Posted March 19th, 2010
Marriage, Two Kids and an Online Business…
Looking Good Online means starting from the inside out!
There is much that can be said about running an online business. It’s great to work from home, set your own schedule make lots of money and on and on. But, what about the quieter side? What about the side no one dares talk about? What happens when life, family and business collide?
The fact is that growing an online business requires just as much time, energy and focus as starting an offline endeavor. And, when problems arise in your personal life, it can be even more difficult to navigate since it is happening where you work and live. There is no going to work or going to a building to break the strain of it all when your office is a few steps from your bed.
If you are someone who has been blessed enough to just have to deal with the challenges of growing your business and not be affected by “life” issues, know that your strength of focus may be a great asset to those who are trying to keep their family life healthy and their business ambitions alive.
As a military wife, mother of two young boys and tireless business owner, I know well the life “stuff” that can creep up and threaten the life we dream for ourselves. So, as someone who has been on the front lines, I felt it important to bring this issue to the fore front. I wanted to share with you some of the things that have kept me going in the face of some pretty trying times.
How do you keep moving in your business when you are facing challenges and distractions in your personal life?
Keep GOD FIRST!
As a Christian Woman, I believe that having God as your reference and source provides you with an infinite arsenal of strength and resources to overcome ANY obstacle that comes before us!
Get out of the House!
I had to learn this the hard way! It is important to carve out time to get out and meet and mingle in the flesh or just get some fresh air. It doesn’t matter what you do, just getting some sunshine can do wonders for your focus and spirit.
“Confide in a Coach or Therapist or Church Leadership”
I can’t stress this enough. It is soooo important to seek the guidance of a professional or expert outside of your circle of friends. Now, friends are a source of strength too. However, we all have problems and sometimes it can feel like we are burdening our friends and family with our woes and hold things in that we really need to work through. So, take a serious look at reaching out to people who have a passion and calling for helping you.
Don’t Give Up!
Many times when things get difficult in our lives to the point where it affects our careers, those gremlins creep up to try and dissuade us from moving forward. They say things like “you can’t do this with all this going on” or “How can I help other people when I am going through this? Believe that this too will pass. You will come out on the other side of this. Adversity is part of the process. Think of all of the millionaires who fought through “rock bottom” circumstances to become the success they are today! You too can have that story.
Know You Are Not Alone
Growing an online business can be a lonely experience. If you work it from home, it can feel really isolating. Add to that, some sort of drama in the household and it can feel like you are lost at sea; a million miles away from shore. However, trust that you are not the only one in this situation. Many times we can look at someone’s website and Facebook posts and think “How do they do it?” You never know what is behind the curtain of someone’s online show. Which brings me to my next point…
Don’t Compare Your Life or Situation to Others
This is dangerous because we often don’t positively compare ourselves to Oprah or Donald Trump. We often look at what we perceive to be our inadequacies compared to our peers and counterparts. You are not defined by your obstacles, but rather how you choose to move through them. So, be brave and bold and confident that your adversity will usher you into a position that is even more advantageous and blessings filled.
And most importantly TAKE CARE OF YOU!
This is one of those points that is a work in progress for me. However, I have come to understand that if we don’t take care of ourselves then nothing else can work…not our business, not our family, not our mind….nothing! So take care of you always and in the midst of adversity…OVER DO IT!
I hope this helps. If so, let me know by dropping me your comments on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Virtual-Genie/139319461960?v=app_10442206389
Until Next Time…
Warm Wishes For Success,
Kenya,
Your article is just what I needed TODAY. Although I work outside of the house. We as women, mothers, wives, and business women never escape the reality of life happenings 24/7 that many times lead us to the constant state of being overwhlemed. Thank you for the tools/tips in the “Marriage, Two Kids and an Online Business… “, insightful and very helpful. Thanks again,
Renee M.
So true Kenya. Thanks for sharing the great advice. And thanks for inspiring me to share some of my recent challenges with the list at NAFCA. So many obstacles can and will challenge us as we strive for Excellence. But we must remember that even when things are not perfect (most of the time right) that we are made from Perfection so its going to work out.
Keep in touch.
Regards,
Daphne