I was tagged by Rob and specifically asked to write “5 ways you can balance being a successful mom / homeworker.” This is part of an interesting Meme where the person who ‘tags’ you gets to request a specific topic from you.
I’m flattered at the topic that Rob chose for me. He obviously thinks I have a good handle on the balancing act it takes to be a Work at Home Mom (WAHM). After 10+ years at it, hopefully I’ve picked up a few good tips I could pass along, right? LOL
Of course 
…
1. Work With The Natural Flow
Dont try to break the schedule or routine in your home so that you can work there. Go with what works instead. For example, work during the hours you are most productive. Do housework or other tasks when your home is most distracting. Make the most of your time and space!
2. Be Self-Motivated
It doesnt come natural to be in a highly motivated and productive state of mind when you are at home in your favorite pajamas. It comes more natural to be relaxed and to escape the rest of the world.
Study Think and Grow Rich, learn to keep yourself on your toes and beat the clock, and basically figure out what it takes - for you personally - to stay on top of your game.
3. Set Ground Rules
Once you get an idea what works best for you, and where you need improvement, set some rules and expectations about your work time and your work space. Turn off phone ringers, be firm with friends and family about your work hours, etc. Having a flexible schedule is great, but some structure ensures that you get your work done and you have free time with the kids/family as well.
4. Create a Productive Work Space
Organize and arrange your Home Office so that you can work efficiently. Since this is not going to be the same for everyone, its important to pay attention to your habits and change things accordingly.
5. Know Your Priorities
There will be times when 1, 2, 3 & 4 fail you and you find yourself frustrated. Its not easy to balance a career and a family under the same roof - no matter how well you plan it. Always keep your priorities in mind, instead of the tasks and details. Work towards the greater goal. This kind of focus will alleviate much of the stress that is common with a Home Office situation.
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The interesting twist to this Meme (a fun writing game) is that I now get to choose 5 other people and give a unique (and fitting) “5 ways you can…” topic for each. How much fun is that?! Here are the 5 bloggers that I hand-pick to write about topics I would love to read from them:
- Paul Short 5 Ways You Can Spice Up Boring Sales Copy
- Teli Adlam 5 Ways You Can Monetize Your Niche Blog
- Bonnie Lowe 5 Ways You Can Make Money Online From Scratch
- Rae Hoffman 5 Ways You Can Become A Kick-Ass Super Affiliate
- Chrissie 5 Ways You Can Use PLR (Private Label Rights) Articles
Have fun with it
If you didnt get tagged and you would like to participate, you can find the original Meme here.
Best,
Tags: meme, 5 ways you can, wahm, home-based business, work at home, working from home, online business
11 responses so far ↓
Rob // Jul 18, 2007 at 9:42 am
That’s fantastic Lynn….thanks for doing this.
I appreciate it.
Rob.
Angela Wills // Jul 18, 2007 at 11:01 am
Excellent Tips Lynn, thanks so much for sharing! I’ve got to work on #4 and #5
Angela
Teli Adlam // Jul 18, 2007 at 11:38 am
I love these tips because they’re so spot on. I’m still working on #4 myself, but for the most part, my set up works for me — that counts, right?
Hey Lynn, you must have been reading my newest series dubbed “The Earning Curve” on the blog, huh, or were you just reading my mind? ROFL
I’ll get right on it ma’am, thanks for thinking of me.
~ Teli
Lynn Terry // Jul 18, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Looking forward to it, Teli
Bonnie // Jul 18, 2007 at 6:17 pm
That’s a very helpful list, Lynn!
I’m (re)working on #4 at the moment (am in the process of moving from one house to another and haven’t quite got my office set up yet at the new place).
I think #5 is the very important. We have to keep things in perspective and be flexible, and remember that our business priorities are not always the most important priorities in our life. A major priority to include on our list should be to balance career AND family without sacrificing either, right? Not easy to do, whether your career is working at home or a tradional job.
I’ll get busy on my “5 Ways…” as soon as I get a chance. I look forward to seeing Teli’s and the rest of the “tagees” lists, too!
Thanks Lynn!
Bon
Rob // Jul 18, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Also I should add Lynn.
Glad the question was ok…
Looking forward to reading everyone elses “5 ways”.
Rob
Anita // Jul 20, 2007 at 9:32 am
Great points Lynn, I suppose you would have the proven answers, after all you’ve worked for yourself for a long time…
I find #2 has its days. It’s hard to get your day going sometimes. I find it helpful to have a few motivational quotes around me (how cheesy), but also, having a focus and goal, helps keep motivation.
For #5 - I agree completely, because the moment you lose sight of the priorities in life and business, it’s very easy to slip by, and keep slipping…
Also, the 4-Hour Workweek was quite helpful in terms of setting out your daily tasks.
5 Ways You Can Monetize Your Niche Blog - WordPress SEO and Blog Marketing // Jul 20, 2007 at 12:20 pm
[...] This topic was chosen for me by Lynn Terry when she tagged me with the “5 ways you can…” meme. Frankly, I think she must have been reading my mind because I just started a blog series dubbed The Earning Curve. In any event, here’s my contribution. [...]
Home With Heather » Ever get Sidetracked? // Jul 27, 2007 at 8:38 am
[...] Lynn Terry did a post about this recently 5 ways to balance home and business under the same roof. In it, she talks about setting schedules, priorities, and boundaries in order to keeps work and home in balance. [...]
Dave // Oct 27, 2007 at 2:47 am
People who are interested in online marketing or willing to generate an income online can benefit beyond their wildest dreams with this. So find the experienced internet marketers to tell how much they spend on promoting and advertising. And thanks for the great post.
5 Ways To Spice Up Your Sales Copy // Oct 27, 2007 at 7:42 pm
[...] a recent blog post over at Clicknewz.com, Lynn Terry asks me to do a quick post on “5 Ways You Can Spice Up Boring Sales [...]
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