Some days it is very difficult being a work at home mom. I just want to ditch work and play with my daughter all day. Or the laundry piles up, the kitchen sink never seems empty, and the fridge contains three items, none of which will make an edible dinner. All of the above items together make me want to settle into the role of stay at home mom.

Staying motivated is probably one of the biggest obstacles to being a successful work at home mom. Here are twelve ways to help you stay on track.

1)Keep a goal list. Take some time to write out your goals, both business and personal. If you have them down on paper, then you will be much more likely to follow through. Most of us that work from home are doing so for the financial reward. This income can help achieve personal goals, so it is important to write those down as well. If one of your goals is a new car or home, then cut out a picture that item. A visual reminder can be a very powerful motivator. Put your goal lists in a place that you can look at every day, such as the front of your refrigerator or cork board. Whenever you have a moment of wanting to give up, check your goal list to keep yourself on track.

2)Think about your Why. People work from home for many reasons. Some want to be there for their children. Others work from home because their budgets require it. Many want to have a fulfilling career as well as being a parent. Your why can be a great motivator to keep moving forward.

3)Keep deadlines. I can be the world’s worst procrastinator. I also do my best work when I have a deadline looming. Impose deadlines on all of your projects, even ones that do not need to be done on a specific date. It will help you schedule your time better and you will push yourself to get it done.

4)Bonus time. Companies offer bonuses and rewards for a job well done to employees. Why not use the same tactic for yourself? Finish a big project a week early or earn an income goal and reward yourself. A pedicure perhaps or maybe just a day off where you don’t have to think about work. Choose something that is pure enjoyment and you are sure to work hard to achieve it.

5)Support team. It can be lonely working from home. I have a friend that works on a freelance job with me. Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to interpret instructions or the client may be difficult to work with. It is so great to be able bounce ideas off of each other or vent. Online message boards that relate to your industry can be a great way to meet people. Search around for a local support group too. If there isn’t one in your area, consider starting one.

6)Get a good night’s sleep. Most people need a good eight hours of sleep every night. It can be super tempting to stay up late or get up early in order to get some work done, but the lack of sleep will wear on you. I know that I am not at my best when I am tired. Not always easy to do if you have children that wake up at night. Try to make rest a priority. If you need to take a nap in the middle of the day when your children do.

7)Exercise. Taking a walk, yoga, or going for a run are all great ways to clear your mind and stay energized. Some of my best brainstorming sessions are while I am on the treadmill. I find it can help me think around obstacles and give me focus on what needs to be worked on.

8)Remember to have fun. All work and no play can make it very difficult to stay motivated. Make time every day to take a break from working. Better still is to have a work free day during the week. It doesn’t have to be the same day every week but knowing that you have one day set aside to relax can make a huge difference.

9)Get rid of distractions. It can be tempting to turn on the news to see the weather report or fold that basket of laundry. More than likely those little tasks will turn into a great deal of time away from work. Leave them for later, after you have finished your goals for the day. Folding laundry may not seem like the best motivation to get work done, but the fear of the basket turning into a mountain does it for me.

What helps to keep you motivated? Do you ever feel like giving it all up? I hope that these tips help to keep you motivated.

Warmly,
Mia