Things you might not know about entrepreneurship...

1. Entrepreneurship is NOT a get-rich-quick-scheme.

Just to put it into perspective, approximately nine out of ten start up businesses FAIL. 

Yes, you heard that right...they FAIL. 

So what’s the lesson here exactly? No one told me that in order to make being an entrepreneur your bread and butter, you have to WORK HARD for it.

Now this one sounds like a no-brainer, but I say this because nowadays people are selling mystical masterclasses saying quit your 9 to 5 and make six figures tomorrow. Keeping it real folks, that's not how this works...that's not how any of this works.

I’m going to be honest with you, when I first wanted to seriously dive into working for myself I thought alright, cool I’ve started now I’m going to make money. Nope, not how it works at all.

Now as a somewhat seasoned entrepreneur, I see more and more new entrepreneurs making the same mistake themselves. Some even asking me how to monetize when they haven't invested or put 100% effort into their business yet. 

While there's no timeline on when you can make money from being an entrepreneur, you DO have to work towards making your business a full time form of employment just like you’d do with any other job. So long hours in advance, creating QUALITY content, scheduling social media posts out, doing market research to understand what others are doing to get sponsorship opportunities, doing research on your target audience so you can better appeal to them, and so much more goes into making those coins.

So to everyone who thinks this lifestyle is cake, I have this to say:

AS AN ENTREPRENEUR YOUR WORK IS NEVER DONE! 

There is ALWAYS something to do to keep your business at the head of the game and current with new technological advances, current events, updates, etc.. So if you haven’t been told yet, let me be the first to let you know that you have to put in work to see those results. Finding the perfect balance of researching, scheduling and continuing to produce quality will get you to the top.

2. It's Important to Realize What You Need to Succeed

Working towards your business taking off takes time, but it also takes money. No one told me that becoming an entrepreneur is expensive. You always see those “start a business with no money”, but realistically it takes money to make money.

I know there’s tons of ways to cut costs on certain things, but there are some unavoidable costs that you just have to pay out. For example, your domain for your website....I recommend GoDaddy.com because it's quick, cheap, easy and will give your website a more professional feel! Can you skip out on a website, sure, you can do whatever you want. But honestly you are going to see a difference the more "professional" you make your business.

So you’re working, you’re investing, what else is there? You’re doing everything you can to make your dreams a reality so what other secrets to success could there be? Well, there’s this notion that I believe is the most important for all up and coming entrepreneurs yet people hardly ever say it out loud...

3. No One Ever Told Me That My Journey Will Never Be Exactly Like Someone Else's

There are people out there, (myself included), who have blog posts and manuals and the whole nine yards showing you how to be successful in the world of entrepreneurship but that doesn’t mean it’s right for your journey.

There may be components of my journey that you can apply to your own, but ultimately what I go through may be completely different from you and that is OKAY. Hell, you may just become a millionaire by not even lifting a finger so if that’s the path you're destined to take #YOUDOYOUBOO

The sooner we all realize that there’s general information out there on entrepreneurship, but there’s exceptions and adaptations based on the specifics of your business the better. This is extremely helpful in understanding how to know what pieces of information you need to apply to yourself and what can be left behind.

There's tons to consume out there, but not every software, upgrade, trend or product needs to be implemented into what you have going on. And if you're just starting our or about to start, realizing that before going into the game will definitely save yourself a lot of those “why are they successful and I’m not” moments.

That's a wrap! 

I support all of you in all of your entrepreneurial endeavors as there’s room at the top for each and every one of us. Keep on keeping on and I hope my insights have made some sort of positive impact on your journey.

Shakeology VS Isagenix ... Who will WIN the epic battle?!

I feel like today's post should really be tilted..."Who can I piss off today". HAHAHA. 

But seriously, this isn't about pissing people off. Its about stating the honest truth!

I have been a die hard Shakeology fan for almost 2 years now. Its like gold for me. Its not only helped with my weight loss, but its helped with my stomach and digestion issues. Which is a big deal for me.  Once I started drinking it I was hooked!!! I also gives me energy which I need with my thyroid issues. It tastes amazing (Beachbody has recently changed their formulas so it DOES taste different, I tried the old stuff about 5 years ago and wasn't a fan but now its totally different!)

I have been asked several times in the last few weeks what the difference between Isagenix & Shakeology. And because I love researching and finding out the nitty gritty details, I thought I'd share it here with you all.

The Isagenix meal replacement shake comes in two flavors; chocolate and vanilla. 

Shakeology comes in 7 flavors, two which are vegan: Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Vegan Tropical Strawberry, Cafe Latte, and Greenberry.

The positives of Isagenix is that it contains 23 grams of protein per serving (compared to Shakeology’s18 grams of protein per serving). 

Isagenix, like Shakeology, also contains many naturally occurring ingredients which set them apart from other meal replacements. 

However, I have not found other components that set Isagenix apart from Shakeology.

Isagenix contains 1100% more fat than Shakeology (6 grams of fat compared to less than half a gram in Shakeology). Additionally, Isagenix contains more cholesterol, sodium, and overall calories per serving. 

Shakeology contains anywhere from 130 - 170 calories per serving compared to Isagenix 240 calories per serving.

Isagenix also lacks the potency of the vitamins and minerals contained within Shakeology; for example Isagenix only has 40% of the daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C versus 300% in Shakeology. 

Isagenix lacks vitamins such as B1, B2, and B3; all contained within Shakeology. You have to drink 2 to 4 Isagneix shakes to get the same concerntraion of vitamins and minerals found in just 1 serving of Shakeology.

Isagenix Isalean Shake price…… Each canister costs $ 50.00 and contains a 14 day supply therefore for one month you will need approximately two canisters for a total cost $100.00 plus shipping. 

Isagenix does offer a 30 day money back guarantee; however, I do not know if they offer a bottom of the bag money back guarantee like Shakeology does! Yes seriously, you could consume the whole damn bag in 30 days and STILL return it for a full refund. BOOM!

Isagenix is a whey protein shake and does not offer a Vegan Shake without the Dairy protein. This is huge for someone like myself who can't have dairy proteins because I have an intolerance to them. 

Shakeology contains 70 of the healthiest and most nutritious foods from across the globe; and they really mean from across the globe! Darin Olien, teamed up with Beachbody to scour the ends of the earth in search of the best ingredients. I am not quite sure I have ever seen a group of people so dedicated to bringing “the best stuff on earth” to our door step!

Shakeology falls at a 24 on the Glycemic Index Scale which is really good news! Foods that are high on the Glycemic Index Scale such as pizza, bagels, ice cream, corn syrup, and mashed potatoes rapidly increase blood sugar and insulin levels. Research indicates that these are contributors to weight gain, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and the good old “energy crash” that many of us experience just after our lunch hour. However, foods that are low on the Glycemic Index Scale such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and of course Shakeology provide a slow sustained release of energy that allows us to avoid the “energy crashing” effect.

Shakeology contains protein and essential amino acids that help us build muscle while also reducing food cravings. The prebiotics and digestive enzymes assist us in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption. The antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract “free radical damage” that is often associated with degenerative diseases. And last but not least, Shakeology contains our daily dose of vitamins and minerals which provides our body’s with everything that we need to function at our own personal optimal health levels.

You might think that I have to love Shakeology because of being an Beachbody Coach, but I can HONESTLY, tell you this. I don't tell people to spend the money if it isn't good. I have hashimoto's disease and lots of stomach issues and this shake has been an amazing addition in my life because of the lack of  FOOD and NUTRIENTS I wasn't getting.

Military Wife/Mom/Entrepreneur ... How I Balance it All!

Can I watch Paw Patrol? ... Asked while I'm working out

Can I paint? ... Asked while I'm folding clothes

I want more milk? ... Told while I'm trying to record a training video for my team

I'm hungry? ... Told 1 minute after I sit down to return work emails

ROWAN'S NAKED! ... Yelled when I'm on a one on one call with a coach or client

I want a banana ... Told 1 minute after I sit down to return more emails for work

Can we go outside? ... Asked seconds after I sit down to typing up my blog post

House completely destroyed and littered with toys ... while I sit down to power thru my work tasks

These are just a handful of my daily struggles. HA! Being a wife, mom, and entrepreneur isn't a life of glitz and glam. Don’t get the wrong impression, I love what I do but it can be overwhelming at times. Amongst all this chaos, I often ask myself; how do I balance being a great mom, a loving wife and a successful entrepreneur?

First let me say, I am NO expert and I don't claim to be. My life is far from perfect, I mess up daily, and have little to no idea what I am doing most days. 

Second, each and every one of us is so incredibly different and I, in no way want my readers to compare their lives to mine and think they should be doing more or less. We only can handle what we can handle and that has to be something that you can identify about yourself. I myself, tend to be someone that likes to stay busy and can handle a lot of activity at once. 

I hope you remember while you're reading, everyone is different but you are still doing an amazing job!

I started my business 16 months ago and its grown substantially in that short amount of time. And while life has become very hectic, I chose to have it this way it, and I love it. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I also always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom and wife. Being a work at home mom entrepreneur is part of how I express my creativity, and I’m convinced it is what keeps me sane.

I want to share with you today how I'm able to balance being a mom, a wife and an entrepreneur all from home.

1. I Get Up Before Our Kids
I know everyone is in different stages of their parenting so I get sleeping in with your kid(s) and there is no shame in that. I was still doing that till August shortly after Rowan turned 2 and FINALLY started sleeping thru the night. I had just finished reading the book Miracle Morning and decided to start implementing it in my own life. I'm not going to lie, the first 2 weeks were fucking hard. Gahhh! I have not been a morning person since before I had my daughter...so its been a good 14 years. But I felt I needed this change and Rowan had just started to sleep thru the night. Now I get up at 445am without any trouble. I love my early mornings to myself. It give me that "me" time, that I've needed for a long time. During this time I like to mediate, pray, manifest my goals and read my personal development. Oh and enjoy that first warm cup of coffee. I'm hoping in the future to start waking up at 415am so I can get my miracle morning routine done and then my workout before the kids wake up. But right now we just aren't in that stage since the boys still wake up early 6/630am and need to me to help get them up and settled.

2. Make sure you set aside specific time for everyone. 
Time that is solely devoted to either family or yourself or work. Each one deserves undivided attention at some point. I like to spend one on one time with the little boys after my workout. We play with toys, play-doh, paint/color, go on a walk or to the park. Now that the weather is a lot colder in the mornings. I'm going to try to talk them on walks later in the afternoons because I know its good for all of us to get out and get fresh air. Days that hubby is home for work, I spend the evenings with him watching one of our favorite shows. Our older two kids are at that stage where they don't want to hang out with me. #preteenandteenager And I always take one day on the weekends off to be 100% present with my family. Hubby and I also plan a date night at least monthly. I'm a HUGE believer in date nights. Ladies you need that one on one time with your husband, trust me!

3. Dress to Impress or At Least Dress to Make YOURSELF Smile
Now I know as stay at home mom entrepreneurs we don't leave the house much, so this might be a little controversial with some moms. But to me, it honestly makes me feel better about myself when I have my makeup on, my hair looks nice (this rarely happens because I workout in the mornings and sometimes it gets pretty sweaty gross that that mom pony tail or mom bun just stays in) and wear something that's comfy but also makes me feel cute (for me that's leggings, t-shirt or hoodie). Try it for a week and see how you feel! Plus, your husband will also notice! :)

4. Set Goals Daily
If you like to check things off your list like I do then make a list each morning while your kids eat breakfast. I like to write down drab things (like doing the laundry) and pointless things (like calling the pharmacy), just so I can "check" them off my list. It literally gives me such a sense of gratification. I also have a check list for work things so I know what MUST get done daily.

5. Be OK when not all your Goals are hit that day
As good as it is to make daily goals, you have to make sure that you are realistic about them as well. We all know that as moms life is NEVER consistent, each day is different and things always arise. If you are going to make goals for yourself you have to be equally willing to break those goals and be OK with it. Just be honest with how much YOU can truly accomplish. When I over work myself, I end up feeling unsuccessful, and unproductive. Be OK and just "roll with the punches", nobody is perfect.

6. Don't let your Phone Distract You
I know how distracting working at home gets. It can get overwhelming, boring, old, and even depressing. It's so easy to pick up my phone and scroll through my Instagram, Facebook, emails, etc and pay attention somewhere else. Honestly, I struggle with this CONSTANTLY...it's probably one of my biggest weaknesses. I tell myself multiply times a day that now is NOT the time to get distracted. I also try to prioritize my need for it as well (i.e. how important is that email to me right now? Does it require a response this very minute?). 

7. Don't overwhelm Yourself with your Tasks
This goes back to #5. You only can do what you can do in a day. Don't over complicate it and discourage yourself. Laundry is sometimes the ONLY task I have on my list for that day because it's a freakin' HUGE task. If I can wash, dry, fold, and put away every load of laundry in one day I feel like superwoman...but the truth is, there is ALWAYS a load left for me in the drier the next day. Its life and guess what, nobody has died yet because I didn't get that last load done. 

8. Meal Plan or Meal Prep
This is something I have done for YEARS now. Yes its always a little daunting for me to sit down and write out a meal plan out the entire week but truth is, when it's done I feel like I just accomplished something HUGE! I actually typed up a cheat sheet of all our meals and categorized them (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Rowan's meals since he's can't have diary) and I just pull that out of my mom binder and fill in our meal planner. This also helps when it comes to grocery shopping. I just look at our menu and write the grocery list according to our meals. Yes I grab extra stuff for snacks, kids school lunch and Will's work meals, but at least I have a guide this way for our weeks meals.

9. Family Dinners at the Table
I don't cook homemade every night, especially when Will is on shift, but we always make sure to sit around the table together, whatever the meal is. 

10. Hire a Babysitter
Thankfully I haven't had to actually hire a babysitter yet. My husband works 48 hours on/48 hours off, so days he's home I'm able to lock myself in the office for 2-4 hours and do nothing but work. This has been my saving grace! Hubby and I have already discussed that when/if he deploys that I'll be hire a sitter a few times a week so I can get work done. Being a military family we aren't lucky enough to have family near us to watch my kids at a moments notice, but if you do take advantage of it. I know some of you are probably thinking "but I'm a stay at home mom entrepreneurer shouldn't I just take care of my kids. Yes of course but I would make this a priority because truth is, it's more life giving then you even realize. Even if you can only afford to get away for an hour at a time, that time is precious and you NEED to make time for YOU. Next school year will be a little different because Sebastian will be in kindergarten and Rowan will be attending nursery school for 15 hours a week so we more then likely won't need the extra help but you never know. With all that being said, you need to do what only you can do/afford.

11. Routines/Schedules
I am such a schedule oriented person anyways that this was pretty natural for mes, but having a daytime and nighttime routine for our kids has allowed me the time to work on business priorities, as well as, have alone time with my husband in the evenings when he's not on shift. We may seem like drill sargents setting such strict nap schedules (which sadly are dwindling away) and putting our littlest two kids to sleep by 6:30pm, the preteen to bed by 8pm and the teenager by 930pm but honestly this has breathed more life into us than I can even explain. Plus, we've found our kids thrive on a schedule so it's a win-win for all of us!

12. Wife/Mom First, Entrepreneur Second
I know I've done things in life because I thought it was going to be good for me but in the long run I wasn't doing it for the right reasons and found myself empty, unsatisfied, and unhappy. Not only that, but when working from home I often have to remind myself of my main priority (I am a wife/mom first and an entrepreneur second). If I find that it's taking too much quality time away from my family, I know I need to reassess my priorities and get a better system in place.

13. Communication 
William and I do a pretty good job of setting expectations for our day/week. We are in constant communication about what we are doing that day and in a way, it keeps us accountable to each other. Plus, it forces us to work together. Whether it be a running errands, taking the family exploring around England, taking care of the kids, giving each other a much needed break, or making time for one another, we do our best to communicate where we need each other the most.

Starting your own business is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. Finding the time to make it happen is dependent on you prioritizing what’s important. Balancing it all requires a lot of work. Ask yourself honestly if everyone is happy, and be sure to include yourself. If they aren’t, then it’s time to change to make it work.