For about two years of my life, I went to bed nearly every night between 2 and 4am and peeled myself out of bed between 7:30 and 8 am.
During that time, my son was about two years old and my daughter was just a few months old. I was nursing, potty training, and even cloth diapering.
I was exhausted and looked the part. I felt awful.
My photography business was rapidly growing while I was sinking in a pit of despair, exhaustion, and carried an extra fifteen pounds I had no energy to get rid of.
I was doing nothing but putting out energy. I always forgot to eat, I never took breaks, and did the bare minimum for my well-being. That’s where I messed up terribly.
I wasn’t putting anything back into my personal tank.
I had a dream to be a successful work at home mom but it wasn’t happening. How could I be a good mom, influence anyone, or even create beautiful photographic work if my tank was empty?
One of the most important components in my life was missing.
There was no personal growth. At all.
I bet you’ve felt that way at some point. So what do you think the fix is for all of that?
Read like your life and business depend on it.
What?
This is one of the biggest keys to a successful life as a work at home mom. I can’t stress it enough. I can guarantee it.
I can prove it to you.
If you’re saying, “but I don’t have time to read”, I have a comeback for you. Make time to read. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or welfare.
Who cares. How does that apply to you?
There are so many health and mental benefits of reading.
That includes knowledge, vocabulary, communication memory, analytical and critical thinking skills, and writing. To add to the benefits, reading stimulates your mind, reduces stress, and promotes tranquility. Not to mention, your children watch and mimic everything you do. If you show an interest in books, so will they.
When I decided to make personal growth a PRIORITY, my life drastically made a turnaround.
My business tripled. I attracted more meaningful friendships. My relationship with my husband became more meaningful. I learned how to be a better mother. I’m now more motivated, committed, and passionate than ever.
One of the authors that has had a HUGE impact on my life (among many others) is John Maxwell. His books will change your life. Two of his books alone that have left me mind-blown and forever changed are Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success and The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live them and Reach Your Potential.
Most of the principals that I teach and live by have been learned by John Maxwell. What can I say? I learn from the best.
How do I make time to read?
I have a confession to make.
My two year old daughter cannot fall asleep without me in her bed. Judge me if you want but here’s how the routine goes. My husband and I put the kids down to bed together every night.
We follow the same routine.
Dinner around 6, bath time, pajamas, brush teeth. My kids share a room with a bunk bed. My son is on the top bunk and my daughter on the bottom.
Every night, my husband sits by their bed while I lay in bed with my daughter, he reads them two books, we talk about what were thankful to God for, and pray together. During most of the process, I’m laying next to my daughter reading on the kindle reader on my phone. Then I lay there and read until my daughter falls asleep.
I get to cuddle in bed with my baby (because I know one day she’ll be too big for that) and read for a good fifteen to twenty minutes.
It’s the most relaxing part of my day.
Also, since I only read self help books, I come out of that bed motivated and inspired. My latest read is The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks (again, mind-blown).
Most of the time I also read right when I wake up in the morning. Even if it’s for just for a few minutes.
As the man thinketh, so he is.
Just one of the little gems I learned from John Maxwell. You are what you feed your mind. The proof is in the statistics. Whether or not you like to read- make it a point to do it anyways. Your life, your business, your brain, your partner, and your children will thank you. Even if you try it for two days you’ll notice how you feel after you read.
Nothing but good can come.
Side note: I’m not talking about reading your Facebook, Twitter feed, or some silly Buzzfeed article. Feed your mind with words that promote growth.
“But I don’t have the drive. It’s a bore to me.”
The key is inside you already. Reading may make you want to fall asleep. It may be a bore. Just give it a try. Find the way to make it work.
Here are a couple of things that can help stay awake while you read:
- Go mobile. Read on your phone or tablet. I don’t know what it is about reading on my phone but it helps. According to my research, it keeps your eyes dilated, alert, and focused.
- Take a break. If you find yourself dozing, get up and go grab a drink. You can also just read in small chunks. I only read a few pages at a time because that’s all my schedule allows for. Some reading is better than no reading.
- Read at eye level. Don’t read while you’re laying on your back. It makes your eyes look down and draws them to tire and close. Reading at eye level keeps your chin up, gaze forward, and you more alert.
- A little noise is okay. You shouldn’t read in complete silence. A setting with a little distraction is good. You have that perfect setting with your kids. Reading with your kids around not only keeps you awake but also shows them an amazing example of their mom enjoying a good book. This positive association is bound to have its affect on them.
- Read to your kids. If you’re reading a positive book, why not read aloud? Remember, you’re one of the biggest influences in their lives. It’s up to you to feed their little minds and hearts with fuel that will grow them into future leaders.
I fall off.
Sometimes I go days, even weeks, without reading a thing that inspires me to grow. My life suffers.
Do you struggle with:
-depression?
-lack of motivation?
-lack of drive?
-lack of follow-through?
Or anything along those lines? I guarantee you this is one of the MAIN COMPONENTS you’re missing in your life. It happens to me sometimes too.
It’s up to you to take baby steps every day towards making life just a little better.
Take my word for it.
Here’s a list of just six books that can get you started and have changed my life:
- The Charge by Brendan Burchard
- The Motivation Manifesto by Brendan Burchard
- The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks
- Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success by John Maxwell
- The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live them and Reach Your Potential by John Maxwell
- The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson
I can bet (I know those are strong words) that these books will help your life somehow.
You can’t do it on your own momma. You need help. This one thing is going to help you have a successful life as a work at home mom like no other.
Commit to reading for the next two days. Then comment below and tell me about the sparks of creativity, hopefulness, and new information you’ve gained from reading.
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With love from your planning guide,
Iviana
