Imagine this: It’s the crack of dawn, the world is still asleep, and there you are, a beacon of ambition in your quiet home. Coffee in hand, the day’s grand plans laid out before you: journaling, meditating, tackling that overflowing inbox, and maybe, just maybe, adding a few lines to that book you’re writing. This is your time, the golden hour before the household springs to life. Sound familiar?
But as every military spouse mompreneur knows, plans are just that – plans. They often take a backseat when reality kicks in, especially when you’re balancing the demands of family and your entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s a little story from my own life that might resonate with you.
Just as I was gearing up for a productive morning, my daughter, my little bundle of energy and emotions, burst into my office. She needed me, and just like that, my well-laid plans took a backseat. My husband, already off to his early morning PT, left me to juggle the day’s challenges alone. But hey, isn’t that what we do best?
Cuddling my daughter, I reassured myself: “I’ve got this.” Maybe, just maybe, my imaginary super mama cape would grant me some magical productivity powers. It was time to transform that mountain of tasks into manageable molehills. Step one: breakfast and some quality snuggle time.
So, let’s dive into the world of a mompreneur, where a typical day is anything but typical, and your productivity strategies might just defy the norm. Here are a few productivity hacks I’ve heard from the “experts” that don’t quite mesh with my mompreneur lifestyle and how I tackle tasks instead.
1. The Phone Dilemma: To Turn Off or Not to Turn Off?
The conventional wisdom says: Turn off your phone, or better yet, keep it in another room. But let’s get real. As a mompreneur, especially a military spouse, being available is part of the job description. Whether it’s a call from the school or that precious phone call from your deployed spouse, some things just can’t wait.
But fear not, there are ways to minimize distractions without missing those crucial calls. Try keeping your phone across the room – it’s close enough for emergencies but not too close for temptation. Or, make technology work for you by setting up your phone’s focus settings to allow only essential contacts to reach you. This way, you’re available for what truly matters.
2. Tackling Tasks: Big vs. Small
Next up, the advice to “knock out the biggest task first.” It’s great when it works, but what if it doesn’t? Does that mean you’re off track for the rest of the day? Here’s a different approach: the motivation loop. Start with a small, manageable task. This little win boosts your motivation, which in turn fuels your productivity. It’s a beautiful cycle that propels you through your tasks. Once you’re riding that wave of motivation, then tackle the big fish.
3. The Schedule Conundrum: Strict or Flexible?
As a mompreneur, you wear countless hats, and your days are anything but predictable. Instead of being chained to a strict schedule, embrace intuitive planning. Sure, prioritize your tasks, but remain open to the ebbs and flows of the day. Sometimes, a blaze of inspiration strikes, and when it does, run with it!
Did you know that, on average, mompreneurs might as well be working 112 hours a week? Sounds about right, considering we’re essentially packing a full-time job and full-time parenting into one mega-job. This is precisely why we need our own set of productivity hacks.
So, dear fellow mompreneurs, let’s boldly embrace our unique challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth and learning. Let’s confidently craft our days in a way that empowers us, acknowledging that productivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what works for you, in your journey, as you balance work and family with grace and grit.
Remember, every day is a new chance to redefine productivity on your terms. What’s your go-to strategy for juggling the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship? Share your thoughts and let’s empower each other on this exciting, albeit challenging, journey.
And if you find yourself in need of some support around this, schedule a free consult with me. It is my job as a life coach to figure out how to get you unstuck and get your mojo going again. http://bit.ly/3tETvqQ