PRIORITIZE: I make lists. I have those sticky notes for my computer desktop and there are several lists on them at all times. Separate to-do lists for the house, for life, for work, you name it. I have each list prioritized, with the most important/most immediate things first on the list and so on. I use sticky notes for mac, but my guess is most of you out there are using a PC, so you might try http://www.hottnotes.com/.
MAKE GOALS: Goals are SO important. Reading them each day, several times a day is a must. Read them with passion, concentration and visualization each time you read them. I keep these on my sticky notes as well, so that they are always there to remind me why I do what I do. I have separate goals for each area of my life. Consider very seriously a book or course on goal writing. Having properly written goals will make a big impact on your business and your life. A fun way to display your goals is to make a Dream Board. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dream-Board
DISCIPLINE: Now, this is a two-fold topic. You must discipline yourself, because succeeding in this career is what will keep you at home with your children, raising them with your love and values, versus you working out in the rat race while your children are being raised by day-cares.
You must, first and foremost, prioritize your work to ensure success. Be prepared and organized, stick to your deadlines and goals. If you start to slip, sit down and make lists and re-do your schedule. Get it down on paper so you have a visual of what needs to be done and your action plan to complete it. Make another list of why you are doing this, so that you are reminded that success is not optional for you. There are two main reasons to work from home while you raise your children: your family needs the income and your children need you- simultaneously. (Not to mention you can actually be present in your own life!) Focus and discipline yourself.
Disciplining your children is possibly more important. If you have a house of chaos where no one listens to you or behaves properly then you will never get your work done. Simple as that.
Disciplining your children is a hugely important job of yours, not just so that you can work each day but for the overall happiness of the child and well-being of the family. Proper discipline means a happier household, happier children and children better able to face life in general. There are books after books dedicated to the subject. If you find yourself flopping like a fish out of water when disciplining, don’t worry – every parent does. In my opinion, it is the hardest thing about raising children. It’s easy to love them, snuggle them, feed and care for them. Heck, it’s even easy to change dirty diapers and wipe boogers. However, it’s not so easy to know the right way to deal with a three year old that is defiant, sassy and determined to get their way as they test your boundaries time and again looking for a weak spot.
Do some research and read, read, read. Consider your children’s differing personalities and needs, your own personality and goals for discipline with your children. There are some really great Christian authors that have a wealth of information written on discipline and structure in the family. They offer many fantastic ideas to help with discipline for any type of child under the sun. You will be able to get your work done successfully and also, most importantly, look forward to and enjoy the time spent with your children.
You may shop Barnes and Noble for Christian authors writing about discipline and structure in the family on our team website and earn cash back on each purchase! www.shop.com/angieh One of my personal favorites is Zig Ziglar.
