Toughest Challenge?

Recently I asked the Making Work at Home Work blog ring bloggers this question:

What has been the toughest challenge you faced over the past year as a work-at-home mom and how did you solve it?

Over the next few posts I'll be sharing their responses! Scroll down for another response.

Teresa Huff had this to say ...

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome as a work at home mom is fear. Fear of failure, fear of making a wrong decision, fear of making a fool of myself, fear of making a client mad…whatever the reason, it rears its ugly head and tries to convince me that I can’t. I used to believe it a lot. But the last few years I’ve learned that fear doesn’t need to dictate my decisions. Fear doesn’t provide opportunities and open doors I never thought possible. Fear doesn’t lead me to find the perfect career fit for me. Fear doesn’t get me anywhere or make me any better at what I do. I’ve learned to develop confidence in my skills and abilities. I’ve learned to ask God for guidance and then listen when He gives it (although that is still a constant challenge!) I’ve learned to build a support network of other professionals in my field, seek opportunities to continue learning, and help others along the way.

It didn’t happen overnight…and building confidence is a process I’m still working on. But experience, successes, and even some failures have made me more confident in my abilities. It’s not the end of the world to fail and it doesn’t mean I’m bad at my job. I have learned that it’s ok to stand up for myself. I’ve learned to weigh the pros and cons, calculate the risks, and make a confident decision based on what is best for me and my family. I’ve learned that it is a good thing to keep my family a priority and expect my clients to respect that. I’ve learned that I can be a professional and still work from home in my sweats with a sick child home from school on the couch and a toddler digging through the pantry for a snack. Sometimes I have to swallow fear and jump in. I have adopted the mindset of, “If I don’t try, I know it won’t happen. If I try, at least I stand a chance.” I have learned to TRY.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Teresa Huff is an independent consultant who specializes in grants & strategic planning.

Thanks Teresa! What about you - what has been your biggest challenge?

Toughest Challenges?

Recently I asked the Making Work at Home Work blog ring bloggers this question:

What has been the toughest challenge you faced over the past year as a work-at-home mom and how did you solve it?

Over the next few posts I'll be sharing their responses! Scroll down for another response.

MariLee Parrish had this to say ...

My biggest challenge as a work-at-home mom this past year has been trying to find a balance between work and family life. My company is very busy and I've recently had to hire help. That has given me a lot of time back, but I still struggle with the daily questions like: what are we going to have for dinner? how will I find time to get to the grocery store? how much educational t.v. is too much for a toddler? can I fit in a play date this week? etc.

I'll be honest and say that I haven't solved these issues yet...but I am working on them. I try to create me "to-do" list for the next day before I head to bed. I strive to create a menu for the week on Monday and make sure I have all the ingredients. I start the morning by committing my day to the Lord and inviting Him to be a part of everything I do. And I make sure I fit a little bit of "play time" into each day, too.

MariLee Parrish is a Christian author and the owner of The Christian Moms Business Resource. www.christianmomsbusinessresource.com

Thanks MariLee! What about you - what has been your biggest challenge?

Toughest Challenges?

Recently I asked the Making Work at Home Work blog ring bloggers this question:

What has been the toughest challenge you faced over the past year as a work-at-home mom and how did you solve it?

Over the next few posts I'll be sharing their responses!
Julie Arduini had this to say ...

Balance was my challenge as I transitioned to full time writer.

I assumed with both kids in school I could take my writing goals for the year and crank them out in two months. My plan also included daily trips to the YMCA, weekly meetings, and keeping up with the house work. By the end of September I was frustrated. I didn’t meet any major writing goals.

During that season we installed carpets and replaced furniture, a process that took longer than I wanted. Kids got sick. School and church groups called, knowing I was “free” all day with children in school. By Christmas I let myself stress trying to do it all and please everyone. I was impatient because I blocked my own goals with lack of balance.

I needed to break free from my perpetual hamster wheel.

Our senior pastor announced he was going to take a book that revolutionized his own life and use it for sermons, Sunday school classes and home group scenarios. I didn’t pay much attention because it seemed like more to do, and I was looking for a way to control what I already had going. The pastor went on to ask if I would lead the home group for women. The book was Peter Scazzero’s Emotional Healthy Spirituality.

I agreed to the group. My husband and I prepared the lessons for my group sessions. As we listened to the sermons and tackled the workbook, I learned essential principles to put my writing and my life back on track.

I’m still working through the book. I learned just because it’s for a good cause doesn’t mean I’m personally called to do it all. I’m reaching deadlines and creating additional projects. I’m experiencing Emotional Healthy Spirituality and am enjoying balance.

I’m a writer and public speaker encouraging audiences with the surrender platform. My website is http://www.juliearduini.com.


Thanks Julie! What about you - what has been your biggest challenge?