The Key to Achieving Your Dreams While Raising a Family

Whether you’re starting your own business, writing the next great American novel or just trying to make time to do something you love, you need to make a plan and dedicate some time to it to make it happen.

But if you’re a parent, juggling your personal dreams with family time can be a bit tricky, not to mention it could leave you feeling guilty, stressed and spread too thinly if you go about it the wrong way. After all, raising kids is a full-time job already!

Fortunately, by incorporating a few simple shifts into your life to create a support system, it is 100 percent possible to build the life you want without feeling like you’re sacrificing precious time with your loved ones.

It takes a village

The saying goes, “It takes a village.” This couldn’t be any truer when it comes to raising kids and having a family. Think about it: We used to live in communities, tribes and villages. We were surrounded by other families to help watch our children when we were sick, for example.

Now, if you fall ill, chances are you won’t be able to stay cozy in bed without at least making some frantic phone calls!

We no longer have a built-in support system. But that doesn’t mean we can’t create one.

Create your own support system

Who in your life can you develop a mutual, supportive relationship with? Is there a way you and a friend, family member or neighbor can help one another in order to create “me time” for the both of you? Offer to watch a friend’s kids during a play date for a few hours a week, and the friend can return the favor another day of the week, leaving you with a few kid-free hours to get some work done. Or can you and your spouse take turns with certain errands, like picking your kids up from school or doing the grocery shopping?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Oftentimes, we are afraid to ask for help or support. But more often than not, friends and family are more than happy to lend a hand and offer to help! After all, if one of your friends were to ask you for a favor, you’d say yes without a second thought, right?

Don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t be afraid to carve out some time to make your dreams a reality. You can’t do it by yourself, and why would you want to?

Vocalize your goals

You should also make a point to talk to your family about how they can best support you in achieving your dreams and goals. Your family will want nothing but happiness for you, and they will likely be glad to support you in any way possible.

Do not feel guilty

Many times, parents feel guilty for taking time away from their children to pursue a dream or goal, or just taking time to rest and recharge. Do not feel guilty about taking time away from your family to work on yourself. If you feel happy and fulfilled, they will as well!

So, whatever it is you want to do, start working towards that goal. Make one simple shift today, ask for and accept help, and start making your dreams a reality! Remember: The larger your support system, the more people you’ll have to celebrate with once you’ve reached your goal!

Photo credit: London Scout, Unsplash