It can seem overwhelming when you work at home as a mom. Facing challenges is a regular occurrence, just as with any other job or motherhood task. When you’re are facing challenges as a work at home mom, however, you sometimes have to tackle two at once. It might be daunting when you look at it from the outside, but in reality, it’s just like taking on any other challenge. You can do it!
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Breathe and Accept What’s Ahead
When you first recognize a challenge, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t worry, Mama. We’ve all been there. Although you might want to ignore the issue or believe that it’s going to go away, it is best if you stop, take a deep breath, and accept what’s to come. Challenges will arise – you must be ready to accept them. Only then will you be prepared to tackle the challenges that are worth anything.
Acknowledge What Needs to be Done
When you see and accept the challenge, you must acknowledge your game plan. Many mamas might want to fly by the seat of their pants, but when we are juggling work and parenting and keeping your house relatively clean, a game plan can relieve some stress. So, face challenges with a step by step action plan.
By breaking the challenge down into actionable steps, you can focus on one small component at a time, rather than the problem as a whole. For example, as a mompreneur, you might face a challenge of completing a task by a deadline. Your kids may not be cooperating or avoiding naps so it is hard to get the work done. This is certainly a challenge that I’ve faced during my time as a work at home mom. As a whole, the challenge might seem stressful and difficult. In steps, the issue might be easier to tackle.
- Spend specific amount of time with kids.
- Supply new activity for kids to accomplish while you get first chunk of work done.
- Spend more time with kids.
- Supply second new activity to occupy children so you can accomplish second chunk of work.
- Put children to bed and do third chunk of work by nightlight in their room (if necessary).
- Go to sleep on time.
- Wake up an hour early to finish fourth chunk of work.
- Spend day with kids.
Of course, this actionable plan is dependent on various factors, but you can imagine how you might alter it to tackle your own similar challenges. Break things down!
Consider Your Perception and That of Others
Your perception of a challenge is everything! If you imagine it to be impossible, it likely will be. You have a choice when a challenge arises – decide to look at it from a new perspective. Consider how others might perceive the challenge. It is so important to take a step back and see it from another angle. Is it possible that you’re making it more complicated than it truly is?
It is a common response: overreacting to a challenge. I know I’ve been there. While I often like to think a challenge is something to look forward to, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes they can be overwhelming or seem like so much more than they are. On the bright side, usually, all it takes is a different view to change that thought.
How can you change your perception? Talk it out with someone you trust. There are a lot of friends that will simply agree with you to make you happy. However, an honest and trustworthy friend, coworker, or mentor will be honest. They can take you back to a different point so that you can see it isn’t as bad as you’ve made it out to be.
If you don’t have someone to help change your perception, do something that helps you to think. For a lot of people, this is some simple self-care. Go for a jog, take a bath, or participate in some stress-relief activities. When you’ve calmed down, approach the challenge again and see if your perspective has changed.
Alter your Mindset to that of a Positive Outlook
A lot of times, a challenge requires a mindset change. If you are approaching it with a negative outlook, it is likely that you will struggle while facing a challenge. Instead, get positive! How? There are some great ways to change your mindset into a more positive outlook.
Start by reframing your thoughts toward the challenge. When you find yourself thinking negatively about the challenge ahead, stop. Change it. Repeat the positive thought you’ve replaced it with.
For example, imagine you start your Monday morning dreading all of the work you have coupled with the little amount of time to get it done. That’s a negative thought. Instead, think I can learn to accomplish a lot in less time. Not only does this thought motivate you to get work done, but it also shows you that the next time the same challenge comes around, you can easily tackle it.
You can also alter your mindset by waking up with a positive attitude. Many people start off negatively and it affects everything throughout the day. By training your brain to wake up thinking positively, you can help your mind to have more positive thoughts throughout the day.
Think positively! It’s a game changer.
Tackle Challenges and Make Strides
Facing challenges might seem like a difficult task to accomplish. However, by taking the appropriate steps, you can ensure that you tackle the challenges ahead of you. Take a breath and accept what’s coming. Acknowledge what needs to be done. Alter your perception. Change your mindset. Get things done.
It might seem overwhelming to be a work at home mom, but the challenges you face can also lead you to great success and confidence. Embrace it and win.