How to become a "Professional Mom"

Children, husband, job...oh my! What is a woman to do! It's simple, get a grip! Tired of peeking through the aisles at that mom in the grocery store, with her Vidal Sassoon curls, neatly typed grocery list, Palm Pilot, well behaved children marching quietly aside, leather designer bag, and her chic "Stacy and Clinton" outfit? Then stop watching and take notes! (And maybe I took it a little far when I said well-behaved) Are you the Mom with the yelling kids running from aisle to aisle, wearing your husband's sweats and flip flops, desholved hair gathered in a scrunchy, dragging around that 50lb tote bag that you can never find anything in? (If not, keep reading anyway)Have no fear, you can become a Professional Mom with 10 quick and easy steps! So get out your pen and paper, clean out that TOTE BAG and get ready to go Pro!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 3 Ring Binder
• Dividers
• Sheet Protectors
• Note paper
• High-lighters
• Embellishments
• Your Written Vision

1. Find a quiet time and place just for you. No toys are football magazines allowed. Designate this as a time for you to work on your Professional Mom plan.
2. Create a Pro Mom organizer. You'll need the materials listed above to create this organizer. Make each section of your organizer unique. Be sure to add important sections like: Calendar, Finances, Personal, and Family Planning. Also add a space for items such as: receipts, coupons, and business cards. Don't hold back! Get creative and add embellishments, photos and stickers too personalize your planner.
3. Now that you have an organizer that fits your personality it's time to take care of the Infamous Tote Bag! Start by cleaning out your bag. Get rid of anything that does not serve a purpose. Have a tote bag for everyday living and save your designer purses for special occasions. This tote should be functional, organized and keep you on track. Yes! It's that important. It's with you everywhere you go, so keep it neat. Believe me it will save you lots of time. No more digging for your keys and cell phone or standing at the register searching for your credit card or cash.
4. Now it's time to work on your Professional Image! It doesn't take much. Shop through your own closet and pull out your basics like those black trousers, white button down shirts, blazers, and turtle necks. Even a good pair of jeans with no tears or holes can be dressed up or down. Keep it simple and add new accessories to old outfits. Get a new hair cut, get your nails manicured and your teeth whitened. Keep your shoes shined, and a lent brush in your bag. Make-up is also very easy. Follow an easy skin care regimen, moisturize, and keep sunscreen in your bag as well. Keep your eyebrows trimmed, curl your lashes, apply a lip moisturize or colored gloss and a little color to the apples of your cheeks. This will keep you looking fresh and ready to go. A full face of makeup is also ok but not necessary if you're only running errands. Keep it as simple or as made up as you like, you're the Pro!
5. Simplify your life. Get rid of all the clutter in your car, house and in your brain. Chop up that Master To Do List into smaller task blocks. Once you've mastered one block of priorities move on to the next. Clear your schedule when possible. If you can't make it or you know you're going to be drained then don't schedule that appointment or meeting for that day. Make sure to add your personal "vacation time" to your schedule. Don't forget about you. Do what you can and take care of the rest when time permits.
6. Now that you are organized, polished and looking great it's time to work on the inner you. It is a must that all Moms have a special time set aside just for them. Doesn't matter if its to take a power nap to re-charge or a brisk walk in the park. It could be something as simple as having a cup of coffee on your patio. 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour it's up to you. Some Moms have a spa day where they relax for an entire day. Whatever it is make sure you take a personal "vacation" everyday.
7. Enjoy Life! Stop worrying about little things or tomorrow so much. Take care of today first and be happy you made it through before you clutter your mind with more worries. Every professional should enjoy what they do so make sure you keep a positive outlook and take one day at a time.
8. Broaden your vision and seek new horizons. Learn a new skill, take up pottery,sewing,painting or start a garden. Take a cooking class. Take on a Do-It-Yourself project. Redecorate your home or office. Join a new club and make new friends. Read a "How To" book or article ;-)Go back to school if you have the time, it's never too late!
9. Do something for someone else. Extend a helping hand or say a prayer for someone in need. Become a volunteer at your local hospital or favorite charity. Donate food or clothing to a shelter. Start your own club and invite your friends over to join! Set a goal to do a good deed every day, week or month and stick to your plan.
10. Reward yourself. Take it easy and relax more. Feel good about who you are and know that you are very blessed. Think of those who are going through worse things and try to help. Follow these easy steps and add to your Professional Mom plan everyday and you'll go Pro in no time! Blessings!

Tips & Warnings

• Practice makes perfect.
• Persistence pays off.
• No pain, no gain.
• Where there's a will, there's a way
• No worries, you're doing great.
• Be yourself, you're worth it.
• Live for today and prepare for tomorrow.
• Keep God first he'll never let your down.
• Some people find it hard to start something new and stick to it, thus, the famous New Year's Resolution. But with this there is no pressure. Go as fast or as slow as you like.
• Ease into your new routine, don't go out and start a bunch of new things all at once. It takes time, growth comes gradually.
• Anything worth having is worth working towards, so be persistent and don't give up.