1. Know your priorities and be realistic about them.
It's difficult to be everything to everyone. Know your priorities and Stay clear about them. This will help you to say no to the less important things.

2. Know what motivates you and be clear on your goals.
It's easy to get sidetracked, especially when the line between home and work is so fine (i.e. when you're staring at a dirty kitchen and have 50 calls to make). Understanding what motivates you will help you stay on track for those times when you get de-railed, discouraged or overwhelmed.

3. Maintain a separate space for your work.
It's easy to get overwhelmed if your home life crowds into your work area. It's important to have a separate space that allows you to concentrate and focus. Make the space perfect so you're both efficient and comfortable.

4. Maintain boundaries with your time.
Even if you have young children at home (doubling the difficulty of Your working from höme!), it's important to maintain boundaries. Work within your family structure, then create hours that can be 100% focused on your business – uninterrupted. Communicate your schedule to others, and set limits as necessary.

5. Organize yourself as completely as possible.
The challenges of working from home are quadrupled if you've not set up A structure that supports you. For many of us, structure was provided by our employers – it's nöw up to us to create our own structures. Experiment until you create the perfect structure that brings out your best.

6. Create a network that supports you.
Invest in your business by hiring people who can support you, both Ongoing and/or on a temporary, as-needed basis. Create supports and a structure that are bïgger than you need nöw, so your growth is unquestionable and effortless.

7. Know exactly what it is you need to accomplish.
Know what your work priorities are for the day, and have both a big picture view of what it is you're creating, while also knowing exactly what it is you need to accomplish on a daily or weekly basis. Keep your eye on both.

8. Connect with others who are juggling the same demands as you.
Even if you speak or get together just once a month, it'll help you to know that others are similarly and successfully juggling the demands of home, family and business. Be role models for each other and share tips that work. Support from someone who has "been there, done that" is invaluable.

9. Take time for yourself and for your partner.
All the success in the world is meaningless if you löse touch with what's most important. Yes, your children and your business require large chunks of your time and energy, but it's also important to nourish the relationships that sustain us. You'll be quickly drained if you don't do this. Take time for yourself and don't neglect your relationships.

10. Schedule time off for yourself.
As harried as you might be, it's important to take time off. Take time off from your role of parent, business owner, entrepreneur and spouse/household manager. See a movie, go to the beach, do pottery, take tai chi or do weïght training. Develop yourself in ways that are unrelated to your roles in life. You'll be more powerful and effective as a result of taking this time for yourself.

About the Author:
This piece was originally submitted by Jan Gordon, LCSW, Executive, Career & Personal Coach, who can be reached at jan@qualitycoaching.com , or visited on the web at http://www.qualitycoaching.com/ . Jan Gordon, wants you to know: I coach individuals and teams who are dedicated to enhancing their perförmance, profitability & sense of fulfillment. I pay

Particular attention to life/work balance issues. Call me at (954) 917-3884 or

Toll frëe US & Canada (888) 867-1341.