Focus and Create your own path....

2016 has just begun. Only about 20 days in and it has already been a whirlwind of events and emotions. Mostly stuff with my 8-5. With all that was going on so early in the year, I reached out to a fellow speaker, entrepreneur and blogger to talk about it all. And, we had an amazing conversation. By the way, you should never pass up an opportunity to have an open conversation with someone, it does so much for you.  Amber of Talk to Amber,  is also the first person in 6 years to get me to read an entire book. Yes, because of her I read Year of Yes. My roadmap for 2016.

Amber and I have had conversations online in the past. This time, we called one another. We talked about life, we have a lot in common, and we spoke about where I am right now in my career. As well as about having clarity and direction in my vision(s). I wanted to share a couple of key points and things that she pointed out that I know would help other Momma’s who have several visions in their lives.

If you don’t know me, I have an 8-5pm job outside the home, not related to social media. I just started a new job in July of 2015. But, have worked outside the home my whole life. This job has until now been good to me but I know it can be better. I think the universe knows this too. With change comes new opportunity. I also run this blog and all of our social media outlets for it. As well as being the co-founder of Houston Latina Bloggers. Insert shameless plug here, if you have not followed us over at HLB please do, we are getting ready for an amazing year. I am also, of course, a full-time Momma, a Wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and so on and so on. All of which are important roles for me.

As you can see my plate can be a little full at times. and I often question which path or vision I should fully pursue. Which is why I wanted to speak to Amber about clarity. Here is what we discussed. 

(1) Why do we have to pick one or the other? 

Question- Why do we? We spoke about why people think they have to only focus on ONE thing and do that one thing fully. Sometimes our passions are divided and fruitful. In my case, I love having a job. I love building my career and creating an outside the home life. One where I can learn new skills and build new experiences. I love my job and working. I don't think that will ever change. But, I also love my side gig of blogging, social media, and contenting creating and sharing. I feel I have established myself in that area well. I do often feel like other Momma's are blogging full-time and maybe so should I. Because then it would "prove" and show that I have true passion for it?

Answer- We don't have to pick just one, if we have good, healthy and happy balance, then why pick one route over the other. If both are producing good revenue. Then why not continue as I have. And, I will. For now. I have been doing this successfully since 2008, why change it now. When I have been able, unitl now, to balance it all.

(2) Options are good. 

I have been blogging since 2008 and also working full-time. Fortunately, I have always had a back-up plan and well thought out options at my jobs and with my Husband. We have been through several life changes with his jobs, he has been laid-off a couple of times and then went to school full-time to get his degree. I have always worked. When I didn't work, for about 7 months between 2012-2013, it was for me to create and redirect. Which I did. So, options are always good. I have never just done things to do them, we always think about it and discuss all the possible options. Like now. When speaking to Amber about current changes at my new job, we went over all of my new options. Having a plan and options are good. If I stop blogging, well then I have a full-time job and I am good to continue life as usual. If I stop working, well then I increase my blogger/writer/speaker hustle and have full support not just financially but emotionally/morally from my husband. (He kinda believes in me.) And, I am good to continue life as usual.

Options. Think about yours and have clear ones. 

(3) How to establish the balance and visions?

Part of having your vision and following your dreams, involves creating balance. Figure out what you love and how you will execute it, not just right now but months from now. If your vision is true and the passion is there, it will work. But, only if you do. For me. I know that I love to write, share and DO. I love being a Momma and everything else that I do. So, I create time for everything, if I lose sleep over it, well them some nights I have lost sleep. But, at the end of the day. I always figure it out.  And, get things done. That's not to say, I do have to turn down a lot of good offers, not attend certain events and get my priorities straight. I don't just take everything on, only because "it's my passion and I want to prove I can do it all." Nope. Doesn't work that way. I have clarity about when I will do things and how my schedule works. That is very important to establish for the long run. Again, if you work on a day by day basis, you will fail.

Your dreams have to have a plan... and that plan should be adaptable. 

What do you think? Should we be limited to one vision? What are your visions and goals and how do you balance them?