My Next 90-Day Challenge!

My legs are burning and not because I've been sitting in the sun! 

I have taken on a new exercise challenge for the next 90 days. One of the companies I'm in has issued a Challenge Showdown to see how we progress with our health and well being. My crazy self has decided I want to train for a 5k! 

For those of you who don't know me, I have never been physically active. I started exercising earlier this year to lose weight but I have achieved my goal. So I thought what can I do to really push myself? And the thought of running was lingering in my mind for a few weeks but now that this Challenge has been issued, I couldn't put it off.

I started my training this past Monday. The program I'm on is The Couch to 5K® Running Program. Basically it's 3 days of walking/running for 30 minutes, with regular exercises in between. I have to tell you, I am OUT OF SHAPE! I can barely run for a minute! I know, it's sad, but that's why I'm doing it. I need to increase my stamina and strengthen my body. 

How many of you have that nasty inner voice? The one that always puts negative thoughts in your head? Everybody has them. My inner voice told me today, "You can't do this. Go home and do something else." But I pushed through and finished my workout. DON'T LISTEN TO THAT VOICE!! Determine to have a goal and reach it.

For those of you interested in learning more, I am also documenting my progress on my YouTube channel and Facebook. (It's part of the challenge!) I am putting it all out there so that YOU can know, that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Do What You Have to Do, NO MATTER WHAT

Last night my daughter was in bed and sleeping by 9pm. "Well what's the big deal about that" you may think. That NEVER happens in my house! It's usually a battle to get her to her room and into pjs. Then it's story time, prayers and finally "nite, nite." All of this happens closer to 10. So why was she in bed so "early?"

There was a team conference call at 9 and I finally decided to be on it. I said YES to my business and to learning how I can grow and develop it.

While on this conference call I made sure I wasn't distracted by other things like Facebook or emails. I was sitting in from of my computer itching to write this blog but I waited until the conference call was over. (I did manage to clean up the toys but that was only a few minutes. Hey, I'm a mom!) As much as we feel the need to multitask, sometimes you just have to give 100% to ONE thing at a time.

So what did I "learn?" There are so many people who are super successful in their businesses and I think, "how are they doing it? What can I do to achieve the same level?" Well none of this is "new" news but the key is to DUPLICATE their system. Why make things harder? There's no need to reinvent the wheel when it's already rolling. Look at what they are doing and do the exact same thing. And these things that the successful people are doing are usually already set by the business they're in. It is the company or business model. Are you going to hit roadblocks? Most certainly, but you cannot let those roadblocks stop you completely. You just keep going and keep saying "NEXT" until you achieve your goal, whatever it may be.

Why I Do What I Do

I used to live in the Bronx and work as a graphic designer in the city. My original hours used to be 11-7 as I was hired to be the late shift person. Eventually that was no longer needed so they changed my hours and I worked 9:30-5:30. Commuting was ok, usually with little to no problems. But of course there were on-the-job stresses: cut backs, layoffs, longer hours, no raises.

Then I moved out to New Jersey with my then fiancé. That's when things got different. Commuting both ways took 1 1/2 to 2 hours! I would leave my house around 7:30 and not get home until 7:30 (on a good day!) By the time I had a chance to "unwind" it was time for bed and back to the same routine the next day.

When I had my daughter I knew something had to give. Either I would try to find another job closer to home or quit working all together. Mind you, around the same time I was having my baby, my husband got laid off. We were not in a good situation. I did go back to work for a few weeks and it was the toughest time of my life because I was not at home with her. Then my hubby got called back to work and that prompted me to make THE DECISION. There was no way I was going to put my daughter into day care. It was tough because I had a lot of friends at work and I was with the company for almost 9 years but I knew it was the right decision.

So then I thought, "what if I can work from home? What can I do?" Of course I wanted to stay in my field and try designing at home but the programs were so expensive. I was part of an online travel business but that just wasn't working for me. I wanted to try something different. Then I thought, "what if I can make jewelry from home?" I researched all that was involved but knew with a baby at home I didn't think I would have the time to handle that.

Finally I found a company that sells jewelry and all I had to do was throw/host home parties and make commission off of what I sold. WOW! Just like that? No one ever told me about that in college. You're taught, get an education and get a job. Unfortunately schools don't really promote entrepreneurship. And most people frown on if you try to start something on you're own. But I took the leap and signed up. There are times when the business is slow and the economy has something to do with that but I am dedicated to working from home in one way or another.

My husband supports me wholeheartedly as I support him. We are both in a weight-loss company that we believe truly works, because it has for us. And through the company we have become more aware of how seriously we needed to take care of our health and help others do the same. So that has become my mission! If I can help a friend battle her diabetes so she doesn't have to take insulin or pills, then I've done a good job. Or if I can find a way to help someone lose even 10 pounds and make them happy, then I've done a good job. I am here to help because what else is there in life? It's not always about me and when it gets to that point then I need to reassess my priorities.

Your Plan B

So after almost a year of being laid off, my husband got called back to work last week. With him being an electrician in the union, we know that when he's working he makes good money, but when there's no work (or in his case, an excessive amount of workers), the layoff comes with some pretty fretful times, not just in his profession but in most. We don't know how long this job will last but we are certainly grateful to have it.

After having my daughter in 2009 I knew three things: 1. I didn't want to deal with my commute anymore, 2. I did not want to put her into daycare and 3. I wanted to have the option of working from home either in my profession as a graphic designer or something else. So when I left my job, we took the risk of living on just one income, and with my husband's line of work, the possibility that he could be out of work too. Which happened immediately! For the last 2 years he has been laid off at least three times.

We have struggled and are still trying to get back on our feet but I have to say we have God's help. Most people in our situation would panic instantly. But we were able to put food on our table and pay most of our bills on time (unfortunately using a 401K). And we both have work from home businesses that has brought in some income.

Working from home in any career field takes discipline, so it's not for everyone. And it has it's pros and cons. But if you're serious about finding your "plan b" check out this youtube video. It shows the reality of the instability of the workforce and the stock market but you have the opportunity to take matters into your own hands. Remember, just start with something you're passionate about.

Contact me if you have any questions or if you're looking for a way to supplement your income and I'll direct you to a couple of resources. Have a blessed day!

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog! Here I hope to motivate and inspire people to their fullest potential. I am an entrepreneur by heart and believe in taking charge of your life rather than just "getting by" with what the world throws at you. I try to live my life in humble adoration and service to the Lord Jesus Christ. I realize this may turn some people away but I hope it does not.

A little more about me: I'm a stay/work at home mom to a 2 year old girl and wife to the best man God has ever placed in my life. I'm a graphic designer (mostly for print) and I love to write. Stories, poems, articles, etc... I also love to travel and used to blog about it. Visit my old blog listed at right.

So right now, I am building my sterling silver jewelry business from home and work on various freelance design projects that come my way. In between, I am always looking for fun free/cheap things to do with my family, especially now that summer is here.

Thanks again for visiting and I hope you enjoy my blog!