Keeping It All Together

I want it all. I do it all

With every new experience comes new challenges. It seems as if the moment when everything is finally balanced, here comes the shift! Some of the main struggles that I experience constantly are dealing with time (there are never enough hours in a day), stress, exhaustion and moments of doubt. As I speak with friends who are new to the parenthood journey, starting a new job/business or even, in a new relationship… these are the common denominators (time, stress, exhaustion and moments of doubt). In the beginning, laying the foundation requires a lot of time and focus. Here are some of my tips for keeping it all together:

1. Self-care

If you aren’t taking care of you, you’re no good to anyone else. Find ways to always make sure your cup is full. Try to choose at least one day a week where you can sit with yourself. Do something you enjoy, even if it’s for only an hour.

2. Set Boundaries

Create boundaries for both your home and work life. Establish “office hours” to help you to focus on business with a start and stop time. When office hours are over you can then focus on more important things, such as family time. Always make sure you and your family are on the same page so everyone knows what’s expected and can join in with the routine. Colleagues should know not to call or text before or after certain hours.

3. Prioritize

What’s most important to you? Create a checklist to make sure you don’t forget important things, tasks or people. Jot down all of your goals for the day, week, month or quarter. Put everything on your mind on to paper so you’re not constantly obsessing over it. After you make your list, prioritize what’s most important.

4. Balance

Establish a routine, but don’t get upset when you need to make adjustments. Flexibility is the key to avoiding stress. Recognize that your definition of balance is constantly changing and things aren’t always perfect.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Every step in a positive direction is an accomplishment. Whatever you perceive, you can have. Create a timeline of goals that you can stick to and remember that the pyramids of Egypt weren’t built in a day… but yet they remain standing. You’re in it for the long haul! Take your time and do it right the first time.

6. Delegate

No one will ever do it like you, but you can delegate roles that don’t require your immediate attention. If your team is holding you back, consider getting a new team. Find individuals who can understand your vision, hold you accountable and are equipped for the role you give them.

7. Stop Comparing

You never know what another person truly went through. Give yourself credit for every stride you make. Admiration without competing is important. Seek guidance from those who are ahead of you. You’d be surprised by how willing they are to share life changing advice. Appreciate where you are at this moment. One day you’ll look back and pat yourself on the back in admiration of how far you’ve come.

When the vision is bigger than you, you know you’re walking in purpose and fulfilling your destiny. When I started Not For Lazy Moms, I didn’t have many expectations. I just knew I wanted to help others and to share my stories of struggles and successes when it came to relationships, parenting and using natural remedies. I never thought it would turn into what it is today, testimonies of moms who ditch their sweats and sneakers for heels and glam themselves up, all because of the NFLM community! This community is made up of parents who know they deserve to be pampered and dolled up every now and again without the mom and dad guilt. It’s a community inclusive of singles who want to prepare themselves for relationships and start or continue their families. Looking back, I can only say, “Wow! I’m truly blessed.”

Recognizing your purpose will help you keep it all together, because when you realize your success is bigger than you, you’re able to inspire those around you. People are paying attention to your process and you have no idea the impact you’re making on them.