carve out any work time for your business? WELLLLLLL Shop online instead! Now realize this one doesn’t sound “business related” but it can be. When you have to stop and run to the grocery store three or four times a week you are spending time away from working on your business. When you have to run to the supply store for more office stuff you’re taking time away from your work and inevitably your family. There are so many online delivering services down for groceries, clothing, household supplies, etc. that you essentially wouldn’t ever have to leave your house. NO i’m not advocating that you become a recluse, but what I am saying is that if there are tasks that you do “out of the house” that take an extra long time to accomplish because you have to walk around, pick up, price check, etc. than it might be more beneficial to try ordering things online to help save you time. I don’t know about you but I know I personally could spend three or four hours in the grocery store if left to my own devices lol. PLUS, not only does shopping online help you get more work time in your day, but it helps keep money in your pocket because you’re not in the store browsing random things; Win Win!
Alright, last but not least and by far the most difficult one for us “do it all” moms: Ask For Help. I AM TERRIBLE AT THIS! <— Ok, now that I’ve confessed my major weakness lets talk about why it is so beneficial to the mom + biz life. When you ask for help with house chores you are eliminating some stress from your plate and have time to focus on other things —> chatting with potential clients. When you ask for help making meals you free up time to —> respond to emails. When you ask a family member or friend to watch the kiddo(s) for an hour or two you get —> uninterrupted work or mommy time to get ahead or get into the right frame of mind. I must admit this is not my strong area, I really hate leaving my kiddo. I have only left him with someone other than my husband 4 times in his entire 2 years of life. BUT those few times have been so good for me and for my business all around. SOOOO don’t be afraid to ask for help!
The mom life + biz life combo can be a tricky one to master, but it’s NOT impossible.
xoxo
Lauren
If you’re in business now and your slowly working along let me help you get focused with:
