For all you entrepreneur moms:
Summer...the picture of poolside relaxation and lazy days…is often met with a reaction close to a record needle scratching off a record (remember those?)It means juggling summer schedules, various camps, and car pools. Hours are inconsistent so everyone is just a bit tired, and trying to cram "fun" and relaxing with the kids alongside keeping the biz percolating…and making sure everyone has reapplied their sunscreen!
Maybe it's just me...but I don't think so. Actually I know most moms (home-preneur and entrepreneur mothers alike) have some mixed feelings about how to juggle the summer schedules and changing demands too.
After I had my annual "summer mommy meltdown" last week I pulled myself together...and called a girlfriend to commiserate (I feel better when I can let loose with a friend...then I can regroup and think more clearly - and the invitation goes both ways). Then I surrendered to what my schedule was really calling for yesterday, which was to take care of home business (calendars, schedules, appointments). I realized that if I took care of the foundation of our life's activities then today my "inner business woman" can get her fill and can do her thing.
I also pulled out a tip list I wrote last year to remind myself what to do in these summer months. I hope this helps with some reminders for how to set yourself up for enjoying the summer:
Tips for Avoiding Summer Mommy Meltdown:
1. Self Nurturing - Before you roll your eyes and say, yeah, right…just do a check with yourself. You KNOW that If "Mom isn't happy then no one is happy" is one of the universal truths in life. So, pay attention and do what you need to do to make yourself happy - then the rest of the family gets to enjoy the summer too!
2. Planning Time - Plan your schedule like you do your children's. Don't leave writing new web site copy, updating your marketing plan, and calling back potential clients to a nebulous time table. Just like you schedule pool time from 2pm - 4pm, schedule time to return calls, time to do your books (or better yet - partner with someone who LOVES to do books!) I find that if my Inner Business Woman knows she has time scheduled for her, then she won't be impatiently trying to rush me through the carpool lane at camp. I can enjoy the ride and the conversation time with my kids.
3. Partnering - Don't think you can do it all yourself. Well, actually, you can do it all yourself. The thing is you don't want to spend your precious time that way. And you might lose all your hair in the stress of it, and reactivate the ulcer or something else you didn't know existed! So, choose to partner with someone who can share in driving the kids to camp (that was a life saver for me this summer), or let someone else cook dinner, mow the grass...heck, even run the errands. Partner in your business with a virtual assistant, bookkeeper or someone to come in and file. Feel the peace when you know things are getting handled while you are enjoying some sun and fun.
4. Having a single focus during your time. Group like-skilled work together. Don't try to do 5 different things in an afternoon: Return calls, return emails, write, coach clients, work on a project. We start feeling frenetic when we multi-task among different projects and types of work. You create momentum and flow when you are doing similar work.
5. Being where you are. When you are with the kids - dedicate the time and really be with them. You won't be irritated when you are with them IF you know you have scheduled time to get other things done. (see tip #2 about satisfying your Inner Business Woman)
6. Dedicate the summer to harnessing summer energy. Lazy days, flowers blossoming, fun, water ballon fights, catching fireflies....use that energy to create. It's wonderful creative energy (unless you over did it and need a nap - then nap). Do a creative project. Outline the book sitting beside the ocean. Write in your journal during hiking breaks about what inspires you about life - knowing those are also notes for your next article. Mind map after a swim. Talk poolside or oceanside about your business and life dreams - that's working too! (daydreaming and visioning work is some of the most powerful work you can do!)
7. Letting it be easy! Think - what are the fewest things I can do that will have the highest impact? What one thing could you do today that will shift, help or grow your business? Is there a call to a potential partner, a potential client, a joint venture idea - plant the seed so it's ready to harvest in the fall! (see how you can work WITH the seasons!)
8. Working on the business might look different in the summer. Use the quiet afternoons to set up systems. Launch programs, projects, and new marketing materials in the fall. Right now use your creative energy to create, hire the Virtual Assistant, get the bookkeeper, and get organized, so when business picks back up or your business energy picks back up - then you're ready. A slow summer afternoon is a great time to work on your Joyful Business Guide (yes, shameless plug! and it's true!). Work on pulling together your ideas, flush out a creative brainstorm for a project to launch in the fall.
9. Read books. Read some fiction to relax and take the time to leisurely read some personal growth, leadership or business inspiration books. It's a great time to educate yourself on new trends or areas that you are interested in. A few favorites: Blog Wild!, Tipping Point, Presence, Money, Meaning and Beyond are a few of my favorites. On my last trip to Tybee Island I read Sonia Choquette's "Soul Lessons and Soul Purpose" book; Perfect for building up your intuition - and easy to do from the beach chair!
10. Smile and Let Go. Choose to let go of the feeling that you aren't getting work done. I know whenever I get a furrowed brow between my eyes it probably because I have expectations that aren't being met. They probably are unspoken and I'm pressuring myself to get MORE done. Choose to let go. Choose to be where you are and to smile about it. Image your business flowing with ease. Research has shown the act of smiling releases all those great endorphins that lighten up your attitude and in fact will make you more creative!!!
Now I'm off to pick up a caravan of boys from camp and then head to all-star baseball practice....think I'll finish my "Soul Lessons" book or not....
As of next week, I'm taking a six week summer sabbatical. Sounds restful, doesn't it? Well, I may have to take a sabbatical from my sabbatical! We are moving into a new home next week. Both my hubby and I have home offices and we need more space - The Center for Joyful Business IS growing! We are very excited about having a new home together, as well. Although I have to admit the technology needs of a home and two home offices require quite a bit of preplanning and coordinating!
