Lists

The single most important strategy for keeping your goals is to write them down.  A list defines your goals. It clarifies in your mind what needs to be done, so you can get straight to accomplishing tasks.  However you like to make your lists– on your smartphone, on the computer, on the calendar, or on a scrap of napkin– just get those ideas down!  The greatest thing about a list is crossing items off. You can see clearly how much you have accomplished, and can decide quickly what you need to do next.

When you finish a task, cross it off!

 

Organization

Having a clear area where you work helps you get straight to work without the little distractions.  You have enough big distractions in your life already!  This is a good reason to have a defined work space where nothing but work gets done there.  Off limits to the kids, off limits for computer games or reading or other distracting activities; that spot is for work, and you have the tools you need there and ready.

Your work space is only for work!

 

Be Firm

Be firm about what is YOUR time. 

There are always exceptions. If one of the kiddos is sick, of course they move up on the priority list. If one of the kiddos is thirsty, however, they need to get their own water. If you have clear boundaries about when to leave mom alone, it will be better for everyone. The children learn about organizing their own time when they see you organizing yours. They see you being productive at something that is important to you, and they will be more likely to set their own goals to achieve what they want.

Dream

Staying home with the kids isn’t always chaos. There are long periods of waiting. Waiting during music lessons. During soccer practice. After school pickup. These can be moments of clarity, where new ideas and dreams for the future can take hold. This is guilt free time. Sometimes we feel guilty taking time for ourselves when we are watching our children. Those moments, though, when you are waiting, you’re still “on duty,” so you are doing your mom-job. But you can multi-task during those times by jotting down your ideas, without a trace of guilt that your work is taking time from your kids.  Some of your most creative innovations may come during those times.

Take time to dream!

 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment below! You can email me directly at kelley@wealthymamas.com, or look for me at my homepage on Wealthy Affiliate, at https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/kleeclay

–Kelley