Wonder Woman Wannabe

Saying Farewell in February

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:06:00 +0000

It's been wonderful writing here these past few years, but as of February 2012 I will no longer be adding new content to Wonder Woman Wannabe.

I suppose you could say I'm following my own advice from the Balance series in October. :) My business is growing, but my time and energy is not.

I will be re-distributing some of my favorite posts to some other wonderful blogs in the coming weeks so some content may slowly be disappearing. If/when it does, I'll leave a link to where it can be found.

Thanks so much for visiting, responding, encouraging and engaging with me in this space. I do hope you'll stop by and see me at Operation Organization.

With Love,

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 31 {Find Your Center}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:53:00 +0000

When engaging in any type of activity or exercise that requires physical balance, we are coached to 'find our center' and/or an unmoving focus point to help us stay upright.

The same is true of life.

What is your center?

What do you base your balancing decisions on?

Where will you get your continued motivation/inspiration to press on?

I encourage you to turn your balancing act over to JESUS.

Galatians 5:22

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.

We need the wisdom from Christ to make the choices on what to keep and what do let go of in life. We need the work of the Holy Spirit in us to help give us the 'super power' strength to follow through on those choices as well.

Make Christ your one true CENTER...

You’re the center of the universe
Everything was made in You Jesus
Breath of every living thing
Everyone was made for You

[Pre-Chorus]
You hold everything together
You hold everything together

[Chorus]
Christ be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives

We lift our eyes to heaven
We wrap our lives around your life
We lift our eyes to heaven, to You

****************************

I sincerely hope this 31 Day Series was an encouragement to you in some way. :)

Care to share about it?

I'll be hosting a link-up starting tomorrow (Tuesday, November 1st)

that will remain open for one week.

I'd love it if you would consider crafting a post chronicling something you took away from this series that you'd like to put into ACTION in your life.

I'd love to read about your journey and it is my hope that this would also be an avenue that readers could mutually ENCOURAGE one another in the pursuit of finding balance in our roles as

Home Manager as well! :)

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 1 : Introduction
Day 2 : Get Adequate Rest
Day 3: Defining Priorities
Day 4: Where Does Your Time Go?
Day 5: Re-Define Your Role
Day 6: Establish a Morning Routine
Day 7: Establish an Evening Routine
Day 8: Have Some FUN!
Day 9: Rest Regularly
Day 10: Identify & Understand Your Unique Temperament
Day 11: Become a Student of Your Loved Ones
Day 12: Find Time For You
Day 13: Spend Special Time With Your Children
Day 14: Keep the Love Light Burning
Day 15: Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Home + FREE PRINTABLES!

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

Day 18: Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time
Day 19: Create a 'Road Map' for Your Days
Day 20: Just Keep Moving...
Day 21: You Gotta Have Friends
Day 22: Post a Family Calendar
Day 23: View Your Home as A Mission Field
Day 24: Know When to Say When
Day 25: Dare to Dream a Little...
Day 26: Visit Your Happy Place
Day 27: Set a Few Boundaries
Day 28: Make a Change
Day 29: Balancing Focus - People vs, Projects
Day 30: Inspiration & Reflections on Balance

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 30 {Inspiration & Reflections on Balance...}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life.

It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.

Thomas Kinkade

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.

Thomas Merton

The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you've lost it.

Anonymous

A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that

adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.

William Arthur Ward

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 29 {Balancing FOCUS - People VS. Projects}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Do you find it difficult to maintain balance when choosing to focus more on people or projects in the home?

Which print below best represents your natural bent??

{Print by The Printshop by Lifeograhpy}

OR...

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I read an article at SimpleMom.net a while back {Entitled Understanding Your Personality: Balancing Tasks and People} that gave some really practical tips to help balance your focus despite your natural bent toward either tasks or relationships.

"People-oriented personalities build relationships and community, while task-oriented personalities get things done, and both are important.

Just like we need a balance of both to make the world go round, we also need to find a balance of both within our homes."

Read rest, HERE.

What tips seemed most helpful to you??

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 28 {Make a Change}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

If you find that you're constantly having to regain balance in your life, it may be time to make a distinct change...

EVALUATE -
Take an honest look at your time audit and time budget - can you identify what activities and/or events are possibly a little too 'heavy' compared to the time and attention required somewhere else??

Then, choose the next course of action:

Should you:

1. Moderate - can you simply lessen the time commitment you give to __________?

2. Delegate - Can someone else take over the responsibility for ____________?
(could you possibly even pay someone to do_______, so you have more time for ___________?)

or

3. Eliminate - Though painful, sometimes the best choice is to simply step away from an activity or commitment (even if it is a GOOD thing) in order to re-align how your time is spent to reflect the current priorities in your life. Perhaps you will be able to return to it one day, but at least be willing to consider this option in the interest of the best balance within your family life...

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

²³ “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Is there any pruning that needs to be done in your life??

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 27 {Set a Few Boundaries}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Boundaries exist to tell us there is danger beyond a certain point...

{stock photo}

Set a few self-imposed boundaries to protect your time.

Chances are, if you visit here regularly, you are probably a blogging enthusiast (as am I!) :)

If that is indeed the case, I'm sure you've had the experience of feeling as though you've been sucked into a worm hole or vortex as one link leads to another and....yep, you know the rest of the story.

I've decided to set some self imposed boundaries to protect the balance I sincerely want to maintain between what I need to do and what I want to do.

That's why I've set a bedtime for myself. Even though I struggle against that boundary at times, it really does help protect the rest my body and my mind so desperately need.

I've also set some boundaries in my blogging and computer activity in order to protect my time which in turn has an influence on my home and family. I give myself about 30 minutes in the morning on the computer to check email, and/or read/write (which is about the length of a PBS kids show or about how long my boys can play nicely after breakfast). Then, I make every effort not to do much of any computer work until mid-day rest time or after my kids are in bed.

This also means that I've got to set a few boundaries around how many blogs I regularly follow as well.

I'll be talking in more detail about blogging boundaries in-particular in an upcoming Wannabe Roundup. I'll most likely host that on the 2nd Wed of November, rather than the traditional first to allow for some 'breathing room' after this series is complete.

DO you have any boundaries set in life to protect your time and/or productivity?

ps - This blog post was completed within 30 minutes... this morning... :)

...Hope you have a GREAT day, both my kiddos will be in school this morning as well as Friday morning. As I am caught up on much of my speaking engagement preparations, I hope to use some of my extra time to blog-hop around a bit more than I am usually able to.
Leave a comment, and I'll come say 'hi'!

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 26 {Visit Your 'Happy Place'}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Remember Adam Sandler going to his "happy place' in the movie Happy Gilmore?

from the script:

Chubbs: You must clear your mind
of everything else and stay focused.

Happy Gilmore: How can I do that?

Chubbs: Think of a place
that's really perfect.

Your own happy place.

Go there and all your anger
will disappear.

Well, I gotta say, I think Chubbs is probably on to something.

When I know I've got a lot on my plate (mentally, emotionally, &/or task related) it really does help to focus and dwell on something 'Happy' in my life.

Usually, I try to sandwich enjoyable activities between the challenging or mundane (yet necessary) tasks through the day...

What is it that makes YOU truly happy? What do YOU enjoy indulging in?

Make a point to 'reward' yourself with those things you want to do (in small doses to maintain balance) throughout the day to keep up your momentum running and your spirits high around the things that NEED to be attended to.

Think of an enjoyable and/or relaxing reward to look forward to at the end of the day as well! :)

When I'm planning my days/weeks for productivity sake I also try to note 'happy' activities that I can look forward to through the day as well as at the end of the day.

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 25 {Dare to Dream a Little}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:25:00 +0000

As Home Managers, most of our days (and often much of our nights...) are spent tending to the needs of our home, and of others.

I encourage you today to not let all those demands squelch the dreams in your heart.

Strive to keep your personal dreams ALIVE!

What is it that stirs up energy, excitement and anticipation in your spirit?

I dare you to print out the image below, and write it down...then, dwell on it every once in a while...

Plan, hope and DREAM. (below image found via Creative Imaginations)

Your dreams are something special that sets you apart and makes you uniquely YOU.

Once upon a time, the idea of being a business owner was just a dream for me....

I'm now the proud owner of a Professional Organizing business! I knew when the dream first burst fourth in my mind and heart that I would not be able to pursue it right away, but I didn't let that stop me from continuing to DREAM about it...

Another current dream of mine is to get back into performing in the Theater! I LOVED acting all through High School and College. Someday in the near future, (when our life is a bit more 'settled') I hope to begin auditioning again!

I'd also like to take a few adult ballet and ballroom dance classes!

What about YOU?

You are amazing - do you have the courage to share your dream out loud??

{found via pinterest}

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 24 {Know When to Say When}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:56:00 +0000

When it appears that life is out of balance - acknowledge it and DO something about it.

Cut something out, leave something be, step away from your regular routine to better see how to regain balance...

Today, I'm following my own advice....
Life has been really full 'round my parts the whole of this past month. Full of GOOD things, but while I've been trying to keep up with this 31 days series, it's honestly felt a bit too much at times.

Today, I CHOOSE to step back from a lengthy blog post and let my actions and just a few words be enough...

What GOOD thing can you let go of in the coming days in order to feel more peace and balance as a result?

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 23 {View Your Home as a Mission Field...}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:45:00 +0000

{image found on pinterest without a source - please share if you know the creator...}

A little inspiration/motivation on this Sunday segment...

Have you ever thought to consider your role as a mother/homemaker as a Mission Field?

Check out the article * Motherhood as a Mission Field* from the Desiring God website for more on this idea...

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

Day 18: Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time
Day 19: Create a 'Road Map' for Your Days
Day 20: Just Keep Moving...
Day 21: You Gotta Have Friends
Day 22: Post a Family Calendar

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 22 {Post a Family Calendar}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:48:00 +0000

A large calendar is a key tool to keep any and every family organized. Put one in a central location (like this charming kitchen office nook), so it's easy for everyone to see at-a-glance who will be where and when. Consider assigning each family member their own color to label events & reminders.

It's also sure to help you maintain more balance in your family life if you can use this tool to keep a visual of when your days/weeks are perhaps filling up too much...

{image source}

A basic Dry Erase Calendar similar to the one featured above is an easy choice in any home:

Click on over to my other site, Operation Organization, for a few more fabulous and FUN calendar options.....

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

Day 18: Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time
Day 19: Create a 'Road Map' for Your Days
Day 20: Just Keep Moving...
Day 21: You Gotta Have Friends

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 21 {You Gotta Have Friends...}}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I think that pursuing and fostering authentic friendships are an absolute necessity when striving for a balanced life. My friend Marci hosted a series at her blog, Overcoming Busy this past summer titled, 'What Matters Most'. She invited me to share what matters most to me, and the answer was....FRIENDSHIP.

Here's the first portion of that post:

From a very early age, I have had a distinct ease and drive in meeting new friends. Whenever we went vacationing as a family, it never took me long to find someone to hang out with once we made it to our destination. I find people in general quite fascinating. Everyone has a story to tell and a common bond to connect with. One just needs to ask the right questions and have an open mind and heart to listen and learn.

Life is just richer and more meaningful with friends to share it with, don’t you agree?
The co-authors of the book, ‘The Worn Out Woman‘ did a superb job of summing up what a good friend offers to your life:

Perspective – they offer a new way of looking at things with a balanced & objective point of view.
Company – they walk with you and stand by you, while providing a distraction from the pressures of your day, comfort from the hurts of life, and escape from feelings of loneliness.
A place to vent – they are a safe person who will offer patient, non-judgmental listening.
Accountability – Allowing yourself to be transparent and vulnerable is a wonderful protection against temptation.
Encouragement – Sometimes you just need someone who will come along side you with a compliment, a hug, or an, “I-believe-in-you!” attitude.

The older I get, the more I value the many friends I’ve met along my life’s journey. I’ve developed quite a crew ‘soul sisters‘ from each and every season of my life. They have truly shaped who I have become today.

‘‘Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.’’

-Assyrian proverb-

to read the rest of the post, click HERE:

Do you have a group of 'Soul Sister' friends?

How do your friendships help keep you balanced?

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

Day 18: Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time
Day 19: Create a 'Road Map' for Your Days
Day 20: Just Keep Moving...

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 20 {Just Keep Moving...}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000


{source}

....and, some of the same wisdom from Finding Nemo as well...

Dory: Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you've gotta do?
Marlin: No I don't wanna know.
Dory: [singing] Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

Day 18: Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time
Day 19: Create a 'Road Map' for Your Days

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day19 {Create a 'Road Map' For Your Days}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

I love the comfort of a good routine. It brings my mind and spirit peace to generally know what's going on and what is coming up. However, I've never been a huge fan of 'scheduling' . I think motherhood has done that to me. If we mothers set too many rigid schedules, I think we could be setting ourselves up to fail. Life with little people is just unpredictable. Period.

That's no reason to completely throw in the towel on trying to plan at least a general idea of what life looks like on a day-to-day basis though.

I prefer to think of my daily schedule as a ROAD MAP. I have a general idea of what I would like to be doing at certain points of the day, but I think of this as merely a GUIDE to help me on my way.

I am always aware of potential delays that could come up or to have a plan B for taking an unexpected detour as well.

Using my Time Audit and Time Budget as my guide, here is what a common Road Map plan may look like for me:

6:00-6:30 - Rise and Shine, Scripture & or Devotional reading - focus my mind on the positive and mentally prepare for day ahead. (perhaps shower and prepare for day if meeting with a client that morning)

6:45/7am - children begin to rise - begin morning routine

7:30/8am - oversee chores for children help them prepare for day

8:00/8:30 - children have some television time while I check email and read

8:30/9:00 - prepare self for day if not going to local YWCA later that morning for exercise or head to organizing consultation

9:00/9:30 - Bible lesson/story with children (3 yr old leaves for preschool at 9:30 two mornings a week)

10:00 - 6 yr old leaves on bus for school (yes, our school has a later schedule...sometimes nice, other times not)

10:15 - Errands, outings, activities with 3 yr old, house maintenance, or work with client

11:30/12:00 Lunch with 3 yr old if at home

1:00 nap/rest time for 3 yr old ('office hours' for me)

2:00 - children's program or short movie for 3 yr old - (more 'office hours' for me)

3:00 - Special time with 3yr old - + possible outing/errand

4:00 - Begin dinner prep and finish up house maintenance tasks

5:00 - Welcome home 6 yr old off bus

5:30 - Family Dinner

6:00 - Begin Evening Routine & Family Together Time

6:45/7:00 - Begin bedtime routine for children

7:30/8:00 - Lights out for children - finish up any house maint. tasks - then time for ME and/ or with spouse! (I try to prep for bed early)

10:00 - electronics off (work in progress) - book reading bed

10:30 - Lights Out

What about you? Do feel more productive and comfortable following a strict schedule, or does a 'Road Map' approach seem more realistic?

Here's a handy Printable if you'd like to create your own Road Map!

Open publication - Free publishing - More daily schedule

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day18 {Work With Intention During Your PRIME Energy Time}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

While creating and working within a time budget vs. attached to a rigid hour-by-hour schedule is very freeing, some temperaments may need to be aware of their challenge with focus & time management.

Maybe you're easily distracted, or find it a little too enticing to engage your time more on things you want to to, rather than on what needs to be done.

Maximizing on your natural prime energy time to complete tasks you're not all to keen on completing will help keep you on track.

Lanna Nakone, Author of 'Organizing For Your Brain Type,' suggests this if you are not naturally a clock watcher, yet you still strive to be productive:

"Setting up regular hours to get things done can and does work. The secret is to weave these tasks into your day between other meaningful events. "Sandwiching" can work if you dislike a task, e.g., filing, that doesn't match your brain preference...

In order to be successful in organizing, it is imperative that you develop a plan to do the things that you really would rather not do. Therefore, it is especially important for you to be aware of your highest and lowest energy levels in order to complete duties you dislike. Yes, it sounds like you are tricking yourself into getting things done. In a way you are. Putting the most difficult task FIRST on your list --during prime time--- may work. If it feels comfortable, you are more likely to complete the task.

What time of day do you find to be your natural 'Prime Time' of energy that you can choose to 'power up' and be most productive?

What tasks are you always avoiding?

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'
Day 17: Create a Personal Time Budget

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 17 {Create a Personal Time Budget}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +0000

At this stage of the series on the heels of suggesting all sorts of activities and tasks to engage with that require your time (Time for YOU, 'Special Time' with your children, and Intentional 'Date Your Spouce' time) in addition to observing a TIME AUDIT, you've more than likely come to this realization...

{image source}

So, what to do about all those time sensitive needs? We BUDGET it...

I know what you're probably thinking - yuck. Who likes to even think about the idea of budgeting? It may bring an instant negative feeling just considering the word. However, our TIME really is a lot like MONEY. We're all only given a certain amount. 24 hours, no more and no less. Only we can decide how it is 'spent'....

Time is the coin of your life.

It is the only coin you have,

and only you can determine how it is spent..."

-Carl Sandburg

I was introduced to the idea of a time budget a few weeks ago from an article on the blog,
Life As Mom

The article was entitled, 'Time Management Without a Schedule'

Basically, this fellow at-home mom/wife/author suggested by observing all the time oriented tasks one needs or wants to engage in every day and allotting them a specific amount of minutes or hours to attend those tasks, a person can then manage the given time in their day with intention without being tied to a rigid hour-by-hour schedule.

When I performed my own time audit to see where exactly my time was going each and every day, I found that like Jessica, it appeared that I was trying to accomplish more than 24 hours of stuff everyday.

So, following her example, I made a list of all the regular things I did (or maybe should be doing - ha!) in my day.

Then, I attempted to assign a time allotment or allowance for each of those activities.

The numbers had to total 24 hours, no more and no less while making sure to allow a few hours dedicated as 'margin ' for error/emergencies/whatever.

Now, in my world, no day is exactly quite the same. Some days I work with a client for a big chunk of time, or a few others my three year old is in preschool and I my time does seem to increase! But, I do have a pretty good idea of typical things I spend time doing more or less.

(my current list in no particular order of application...)

Sleeping :: (7.5-8 hrs)
Bible Reading/Soul Care :: (30 min)
Morning Routine (Dishes, laundry, breakfast, manage children etc) :: (30min)
Checking/responding to Email :: (Two 15 - 20 Min increments through the day = 30-40min)
Reading (for recreation and with my beginning reader) (1 hour)
Preparing for the day (shower, dressing, primping etc.):: (30 Min)
Exercising (some days it's a quick run outdoors, others I can get a class in at the Y) :: (+/-1 hour)
OfficeHours' :: ( 2 hours)
Occasional Hobby or special interest (digital scrapbook, DIY projects socializing with friends)....probably a little more Laundry... :) :: (1 hour)
'Special Time' with children :: (1 hour total)
Meal Planning/Shopping :: (1 hour)
Writing/Blogging :: (1 hour)
Meal Prep/Meals :: (2 hours)
Daily Home Maintenance :: (1 hour)
Margin :: (2 hours)

Some days I may spend more time in another area and less (or none) in another. For example, I typically exercise 3 days a week. On non-exercise days I typically spend more time on business oriented things or perhaps a home or hobby project that I'd like to give more time to.

What I really appreciated about this exercise is the omission of scheduling hard and fast specific times that these tasks ought to occur. I think that Moms with young children need the flexibility to 'go with the flow' than continually feel guilty or chronically 'behind' on a self imposed schedule.

Working within a time budget, however, will serve to help you become more aware of where your time is going

Jessica said it like this:

"I realized in all this time management study that if the important things are getting done, then it doesn’t really matter when they happen or in what order."

Isn't that such a freeing realization?

That is the main reason I prefer a Daily Docket style of cleaning - choosing a handful of tasks to complete each day with the goal of completing home maintenance and cleaning by weeks end rather than having a strict cleaning schedule. Maybe I'll change my mind once both my kids are in school, and I have the luxury of a more predictable daily schedule, but for now it's so much easier to balance my time and tasks in this fashion.

Did you see the handy PRINTABLES I created to help stay on top of the weekly cleaning tasks along with maintaining your morning and evening routine??

They look like this:

You can print them at my other site, HERE:

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 16: You Can't 'Do It All'

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 16 {You Can't 'Do It All'}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:45:00 +0000

David Allen coined the above catch phrase. He has been noted as one of the most influential thinkers on personal productivity.

He argues that the real challenge is not managing your time but maintaining your focus:

"If you get too wrapped up in all of the stuff coming at you, you lose your ability to respond appropriately and effectively. Remember, you're the one who creates speed, because you're the one who allows stuff to enter your life."

We live in a time in history that we have the distinct luxury of learning, experimenting and dabbling in anything that piques our interest. The only problem is, time and energy do not expand. Focus on your priorities and what you naturally do well. Resist the urge to compare yourself to someone else that appears to do more than you, I guarantee there is probably something you do really well (and you enjoy doing it) that they don't.

How have you been doing with the Time Audit Exercise?

I'll be discussing more about balancing time and tasks this week...

p.s. - if anyone knows the source of the image, please let me know, I found it on a blog that did not site the source & i would love to credit the creator.

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 1 : Introduction
Day 2 : Get Adequate Rest
Day 3: Defining Priorities
Day 4: Where Does Your Time Go?
Day 5: Re-Define Your Role
Day 6: Establish a Morning Routine
Day 7: Establish an Evening Routine
Day 8: Have Some FUN!
Day 9: Rest Regularly
Day 10:Identify & Understand Your Unique Temperament
Day 11: Become a Student of Your Loved Ones
Day 12: Find Time For You
Day 13: Spend Special Time With Your Children
Day 14: Keep the Love Light Burning
Day 15: Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Home + FREE PRINTABLES!

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 15 {FREE PRINTABLES to Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Home}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest responsibilities of a Home Manager is the maintenance of the home.

Come on over to my Professional Organizing website, Operation Organization,

for access to these FREE PRINTABLE FORMS:

to make this responsibility just a little bit easier to maintain...

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 14 {Keep The Love Light Burning...}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +0000

I've been suggesting setting aside a lot of different types intentional time this week to aid in Finding Balance as a Home Manager.

If you're a long time reader, you'll remember the year I spent posting a novel dating idea every week. I think setting aside regular time {away} with your spouse is vital for the health of your relationship. Sure, you can have 'home' dates on occasion as well - but getting OUT of your regular routine to intentionally PLAY together at least once a month is worth the time, effort and monetary investment to continue having fun and promoting romance with one-another.

I've got a link just below my header highlighting my Re-Ignite Date Night series.

Check it out to read more! There is a link provided for the 52 dates there as well.

I will be back to posting even MORE dating ideas as a monthly contributor at Wanna Be Balanced Mom! I'll be sure to let you know when my first feature is highlighted! :)

Last weekend, my hubby and I enjoyed a Lunch & Matinee date (#47). We lunched at cafe' that had clearly not been re-decorated since the 70's ( a LOT of brown and orange and VINYL going on - ha!) before taking in a matinee showing of Midnight in Paris.

What did you do on your last date?

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 13 { Spend Special Time With Your Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

*Today's post was originally featured back in July of 2009...

I am re-posting it because one way of seeking Balance as Home Manager is not only finding time for you, but setting aside intentional "Special Time" with your children as well;

Special Time is the name given to a small part of your day (ten to thirty minutes) you set aside to spend exclusively with your child. In research with children who are repeatedly defiant and oppositional, special time has shown to play a key role in reducing the behavior by promoting a strong parent-child bond.

We introduced "special time" into our family shortly after our second baby was born.

Our oldest child, then 3, was beginning to act out in several ways. I suspected it was probably due to our new addition, but was unsure how to respond in an age appropriate way to him. I sought out advice from my sweet Mama who is my go-to 'expert' with this age group as she is a preschool teacher of over 25 years!

Shortly after our talk she had a (previously planned) luncheon with friend who has a masters degree in child development. My mom told her about our fussy new baby and about our 3 year old's recent defiance, limit pushing and over-all naughty behavior. Her friend agreed said that he was misbehaving to get attention.
She said that it would be good to give him several 5 to 15 minutes blocks
of attention instead of one long block of attention. Here were some tips to get started:

First, tell your child, "We are going to have special time together." Let them know when to expect it. (After school, or dinner, at babies nap time etc.
Ask, "What are some things you would like to do for our special time here at home?" Give them some choices if he cannot think of anything. Spend time brainstorming together and make a list you can refer to.
Tell him when you will have the next special time.
Tell him when you are having the special time. "This is my special time with you, Owen." Say something positive like, "I like doing things with you."
Warn them before the time is up and say... "Soon it is going to be baby's turn ....or Mommies turn."
Tell them when the next special time will be. Remind them to be thinking about what they would like to do.
Later, remind him about the special time you had together, and that another special time is coming.
Do not take special time away as punishment for behavior earlier in the day. Being able to count on special time with you provides them support and sense of unconditional love and connection.

“Special Time” provides children with some structured way of knowing when you’re available. It will meet the indwelt need they have to feel connected and to have a security about their place in the family. With sufficient positive interaction, they won't have to act out negatively in order to get your attention. Knowing you’ll spend time with them at planned times throughout the day will encourage better independent play as well.

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 12 {Find Time for You}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:35:00 +0000

super mommy takes a break photo credit - ~maitexu~

While I am dedicated to staying home with my two active young boys through their childhood formative years and I cherish it, I have learned that I am a better mama if I take some time all to myself for a few hours at least once a week. What I do during this time varies, but its a time when I can attune my thoughts and actions only to what I want, (no guilt allowed) not catering to a small child's timeline needs whims and attitudes. It's bliss, let me tell you even just to be alone with my thoughts. When I return from from 'Me Time' I am re-charged, more cheerful and energetic. Having Me Time reduces the likelihood that I begin to resent my role as Home Manager which requires a lot of giving out of my own resources without getting back.

There are several ways to carve out some 'Me Time' into your week:

* Plan a Daddy Day for kids to spend time with Daddy while you get a little break to recharge.
photo credit - moi

One day I just asked my rock star husband (yes, you do need to ask, nicely and pleasantly is to your benefit rather than an exasperated 'i gotta get out of here!') "Would it be alright with you if I took some time to myself each week while you take care of the kids?" I let him choose the day/time which usually ends up being a few hours on Saturday or Sunday, and he was more than willing to step up to the task. I am so thankful for him encouraging me to do so!

Mothers Day Out is an awesome child care ministry that lots of local churches all over the country offer to the community (you don't need to be a member to enroll kids) for children ages infant-preschool. It's really affordable, usually tuition costs just cover the wages to pay the teachers ($10-15 a day for 3-6 hours of care). Here's a list of Mothers Day Out programs that are available in my area of Northwest Arkansas found on LifePlusKids.com.

*MOP's groups(Mothers of Preschoolers) are another great way to get a little time with other mamas while your kids are taken care of:

Here's an expert from their website...
MOPS groups are chartered through local faith-based organizations, including churches and parachurch ministries. While each group is different, the MOPS program is built on several foundational principles:

Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to share this important season of life.
Mentoring: Mature women listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.
Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother.
Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, as well as for mothers of preschoolers. Women who are involved in MOPS gain confidence in their leadership skills through the training and experience they receive from MOPS.

The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:

Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
Teaching: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.
Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
MOPPETS: During most MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.

Start a Child Care Share / Trade with a friend or neighbor:

Every other week trade off watching each others kids during the week. You could also start a babysitting Co-Op and get a whole group of people to trade off watching each others kids - this makes for even more affordable date nights!

Read more about CO-Op's in this NY Times article.

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 11 {Become a Student of Your Loved Ones}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

It can be quite difficult to maintain balance as a Home Manager if it seems as if every time we turn around we're dealing with friction and conflict with our loved ones.

While we can't change our loved ones, we can change how we respond to them...

Yesterday I suggested to understand and identify your own temperament.

I would venture to say that it is almost equally as important to understand the temperaments of your immediate family as well. Understanding them more will allow you to build a more effective relationship and better respect each others needs.

Taking the time to learn about the similarities or differences in your temperaments will could also help you see possible connections to the everyday hassles you encounter. Then you can seek solutions to work together in order to lessen these occurrences without draining each other in the process.

How are you similar or different to your children and/or spouse in regards to temperament?

Do you see a connection to everyday hassles you encounter?

I have to feel just a little bit sorry for my introverted husband who is completely surrounded by one extroverted wife and two active extroverted sons. The younger of the two is the true definition of 'spirited' as well! :)

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 10 {Identify & Understand Your Unique Temperament}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

*note* the bulk of this article is re-posted from a series I highlighted back in January of 2010...

“Know thyself.”

Plato

I'm naturally drawn to periods of introspection and self examination. I'm so fascinated about the characteristics, both internal and external, that work together to create the very essence of who we are. For instance, birth order can influence a lot about you, so does your gender, childhood upbringing, family values as well as the socio economic environment in which you live.

Have you ever studied about the temperaments?

Apparently, Temperament is the oldest theory of human behavior. It was defined by Hippocrates. He was the first to identify and name the 4 types that have lived on for 23 centuries! A persons temperament (a unique combination of 2 of the 4 types) together with your physical, mental and emotional characteristics is what makes you uniquely you.

"Nothing has a more powerful influence on human behavior than temperament....Your unique combination of temperaments determines your actions, reactions, prejudices, and often your likes and dislikes."

"No examination of human beings is complete unless temperament is considered, for it has more influence on their behavior than any other one factor in life. Just as our physical, mental and emotional makeup is based on the arrangement of genes at the time of conception, so is our temperament. It is well known that the combination of those genes produces the color of your eyes and hair, the shape of your skull and face, your height and general body shape, your IQ, and your emotional expression and responses. What is not so well known is that those same genes produce your temperament. They, in turn, have a significant influence on the way you use your physical, emotional, and mental traits."

(The above quotes are from the book The Spirit-Controlled Woman)

Understanding your individual temperament will help in your role as a Family Manager so you are able to identify potential challenges you may have, and seek to build on your strengths as well!

Understanding if you are an Introvert or Extrovert is a great help as well because you will know better how you build (and are drained) of the much needed energy you need for all the task and relational oriented engagements you encounter each and every day within your home.

I adapted a great example of this observation from the book, Raising Your Spirited Child

Introverts prefer to interact with the world on the inside by reflecting on their thoughts and ideas before sharing them with others on the outside. They need rest from outside activities, even ones they enjoy. If they get it, they'll interact well with others and be more productive and engaging. If they don't get it, they'll become drained and their attitudes and production level will likely deteriorate.
They are worn out by people. After being around people for a long periods of time, they need a break, a chance to energize by having space and quiet.

Extroverts draw their energy from others. They prefer to engage the world around them outside their bodies by talking with people, sharing ideas and experiences. Often it's hard for them to slow down, since they seek excitement and activity. If extroverts don't have an opportunity to talk and interact socially, they get crabby and more demanding because they are running out of steam. If they are allowed to recharge by being (or interacting) with other people, they are fine. They need to share ideas while they are still fresh in their mind.

SO, do you want to know your unique temperament blend???

Care to identify how you can generate more energy?

CLICK HERE to view a simple yes/no survey from "The Spirit Controlled Woman" to get started!

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 9 {REST Regularly}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:17:00 +0000

"Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation,
for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.
Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller
and more of it can be taken in at a glance..."

- Leonardo Da Vinci-

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31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 8 {Have Some FUN!}

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi of Operation Organization) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:45:00 +0000

We've spent a good portion of this first week focusing on time and tasks.

In order to bring in some much needed balance, make sure to have some FUN with your family as well!!


image courtesy of : Phae

Choose one day during your week to build some bonds and memories together.

It could be as simple as a weekly movie or game night with a favorite dinner.

Cook or bake something together!

Once in a while mix it up a little bit and GO somewhere. Could be as easy as a local park to play, hike or fly a kite....

Create something together - take an art class or build a model of some sort.

Celebrate and honor the changing of the seasons together! There are a ton of ideas for FALL and upcoming WINTER activities highlighted on the Family Fun website as well as on PINTEREST....

Just BE and DO together.

Need some more inspiration?

Check out the most clicked post on my blog by far:

101 Activities To Do With Your Children

What will you do to have some FUN together with your family first??

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