In the age of the working mom also known as the momprenuer, finding time to challenge yourself andÂ
step outside of the box to accomplish the task at hand can present itself as difficult as well asÂ
discouraging.  Especially when you are the CEO: The Chief Everything to Everybody Officer.  WhichÂ
isn’t shocking or out of the blue, as we are more bogged down today personally and professionally than ever before. Â
Some of us have become frustrated and have given up because we have not been able to locate a happy medium.  The question most have is, “Is it even possible or attainable with a full-time job, significant other and children?” And the answer is, “Yes!â€
“How?” you ask?
Well for starters, creating balance and working on implementing effective time management routines so you’re not feeling guilty for pursing your dreams is your priority.
As a single mom of five with a demanding 9 to 5, I never imagined I’d be able to successfully start a publishing company, write a best-selling series, market and brand myself and my company; as well as maintain a household and be a mom to my children. However, I was able to accomplish some of my neglected dreams and goals, and you can as well. One of the main things I had to first, was shift my mindset along with mastering the art of effective time management. Both are crucial keys to your success or downfall.
We all respond to stress differently. You may feel there’s nothing you can do about the cards you’ve been dealt. For instance, the bills have joined together and are determined to take you out, there will never be more hours in the day no matter what you do, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding.
So you know without question, there isn’t a chance on this side of the earth that you’d be able to add pursuing a dream or goal to this nightmare we call life. In fact, just thinking about adding an additional side to your plate stress’s you out even more.Â
Although you’re living proof that this is your reality, it is possible to unpack the bags of your dreams and wear each and every item you have in that bag. How you ask?  I am so glad you asked. For starters not only is time management important, but its twin sister, stress management is as important. You cannot have one without the other.
According to the Medical dictionary, stress is defined as an organism’s total response to environmental demands or pressures. The causes of stress can include any event or occurrence that a person considers a threat to his or her coping strategies or resources.
Researchers generally agree that a certain degree of stress is a normal part of a living organism’s response to the inevitable changes in its physical or social environment, and that positive, as well as negative, events can generate stress as well as negative occurrences.
With or without a scripted definition spelled out, we can relate and add our own definition as well as concrete examples. Dealing with stress is not only important in order to manage your time but for your well-being. I can relate and speak on it because I am a living testament that if you do not deal with what’s dealing you, it will not only deal with you but has the capacity to kill you. Being a single mom, living from paycheck to paycheck comes with its own stressors all by itself. However, there are always those areas in our lives that we don’t deal with and bury until life happens and reopens a wound that hasn’t fully healed.
In 2015, while walking down the hall at work, I lost my balance and became lightheaded and fatigued. I was rushed to the emergency room with my blood pressure at 220/110. After a series of test and being admitted for a week, I was informed that the walls around my heart were enlarged or the walls around my heart were “thick” as the cardiologist referred to it as. The cause was stress and because my blood pressure was so high for a long period of time untreated, it caused damage to my heart that the doctors say is irreversible. This was in fact the last thing I wanted to hear, but it is what I needed to hear. I was prescribed medication, a series of test and frequent visits to the cardiologist. In a nutshell, I said all of that to say, this could have been avoided had I dealt with my stress/anxiety as well as conducting a self-inventory when I felt myself falling apart.
From birth, females are born with a blessing and curse called nurturing. A blessing because we are born equipped to take care of our loved ones.  A curse because we allow ourselves to become so involved with the people around us that we tend to forget about our key player. OURSELVES. Being a single mom of five and going through the ups and downs of a broken marriage that can happen, but it didn’t have too.  If you are in a similar place right now, I advise you to stop and take a good look at the lady in the mirror staring back at you and see if you recognize her.
If the answer is no or she looks a little familiar, it’s time to go back and retrace your steps to find out where you lost or left her.
Start with a self-assessment along with implementing the following into your daily routine. Allow yourself time to absorb the tools and practices so you’re able to successfully take your dreams and goals on one accomplished task at a time with effective time-management techniques.
You have to plan time to make time. Designate one day during the week to plan out your tasks for the upcoming week. Be sure to include every single thing that you do and determine how much time is required to accomplish each task.
Stick to your schedule, do not move to the next agenda item until you’ve finalized the previous task or have made the necessary arrangements to follow up etc.
Plan out outfits and meals for the week for yourself and your children. Don’t leave any stones unturned.
Set boundaries. Meaning, know and understand what your limits are. Do not over extend yourself.
Utilize your lunch breaks. Try incorporating paying bills and or grocery shopping on your lunch breaks.
Be sure to schedule in family time. When it is time to be mommy, be mommy. Separate work from motherhood.
Schedule some down time, “ME TIME” is important. Especially after a long week in the office, running the kids back and forth, maintaining a household and let’s not forget working on pursuing your dreams. You’re no good to anyone or yourself when you’ve overexerted yourself; you’re cranky, moody and irritable. Stepping away for a moment of nothing allows you to recharge and reboot for the next round of tasks.
Leave room for error or redo’s. The pencil and some pens were created with an eraser to allow mistakes. There’s no manual to this thing called life so expect the mistakes. Mistakes important as there is a lesson to be learned in each and every hick-up or hang-up. Don’t take it personal. Mistakes are simply reminders that you’re human.
As our motto states, “LET YOUR MOTHERHOOD INSPIRE YOU, NOT RETIRE YOU,” we at The Hustling Mom in Heels believe in hustling while standing six inches taller than our excuses and you can too. Join the movement and hustle momprenuers and NEVER forget your heels.
Latoya Chandler
About Latoya
Author. Single Mom. Entrepreneur. Blogger
These are all titles that describe the talented Latoya Chandler. Nestled in the “Big Apple†(New York), this single mom turned entrepreneur has grand
aspirations and creative attributes within the literary world. Her passion for perfecting characters into fictional art contributes to her coaching/mentoring
others to embrace and express their similar experiences.
Latoya’s dedication and passion have allowed her to emerge as an author, mentor, and publishing coach. Her name is credited towards over twenty published works as either the author or publisher. Her voice and vision have provided inspiration and motivation for numerous published and aspiring authors.
When Latoya is not coaching, reading or writing, she is spending time with her first love; Family. She takes extreme pride in being an example for her five (5) loving children and doting on her very patient better half. They are the driving force behind her drive along the journey of continuous evolvement as a single mom turned entrepreneur.
After years of self-publishing, Latoya took a leap of faith to find a major publisher, securing her place on the team of powerhouse publishing company Urban/Kensington.
