The Only Thing Standing Between You And Your Goal Is YOU.

I've come to realise, especially with reading lots of self-development lately, that, without sounding lazy, I don't want to go back to full time work. 

I've been lucky that for the past 16 years I've been a stay-at-home mum, only working part-time. Those hours have increased as the boys have got older, and my divorce requiring me to work more for working tax credit purposes etc.

However, I love this part-time life, and I wouldn't be a writer if I didn't have it.

I love that I am here for my children - even though they're getting less dependent on me now. 

So my goal is to remain working part-time. In fact, my goal is to eventually be my own boss in my own business. But one step at a time... 

I've never thought myself ambitious, but it's like I've had some realisation that I actually am.

When I started my new venture I didn't realise this. But now, I want the holidays, the cars... it's not about the money, it's about the life I wish to lead, providing for my kids; the financial independence. Which is so important as a single mother!

Maybe working years for a company I don't really like has helped this realisation, because I've seen it with my own eyes. I'll always be a number, an employee, easily replaceable. The only way I'll earn more is to work more for them (or another company). And it's still capped.

Today, I paid for my oven to be cleaned. I usually do this every 1-2 years. One day I want to able to afford a cleaner for my house! The only way I'll do this if I work for myself and not work for someone else. 

Also today, as well as touching my business, I've had the time to put dinner on in the slow cooker and make a batch of my 7-veg tomato sauce, which I generally use as a homemade pasta sauce. 

This free time is so important to me! 

This journey won't be easy - I certainly can't give up the part-time job yet. I'm not on some get rich quick scheme and I'm well out of my comfort zone. But nothing ever grows in your comfort zone. I've seen that it works for others, so why can't it work for me too?  

I can't recommend self-development books enough! Positive thoughts definitely is key. They've made me realise my potential.

Never quit on a bad day. We're all going to get them. The journey will never be easy. But if you want it bad enough, the Universe will make it happen.

A Big Shout Out To Women!

I need to give a big shout out to Weston Business Women today.

They hold a meeting the first Thursday of every month, and I try not to miss it.

It's an ever growing group of self-employed women, each with individual businesses. It's a great way to network, and you just don't know who you're going to meet and how they'll help you.

I attend, yet I don't have a business as such, being a writer/author. But I am technically self-employed, and it can be a lonely business at times.

I do feel that when and if I become a more successful writer, I have a network of women I can approach, whether it be for a website design, business cards, etc. Even help with my social media and marketing.

Anyway, every time I come away from this meeting I feel inspired, empowered and most importantly, happy!

If you're a self-employed woman, who wants to build her business, you're stuck on how to make it grow, or just need to get out of the house, I really recommend finding such a group locally to you.

It doesn't matter what you do but you might find someone you can connect with, cross business and clients with. It might just help you grow!

Women empowering women is such an amazing thing.