Whether you’re a work-at-home mom who needs to increase productivity and income, or a stay-at-home mom who simply wants to get more done, it is possible to achieve your goals without sacrificing sleep or sanity.Motherhood is a full-time job in and of itself; every task added to the job of raising and caring for your children increases your workload. But too much multitasking and schedule overload, and not enough work-life balance can result in a frazzled mom and unhappy family. Use these tips to help achieve work or personal goals so you have time leftover each day to enjoy being a mother to your children.
Many people feel that lists don’t work; often, that’s because they’re not used effectively. One long To-Do List that includes everything you need to accomplish during the day or week is overwhelming and a setup for failure. Instead, make lists using various categories, such as “Work”, “Household Chores” and “Errands”. Then add the details of each list and number them according to priority.
“Chunk” Tasks for Efficiency. Once you get on a roll with a particular task, it’s easy to keep going, instead of constantly switching gears. If you need to touch base with three different clients, chunk the tasks together by emailing or telephoning them during the same time period to be more efficient with your time.
Delegate. When you’re overwhelmed with things to do and find yourself struggling to get the major things accomplished, it’s time to start delegating. Even elementary school-aged children can help by vacuuming, putting away their own laundry and completing other tasks. If possible, hire a mother’s helper to watch the children for a few hours after school so you can work without interruption, and don’t forget to include your partner in helping with the kids and chores.
Be Realistic with Goal Setting. A personal weight loss goal of 10 pounds is doable for most women, but not if you’ve just had a baby and want to lose the weight in a week. Be reasonable and realistic with your goals. The idea is to set yourself up for success because success breeds success, and the more you accomplish, the more you’ll feel comfortable setting bigger goals.
Reward Yourself.Feelings of pride and achievement are priceless, and it’s important to give yourself credit where credit is due. But, once in a while, a tangible reward is nice, too. Adapt the “Prize Jar” idea that works so well with young children so it can be used for your own rewards. Fill an empty mason jar with pieces of folded paper on which you’ve written various rewards you’d like upon reaching a goal. For example, you might write “Get a Pedicure” on one sheet and “Movie Night with Friends” on another. Each week, reward yourself for at least one goal you’ve accomplished, while praising yourself for all of them. Once in a while, grown-ups need and appreciate tangible incentives, too.
It’s easy to become so focused on caring for your family that you end up sabotaging your own accomplishments without even knowing it. As you provide your family with love, care and attention, remember to save some for yourself, too. A tired and cranky mom who feels shortchanged all the time isn’t going to have the energy to set attainable goals, let alone achieve them. In addition to using the above tips to set and work toward your goals, be sure to nurture and care for yourself so you have the energy to celebrate with your family once you achieve them.
Guest post contributed by Samantha Rodgers, a freelance writer and work at home mom. She is always in pursuit of finding new money saving ideas and ways to earn an income working from home. She writes about all sorts of things from selling your stuff on eBay to earning cash through volunteering for medical trials as a means to boost your income.
