#1 Don’t try to multitask.
Number one it doesn’t work! You’ll always be playing catch-up and doing half a job, dropping a ball somewhere. It’s much better to time block and focus on one thing at a time. If it’s family, you give 100% of your attention to family. If it’s work, you give 100% to work, and you don’t let anything interrupt you. This was a huge turning point for me and I wish I would’ve learned it about 10 years earlier.
#2 Your self-care is paramount.
It almost sounds counterintuitive to put yourself first and it was not what I was taught. In fact, it’s been quite a disruptor for me to put myself first and not my children. But here’s the deal, you must take care of yourself so that you can give freely to your family And everyone else who demands your time & attention. If you don’t take care of yourself, who’s going to take care of those kids when you’re sick or overtired or depleted spiritually or physically or mentally?
You empower your children when they see you being an example of good self-care. I don’t necessarily mean getting a pedicure or a monthly facial, although it may mean that for you. I AM talking about taking the daily time to pray, meditate, be still, and listen to those small promptings, as well as read or listen to personal development books.
It means making yourself a lunch too, not eating the leftover crust of your kid’s pb&J (how do I know this?) It means not burning the candle at both ends, going to bed at a decent hour, and taking the time to work out and do the activities that bring you JOY!
I remember when my second child was born, and this was back in the day when you had to purposely develop your film and wait for it. I got some pictures back. I took one look at myself, holding my new baby and I remember thinking, “Man I look worn out and frumpy!” I was all of 25! I said from that moment on, ” I am doing something with myself every day.”
I purposely cut my hair so I wouldn’t just put it up in a ponytail. I HAD to blow dry and round brush it for it to look decent. I also love makeup so I made it a point to put my makeup on every day and if you’ve never put in red lipstick, that will boost your confidence in a whole other way, but that’s another blog post for another time. Wink wink 😜
#3 By small and simple means great things are brought to pass.
You are not in a race with anyone. You do not need to compare yourself to anyone else or anyone’s business, family, or to the speed at which things are happening. For many many years, I focused on my family doing a bit here and there, and when the time was right, God let me know how to proceed. I created a planner at least 2 years before I launched my current company, and it set the stage for me to learn the manufacturing process on a small scale.
It was all divine timing. In the last year, it’s been at lightning speed, but for at least 15 years before that, it was step-by-step, and sometimes, at a standstill while I was a full-time mom. I was talking to my kids yesterday as I am putting the final touches on the business that I have been building for 20 years. I told my three youngest teens, “You each sat on my knee at the computer while I taught myself graphic design.” Trust the process, trust the promptings, and Don’t give up!
#4 “Find someone who knows more than you and follow them.”
I coined this phrase a very long time ago. I didn’t know how much it was going to bless my life. Find a mentor -find a coach. Do not be afraid to invest in yourself. Truly, that is the best business decision I have made to date. I have a personal business and life coach, and it has paid me dividends because I probably would have spent another 20 years before I believed in myself that I could impact the world in such a profound way. I have spent the last 6 years in MAJOR self-development and I’ll never stop because it is INVALUABLE!!!
#5 BE YOU – 100 percent authentically you, 100 percent of the time!
Just because everyone doesn’t agree with you or want what you are selling, doesn’t mean SOMEONE won’t agree with you or want what you have. There are a lot of people that will support you (hint… they probably will not be your family and friends at first). Keep being yourself and create so much value they can’t ignore you! Serve with love, with no thought of reward. When they have seen you, your vulnerability, and your consistency, they begin to like you and trust you. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen and you create your tribe that will be loyal followers and customers for life!
Stephanie Bundrock is a wife, mother of 5 amazing children and Creator,of the “Have it all planner”www.haveitallplanner.com and CEO of “My Children’s Heroes”. Bringing Families to Christ through Scripture Heroes. www.mychildrensheroes.com
Connect with Stephanie on FB or IG https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.bundrock
