Friday, February 29, 2008

Do ONE THING today for stress relief

Feeling overwhelmed? Have so many things on your plate that you feel exhausted just thinking about it all?

Take just 30 seconds right now to feel better instantly - do some deep breathing!

Deep breathing is not the same thing as a sigh...when breathing deeply for stress relief, remember the phrase, "Slow and controlled."

Inhale slowly, perhaps even counting slowly to 4 or 5 in your head. Counting will "force" you to breathe slowly.

At the top of your inhale, hold your breath for just one second.

Then SLOWLY exhale, counting to 7 or 8 in your head. Again, the counting in your head encourages a slower exhale.

Repeat as many times as you wish! You can do this with your eyes closed or open, while sitting at a stop sign, while taking a break from working at the computer, before you put dinner on the table, ANY time.

Post your comments here about your use of deep breathing, and if you need more input, ask!

Good luck, and breathe on, ladies!

Warmly,
Anita

Thursday, February 28, 2008

What is your business goal today?

One of the challenges of any business owner is clarifying and setting realistic, yet meaningful, goals.

Today, I am issuing a challenge to all WAHMs - develop one goal you would like to achieve next week.

It could be finding a new client, organizing your paper work for tax time, streamlining your email communications, or reading up on recent trends in your industry.

Take three minutes right now, and think of one goal for next week.

Then write that goal down - even EMAIL it to me so I can see it! Publicizing your goals makes it more likely that you'll stick to them.

Here are a few more guidelines to enhance your ability to achieve the goal you've just set:

1. Make the goal specific. It should be worded in a manner such that another person could look at it and understand exactly what you are intending to do.

2. Make the goal measurable. Quantify your goal in some way - this insures you know when you have actually reached the goal. And I guarentee you will feel great about it! Notice the difference between saying, "I want new clients" versus, "I will gain two new clients by next Friday." The latter comment focuses your attention and leads to measurable results.

3. Give yourself a time line. Most people work well with deadlines. Having a time limit in which to achieve your goal will impose some structure to your business allow you to concentrate your efforts in the most effective way.

And when you succeed in reaching your goal, let me know about it! I love to hear about people moving forward in their lives!

Warmly,
Anita

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Welcome!

My goal in starting this blog is to provide a place and forum for mothers who run a home based business.

Being a work at home mom (WAHM) has so many challenges that are unique only to WAHMs. We are simulataneously entrepreneurs, full time mothers, household managers, and oftentimes wives. Learning how and where to strike the delicate balance between all the demands on our time can consume so much energy.

My intention is to make your life a little bit easier by providing suggestions, support, advice, and guidance.

One of the biggest frustrations about this lifestyle is how no one in the community truly understands us. We are entrepreneurs, yet equally dedicated to nurturing our families. We seek to grow our businesses, yet also to be present in the lives of our children. To say we are "working moms" fails to capture our entrepreneurial spirit. To say we are "stay at home moms" fails to acknowledge that we are business people.

Not having a brick and mortar business provides a great deal of flexibility, but also stress. We never really leave our offices. We rarely ever have "sick days" or vacation days. We constantly feel pulled to respond to potential clients and customers at all hours, knowing we can fit in quick phone calls and emails.

But it can leave us feeling depleted, directionless, and even pessimistic.

The good news is that you can get control of your life, your business, and your family. You lack nothing. You can, in fact, do it all. It may mean some creativity and doing some things differently. But adaptability and flexibility are hallmarks of this lifestyle.

Have faith, and ask for support!

Come back often, as I'll be posting tips and suggestions that can smooth out the rough edges and streamline your meaningful life choice.

Warmly,
Anita