When it comes to working from home as an entrepreneur, the advice you’ll find is endless. From setting up your website and identifying your target market to getting started with affiliate marketing, you can Google advice for it all. But you know the one thing I didn’t see much of when looking to leave my 9-5? How to craft the right kind of work from home mindset to keep at it in the long term!
Honestly, my biggest fear when I began to dream of being a blogger was staying home with my kids. What if they hated it? What if they got bored with me? Will I be able to keep up??
It’s easy to say worrying is a waste of time, but sometimes when you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to lose focus. That’s why, four years after launching my first for-profit blog, I’m always keen to share my top tips for staying positive and motivated as someone who works from home.
Don’t Do It For the Money
I cannot tell you how many people I witness posting things like, “I’m thinking about starting a website for some passive income, any advice?”
Yes – DON’T.
This is especially relevant to those who dream of being 6-figure bloggers.
For one, blogging isn’t really passive income. Can you make passive income with your blog? Absolutely. But to get and keep it at a level where bringing in even $1,000+/month means working.
If you’re not super into writing or the idea of having to learn how to market yourself makes you gag, don’t plan to profit from blogging.
Many try to claim they made $5,000+ in the first six months of blogging but here’s the hard truth – they’re either lying, or they’ve actually been at it for much longer than they’re claiming. Are there exceptions to the rule? Absolutely.
But as someone who has been blogging for twenty years and who now serves as a blog mentor to others, trust me when I say it’s not an easy road. Is it worth it? Absolutely…if it’s something you’re truly passionate about. Because then, even when it’s not easy, it’s still something you’re proud of.
Crafting the Right Work from Home Mindset
Make Self Care a Priority
If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t expect to be able to take care of others. Working from home is great, but it’s also easy to lose yourself. Even when you have kids to keep you (somewhat) on track, it’s not surprising to suddenly realize you haven’t changed your shirt in three days. Or that you’ve gone through a can of dry shampoo in just a week.
Sometimes you get so caught up in building a business while still going a mile-a-minute with your personal life that you find your own self-care has taken a backseat to everything else.
Whether your self-care routine involves creating your own sacred space in your home or simply giving yourself ten minutes at the end of the day to breathe, it’s essential to make sure you take that time and nurture a positive work from home mindset.
Plan Out Your Day
Frankly, this one applies to everyone, blogger, or not. I know so many people who balk or groan at the idea of a structured day, but there’s freedom to be found in said structure.
So much time is lost in the decision making process – what to wear today? What should the kids wear? What are we having for dinner? Who was it that I needed to call today? Etc. etc.
When you take the time to map out your day, that regained time adds back up quickly! So not only do you lose some of the stress that comes with constant decision making, but you also set yourself up to stay on task and focused.
And the part about finding freedom through structure? It’s true! When you know what you have to do and when you’re able to shift faster (and with less panic!), knowing what can be moved around versus what’s a major priority.
Create an Content Strategy
This is such a big deal when it comes to avoiding work fatigue, especially as a blogger. No matter what sort of business you’re building (or working for), there’s always some content to create. Just as you want to plan out your day, you should consider creating an editorial calendar. This will ensure that you stay on target with your work but also that everything lines up accordingly.
Strategic planning is key to being able to profit from your passions rather than sit spinnin’ your wheels. Plus, it helps with your mindset as once again, you’ll know what to do and when versus having to sit and think before taking action.
Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
It’s been covered here before, but it’s worth repeating – you have to let go of those limiting beliefs. Your thoughts – positive or negative – will shape your life more than anything else. Typically working from home means working without colleagues, so you have to make sure the one voice you hear (your own) is kind.
I like to tell my clients that if it’s something you wouldn’t say to a child, don’t say it to yourself. Can you imagine walking up to a 4-year-old and going, “Eww, girl, what is with your hair?” No? Then why say it to yourself?
Thoughts change lives. It’s a powerful statement, but you and I both know it’s true. Have confidence in yourself and trust in knowing you are capable of living out your dreams. You have to take that first big step, though, and let go of the fear or belief that you’re not meant for greatness.
Live Marvelously
I’m so honored to have this opportunity to share my thoughts via Living Marvelously. One of my core values is not only to inspire others to live the lives of their dreams but also to connect with those on their way to doing so. I truly believe that the more we find our freedom, the better our world will be. Whether your dream is to make money from home, run your own brick-and-mortar business, or simply find financial freedom, I know you will make it happen. And if you’re still feeling a bit lost, start with the free resource library provided by Laurie! Putting pen to paper is the best way to sort out your thoughts and get well on your way to developing a stronger work from home mindset.
Amber Temerity Lozzi runs ThriftyGuardian.com and is a blog mentor for those looking to profit from their passions and get out from under the overwhelm. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook or follow her on Pinterest!