**My jumpsuit

“If you have an idea of what you want to do in your future, you must go at it with almost monastic obsession, be it music, the ballet or just a basic degree. You have to go at it single-mindedly and let nothing get in your way.” – Henry Rollins

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I was hesitant to write this post because I rarely let you in on the behind the scenes of running a “Youtube business”, but as you’ll see in this post later on, I’m more passionate about sharing how to make money in this industry than anything! I want to let you guys in. I feel like no blogger ever does. There’s so much stigma around being a Youtuber or blogger. It seems so far out of touch. I want to break down that wall and show you what it’s really like. I don’t for a second think there’s too many people doing it and that there’s not enough room for newcomers. There’s more than enough room. I want the Moms watching who work full time and hate their jobs (like I did a couple of years ago) to see the light at the end of the tunnel and realize they CAN do what I do as a job (only if they want to of course, it’s not for everyone;)!

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20% of your ENERGY produces 80% of your RESULTS >> FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

I heard this tip when I was listening to a Gary Vee podcast and it’s truly opened my eyes within the past week of hearing it. I NEEDED to hear this, which is ironic because I’m not heeding the advice by writing this post;) You’ll see why a bit later.

I used to waste SOOOOOO much time pre-baby. I would take 30 minute showers, put on a hair mask, mull around on Pinterest, browse online shops. HA!!!! Oh how things have changed. I barely have time to use the bathroom these days without a tiny human climbing me like a tree:D It’s crazy. It’s fun. It’s insanity. Anyways, because of my new found “Mom role” I’ve just now learned the meaning of “prioritization” and when I say I’ve just now learned the meaning, I mean it’s taken me 12 MONTHS of anxiety and frustration. I’ve been frustrated about my job. Frustrated that I can’t do what I’ve been working towards for years when I’ve finally hit a break through (on my blog/channel) and frustrated that all I truly want to do is be at home with my baby without any responsibilities. I know all the full time working Moms reading this are saying “Cry me a RIVER!” but just hear me out for a second. I worked for years into the night, after class, after work, on the weekends, pestering Doug to help me, saving every scrap of money for equipment…the list goes on and on. All this only to have a baby and it all goes straight out the window! It’s been an adjustment to say the least. I’m explaining all this because my biggest hurdle in 2017 was nailing down what truly matters to me and having a baby makes it all clear. It’s pretty life changing to have your values in line. It clears up so much stuff in your head! At least it did for me.

Goal #1: Focus on what actually matters first and foremost.

Growing my Youtube channel and new brand is #1. Obviously the true #1 is my family, but this is a “business” centered post so I’m going to omit that for now:) That means:

• Hiring someone to help with my Youtube channel – brand deals, editing, etc.
• Dedicating time each week to help Doug with Belle & Baby – creating new products, engaging with customers, etc.
• Putting up 3 videos per week
• Learning how to really use Final Cut Pro (adding in transitions, investing in royalty free music licenses, rebranding intro/outro)

Youtube has given me an amazing opportunity to create an audience of invested viewers and actual friends. This platform has enabled me to start my own business, quit my full time job, and be at home with my baby 24/7. I need to focus on this platform as I’ve let it go over the past few months.

Goal #2: Create content I actually WANT to create.

This past year was a whirlwind and I felt like I was pushed into creating videos I wasn’t passionate about just because I adopted a new role as “Mom”. I’ve never been interested in babies (other than my own;) and creating content surrounding babies is something that just happened naturally. I’m so much more passionate about building a brand online for other Moms, chatting about real life topics like marriage, friendships, paying off debt, moving, buying a house, etc. and documenting my journey as a working stay at home Mom.

A few series I have in mind are:

• #bossmom: This randomly popped into my head and it hasn’t gotten out since! I am going to create a series all around how other Moms became their own boss. Tips on working for themselves, managing their family life, and hustling their way to making money for their families. I feel like not many people expose this side of work from home Moms and I find it so fascinating and motivating! What do you think?
• Home decor series: I LOVE decorating, but we’ve been on such a strict budget since paying off our student loan debt and saving that I wasn’t able to. I am so excited to decorate each room in our new house and take you on that journey! (affordably of course;)

Goal #3: Make SEARCHABLE videos

I was watching this video and suddenly it clicked – I desperately NEED to create more searched on topical videos. As much as I LOVE vlogging, it doesn’t gain an audience as quickly as engaging, topical videos. Now before you all freak out:D, I’m still going to vlog!! I promise! I just need to put my effort into this because I can’t ignore the demand of what people actually want. I love my vlog fam and will still be uploading vlogs weekly <3

Goal #4: Have a regimented plan of when to answer emails, when to shoot, when to edit, etc.

Now that Doug will be at home, I will have a lot more time to dedicate to my channel and new Mom & baby brand. My new rough schedule will be:

Monday: Film & Edit

Tuesday: Blog Post & Edit

Wednesday: Film & Edit

Thursday: Blog Post & Edit

Friday: Belle & Baby

Saturday: Vlog & Edit

Sunday: Rest. Ha! What is rest? “You can’t have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.” – Stephen C. Hogan

A few other goals to help me accomplish #4…

• Adopt the “no excuse” motto.
• Hustle and grind! Do one small thing everyday no matter what.
• Get ready before Annabelle wakes up everyday.

Goal #5: Be more engaging.

A little known fact is that I’m actually not into social media. I know…whatttt?? I don’t really consider Youtube social media (Idk why?), but as far as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter goes, half the time I dread it! Scrolling wastes so much of my time and I feel like all I do is compare my life to others and don’t expand my brain! This is a terrible trait as it’s a huge part of my business. I’m going to make it a point to be on Instagram an hour each day. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. This may seem like a lot to some people, but I have to do it to grow my brand.

Goal #6: Listen to motivational thought leaders once a day

When I listened to podcasts and audiobooks on Annabelle and I’s daily walk, I was so much more motivated towards my goals. I don’t have time to read and when I found podcasts last year, I swear my outlook on life changed so much. I love Gary Vee and Tony Robbins best. I once heard something that said “The middle class reads novels, tabloids, and entertainment magazines while the wealthiest people would rather be educated than entertained.”

Let me know if you want to read more behind the scenes posts:) I hope this inspired you in some way! xx