Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much in agreement with the concept that it takes 21 days to form a habit.  I can't recall where I first read that phrase (though I did do a search on it and came up with links to some really hilarious blogs!), but it stuck with me.  As far as I can tell, it was probably in a Zig Ziglar or Tom Hopkins book back in my commissioned sales days. 

Oh yes, those were the days.

Okay, so they weren't really, but I read a lot of motivational stuff and quite a bit of it stuck with me.  Particularly that 21 days idea.  You see, I am quite the creature of habit.  I love routine.  I love organization.  I love to feel like my little world is running effectively and efficiently.  (I also love cleaning out closets and alphabetizing canned goods, but that's a whole 'nother blog entry!)

You'd think I'd have all sorts of great habits because of these needs for routine and such; well, they are definitely habits, though not all great ones.  Lately, though, I found myself craving a return to a newly-sparked habit: early rising. 

(Trust me, when those who know me, such as my mother, read this entry, they'll pass out.  Watch!)

Seriously, though, the reason I'm bringing this to your attention is because it's important for home-based business owners to take the time to establish a routine that works well.  It's not enough to stay up until 4 a.m. just because the kids finally crash at 10 and you can get stuff done.  You've got to be able to be efficient and effective, so that you can get work done and truly enjoy the benefits of being home-based.

I've learned this in full force over the past month myself.  I recently remarried, and The Spousal Unit is in a job that requires very early rising.  So I've been getting up at 5:30 to see him off to work, and I've tried to train myself to get to work right after that.  Then he took a week off...and I backslid.  By last weekend I was actually looking forward to Monday so I could get back on track again.  *gasp!*  And amazingly enough, it's working.  I'm caught up on my projects for work and even ahead on some.  That allowed me to actually get projects done around the house yesterday that have been lying fallow for a while.  It's also getting me on track to achieve my professional goal to work 20-25 hours a week for 40 hours worth of wages.

I can attest to the positive effects of creating a good working schedule for your business.  Don't let yourself work 80 hours a week for 20-40 hours' worth of pay.  Find ways to make your home-based business efficient and streamlined; automate as much as you can.  Don't worry if you backslide a smidge here and there.  Just get back into the swing of things and soon your three weeks will be behind you...and you'll be ready and raring to go!