Lessons from the Blog

I've learned so much writing the work-at-home blog post. I think this is what I want to do: write about topics that will help me learn and grow. I loved writing this blog because I don't have all the answers - so I was genuinely interested in putting together the google form, poring over the data, and having some follow-up phone interviews. It wasn't just work - it was fun. 

Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. A good pattern for me is to focus on one type of writing / day. With practice, maybe I can increase it to two / day. This would look like: website copy (Monday and Tuesday), Email - Client Acquisition (Wednesday and Thursday), Parenting Book (Friday). It is the same stuff getting done, just focused each day. For my brain, that's such a help. I did this on Friday - ONLY working on the blog. I was really happy with the day, my focus, and the end product!

2. I still can't figure out the morning after the kids are gone, even if I work out and get ready before they go!! Because of this, I'm going to work on listening to a podcast that first hour and doing some sort of home chore like laundry or dinner prep. Maybe 1 chore / day to keep the house going and get my brain ready. Everyone says that their brain is super sharp first thing in the morning, but I feel like it takes me a while to wake up and have my brain alert. I used to just jump into work, but with age, it's been harder.

3. I like writing on the couch. Or right now, I'm sitting on the bed. I like the door closed. And I definitely should put the writing-heavy tasks in the hours when the kids are at school, because it's impossible for me to focus if they're home. I can do other stuff when they are home - even make appointments (oh, I hate that chore!). Anyway, the common thread is that I need to have an area where it is quiet and I'm not with anyone. I learned that about half the moms are like me. The other half are okay with someone being in the room. And during the week I came to realize - that's great for them. It doesn't work for me - and that's okay. I'm going to do what works for me.

4. Youtube and Facebook are complete distractions. And opening up new browsers. so, I need to have a few open, and then just stick to those. 

5. I'm excited for another week of work. I feel a lot better about where I'm headed, and my possibilities. I'm also working on getting my paperwork completed to be a substitute. That's exciting. Having less time seems like a bad thing, but it could be good to helping me focus my hours more. Sometimes less is more.

That's it! I just feel grateful that the blog helped me learn things, lean into my own strengths and patterns, and find ways from others that I can implement. It's going to be a GREAT week!