I think I've realized what is wrong with this picture. I am in serious need of a schedule of sorts. Up until this week, I have been a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal...homeschooling early mornings, doing some housework in between and fitting in my design work when I can. So how's it working for me? Meh...not so well.
This week we are taking off of school so I can get some things in order in my home office, (hello, taxes), clean out our shop at the farm (hello, garage sale) and do some catching up with the kiddos (hello, park).
I'm also going to be working on a schedule of sorts, something that will enable me to feel good about the time I spend on my computer instead of feeling the guilt that normally comes with sitting at my desk. My kids should be able to handle me working 1-2 hours at a time on my computer during the day without interrupting me for minor things. I love what Darcy (My Three Boybarians) said in my post about homeschool intervention - "we're a team". That has stuck with me.
A very wise coach once told me that in order to get bigger, you have to first get smaller. Doesn't make sense, unless you know what it means and how to apply it. In the spiritual realm, it means that you become weak so that Jesus can be strong. On the workfront, it means that I take on fewer projects so I can take on bigger projects.
I want to subscribe to the Kentucky Fried Chicken principle. "Do one thing and do it right". I have a limited amount of time and resources - it's more important to do the right job than to do the job right. That's not to say that I don't also do the job right, it simply means that I need to focus in on the jobs I take and be sure they are the right ones.
Ultimately, in order to do the job right, I have to take the right job. Phil 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." If Jesus gives me the job, he will also give me the strength to finish it and finish it well.
Here's to a productive week ahead....what are you tackling this week?
6 comments:
Girl, I'm so feeling what you're saying and I don't even homeschool! Last week was a disaster for me - I was so caught up in tweeting and reading blogs of the awesome ladies I met at BlissDom, I didn't do much else. I'm desperately trying to figure out a schedule that works for work, home and me -- gotta have some personal time in there!
Ah, the good ol' balance between home, family and computer. I've come to realize it's going to be an ongoing process, as it always is when it comes to finding a balance. For me, with all the personal family issues we're dealing with, this has meant getting back to basics with my blogging and cutting out much of the business-y side of it. Thus the email I sent you about passing on my design clients. :) But I always, always do better when I have a basic routine and STICK to it, no matter what is going on in my life. We all thrive on routine around here (not a schedule, though--we still need flexibility). I'm hoping that by fine tuning the big areas of my life, I might eventually be able to add in other things little by litte... but also, I'm okay with it if I can't. My top priorities have to actually BE my top priorities. I have to truly realize that this is the season I'm in right now, and be content in that. If I can't do everything at once, that's okay. It's the big things that matter in the long run.
I've been working on a schedule of my own-with sports, school, etc. the next few weeks are going to be crazy! Having all of the necessary things down on paper is helping-and so is knowing when I need to 'crock pot' it for dinner. Getting dinner on the table is my non-negotiable thing so planning ahead is a biggie in that area.
I sooooo feel your pain!
Since my husband works at home (he's a CPA, so don't even mention taxes to me!), we both understand the importance of prioritizing. A few years ago he realized that his business wasn't going exactly where he wanted it to go. He had to drop some clients in order to make space for better ones. It was very hard. That meant less income for a while, but we made it through and we are better off now....more stability and building the kind of business he has envisioned.
You have had so many transitions in your life lately. This will be another one. I am so glad you are being brave and taking that step. Good for you! Lisa~
I hope you share more about your schedule as it emerges. I am facing the same thing, but haven't been very proactive about it. I'm going to have to be. My kids won't be here forever.
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