A work-at-home mum's biggest challenge is maintaining a balance
between running her successful business and raising her
children. Who doesn't want their business to succeed? Who
doesn't want financial independence?

We want to make a difference, experience personal fulfillment
and use our skills. But we also want to be there for our
children. What we need to accept is that we can have both. Grab
the opportunity to make a huge difference in the world and to be
a great positive influence in our children's lives.

We can inspire our children to be proactive by showing them how
it's done. If we want them to experience the best of life,
accepting challenges and rewards as they arise, we can be an
example with our own lives. Show them how to live their life to
the fullest, to experience joy, fun, and personal satisfaction.

My 5 Must Do's for maintaining balance when operating your
home-based business:

Look After Your Physical Health

Balance is constantly a work in progress for a work-at-home mum
(WAHM). You need to keep in mind the basics. The first is to
take care of yourself and your health. You are not valuable to
anyone if you you haven't got good health. This means taking
care of the simple things, for example:

* Start the day with a healthy nutritional breakfast
* Exercise regularly
* Get enough sleep

If you feel rested and you're in a good frame of mind, your
productivity will be higher.

Take Time Out

Don't spend all your time running around after everyone else
and have nothing left for yourself. Make time for yourself.
Include in your schedule time to just relax and process what
needs to be done. Write a 'To Do' list and prioritise it. This
may need to be done several times during the day as different
projects arise.

Get Support

Without a support, its easy to feel overwhelmed and sometimes
isolated. Having supportive, healthy relationships is essential
for maintaining balance and creating success.

Ask for support from family and close friends. Learn to
resource support in your local area if you don't have a close
family. Find ways to reduce the energy-draining tasks in your
life. The Mum's school network is a great place to start.

Network

Moral support is just as important as physical support.
Networking with other work-at-home mums is a great form of moral
support and inspiration. It's also a great way to foster and
share ideas, hopes, and have your questions answered. You may
even be able to share your own experience and answer the
questions of other mums.

It's important to have a connection with other like-minded
mums. There are plenty of home-based business forums to join
online. Experience the mentoring and many friendships available.

Take risks

Our roles as mums are primarily to nurture, care for
and...naturally.....be cautious. Dare to challenge yourself in
your business. Set your goals high but be realistic. Allow
yourself to go higher than you ever imagined you could. The
flip side of fear is courage. Yes, it is scary out of our comfort
zone but it also presents a challenge to make a difference in
what you do in your home-based business. Express who you are and
what you believe in through work that is meaningful and
purposeful. Follow your dream, and become a better person for
the effort. The benefits of achieving your dreams and goals are
invaluable.

About the Author: Mary-Lou Halvorson is Work-At-Home mum of two
children and the creator of http://www.groovy-kids-parties.com.
She has successfully built her on-line business from home
providing Kids' Birthday Party ideas. If you would like to see
how she built her business, visit
http://www.can-work-from-home.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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