Let us take a big "sigh" before we get started. These days, we feel like we're taking many deep breaths and sighing more.
We get asked how we do everything.
The truth is we don't do it all.
We're selective about what and who we get involved with. It's not because we think we're better than anyone or anything. It's because everything you do takes time and commitment.
Running two businesses and kids and trying to find time for ourselves 24 hours a day is not enough.
Our schedule looks something like this…
Workout: 1 hour a day
Cooking: 1-2 hours a day
Kids activities: 1-2 hours a day
Business-related work: 4-8 hours a day
Personal work: 2-3 hours a week
Sleep: 6-8 hours a night
Our goal is to build something to show our kids what's possible. If they decide they want to build a business of their own, they already know so much.
There are things we do with our family that people (and family) will judge or criticize.
But still...
We're choosing to raise our kids differently.
We're choosing to create a different life for us.
The beauty in this is we get to "CHOOSE" and not because "WE HAVE TO."
If you're reading this, whatever situation you're in..
◦Single parent with kids
◦No kids
◦Co-parenting with kids
◦Kids with both parents
◦Broke
◦Full-time job with a side hustle
◦Full-time job and wants a side hustle
And you got your DREAMS. Go for it.
It may feel hard, but ask yourself: If today were your last day, what would you rather be doing? Pursuing your dreams or doing something that you don't enjoy?
Here are some tips to help you:
Tip #1: Identify your priorities are
These are non-negotiable. Our kids are a priority for us. We promised that a cookie company wouldn't run our lives. The cookie company revolves around our lives as much as possible. We don't want them growing up hating the company.
Things we are committed to:
Have breakfast and dinner together
Try to have the kids attend family/friends events
Take family vacations
Tip #2: Be honest with your situation
We don't have much help. Most of the time, it's us managing everything. Some staff come in to help us with the cookie shop. We know we will get where we need to, but we do our best not to compare ourselves to someone who has help, more financial support, etc.
Tip #3: Have systems and structures in place
This is a big one for us. We have a schedule and system for everything. For example, we have something we say in the family "first thing first". So when the kids wake up, they know they need to make their bed, use the bathroom, and brush their teeth. They know they need to do this. This does not always happen, but the kids do it 60-70% of the time.
Other examples are Fridays or Saturdays, when we do movie nights, and Sundays, when we do laundry and a family activity.
Tip #4: Be a minimalistic
We don't have much furniture in the house, which helps with cleaning. It takes about 1-2 hours to clean the house weekly.
We limit the number of clothes we buy for the kids. Kids do not wear everything—we learned that when we had our first—so we buy enough clothes they could wear throughout the week.
Tip #5: Everything must be on the calendar
All business or personal events need to be on the calendar. If they're not there, they're not happening. It's that simple.
Tip #6: Kids should always be involved
If you don't have kids, you can skip this tip. If you plan to have kids, save this tip for later.
If you have kids, we believe they should be involved at an appropriate age. Our kids help out at home and the shop.
We believe in teaching our children good working habits and ethics. The earlier you teach them, the earlier these working habits will grow.
Our kids do a few tasks at home: they put away the dishes, set up the table, clear the table, do their laundry, put away their clothes, and if they are involved in any activity, it's their job to get their stuff ready.
At the shop, they helped us roll dough, stamp bags, and prepare cookie gift boxes.
Tip #7: Map out your year, start with the fun stuff
Every year, we map out our year. We plan our vacations first before committing to anything related to the cookie company, allowing the company to support our lifestyle.
Tip #8: Say more No than Yes
This is the hardest one for us, significantly since we grew up in a culture about community. We have only 24 hours in a day, and our goal is to fill them with things, people, and places that bring us joy. We have learned to let go of cultural expectations.
When you start saying yes to things that don’t bring you joy or add value to your life, you build a life that others want, not the life you want.