7 Real Life Tips For Christian Work From Home Moms
I spent 15+ years in corporate America and I can honestly without hesitation say that being a stay at home mom is one of the hardest most rewarding jobs I have ever had. When I decided to start my own business from home and add entrepreneur to my list of duties while juggling motherhood, things got interesting to say the least!
The pandemic of 2020 through many women into the work from home frying pan on top of dealing with the stress of a disease and uncertainties while trying to manage adjusting to new work conditions and homeschooling their children. I, myself, was not prepared to add playing the role of teacher to my two boys (one in high school and the other in elementary) on top of everything else.
If you are a mom you can relate to the many hats we wear through out the day: lunch maker, storyteller, super hero, driver, teacher, play mate, coloring partner. Add a business into the mix and you find yourself rocking out business calls with your hair in a powerbun and grape jelly on your shirt. Its not easy but there are a few ways to juggle the beautiful chaos a little easier.
You can easily become overwhelmed with not only your creativity and the many things you want to do but also the many day to day family obligations. Your duties as a mom will often overlap with your business and you will have days when things do not go as planned. If you are the perfectionist personality type this will be an even greater struggle so its important to set realistic expectations upfront to save your sanity.
What are your business goals? How many hours a day can you realistically work on your business to reach those goals? Where will you work? What fun activities will you plan to keep little ones busy while you work?
WORK FROM HOME TIP #2: COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY
Don't fall in the trap of comparing yourself to other moms and business owners. If you are just getting your business off the ground and are a one woman solopreneur show, you can't expect to be getting the same results as someone who has been running their business for the last 2 years and is now able to outsource some of her business to a virtual assistant {by the way if you are looking for a VA be sure to connect with Melinda Pollard, The Dream Virtual Assistant you will love her!}. Focus on and enjoy your personal journey while supporting and celebrating others in their successes.
WORK FROM HOME TIP #3: PRIORITIES
This can be a tough one but don't strive for balance. Strive for living more intentionally and focusing on what is a priority to be present in the moment. Here is a video that I did sharing my own journey and struggles with this. I hope my tips will help you.
WORK FROM HOME TIP #4: MAKE TIME FOR YOU
Self care is a must to running a successful business and household. As a mom of two boys, I get the struggle to find time for you when life, family and business have you feeling like you are burning the candle at both ends but its so important to have what I call "reset buttons", things that bring you joy, peace and clarity.
For me something as simple as diffusing essential oils and turning on some music can elevate my mood in a major way. Whether its gardening, reading a book, yoga, coffee with a friend or spa day, make time to recharge the batteries of your soul and do it daily. No excuses. Yes life is busy but you can't pour from an empty cup meaning that you can't be of service to others when you are neglecting your own well-being.
WORK FROM HOME TIP #5: TRIBE OF SUPPORT
Surrounding yourself with like minded women who are striving for the same goals and having similar struggles will give you an invaluable support system. There are endless resources for connecting with women and moms locally and online:
- Creating relationships with other moms through your kids' activities, church, school and play groups;
- Meeting up with other business minded women through local networking events;
- Online MOMpreneur communities and resources
WORK FROM HOME TIP #6: HAVE A SET DAILY ROUTINE
I love the flexibility of working from home, not having an alarm clock and working where I want when I want, but there is something to be said for having a routine. Create a daily action plan for running your household and your business. I have a daily marketing plan for my business as well as a list of "chores" to keep my house running smoothly. Knowing what I need to focus on daily helps me to be more productive and less overwhelmed. Having a routine also helps my family know when to expect me working. Its important to set working and non-working hours not only for your own sanity but to provide consistency for your family.
I keep a desk calendar/planner by my computer where I write my goals and daily to do's. If you are more of a techie try using the Evernote app. Whether is electronic or hard copy form, find a system that works for you and work hard to be consistent so it becomes a habit.
WORK FROM HOME TIP #7: Lean on god for strength
You aren't in this alone. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break and open your Bible so you can lean into God's word. Let the truth of His word uplift you where you can trade stress and overwhelm for joy and peace. One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from the book of Numbers, chapter 6 "The Priestly Blessing"
24 "The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His face shine upon you, And give you peace."
Soak in these words and know that He will equip you daily for the tasks before you. You aren't meant to tackle life alone, He will equip you, keep you and bless you every step of the way.
How is your work from home journey going? Leave me a comment would love to hear from you and support you.
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