Recently, a friend asked me how I found the discipline necessary to run a full-time writing business, and maintain a new diet at the same time. She was feeling some concern because she started her own business not too long ago, which she is operating from her home office, and is struggling with distractions. In addition, she mentioned that she has had a tendency to snack more, knowing she could walk into the kitchen and grab something to eat at anytime.  She asked a great question, because these are challenges that many people face, who choose to operate businesses from home offices. With the turbulence of the current economy, working from a home office is becoming more prevalent.  We have to create our own job security these days, by taking the reigns, and doing our own thing.

I guess it comes back to what I have been saying all along about commitment.  I do not believe I can achieve anything without the commitment to make it happen – plain and simple.  Sure, it is great to work from my home office, because I can literally climb out of my bed, and walk over to my PC, to begin my work.  I do not have to see anyone for the first half of my day, enabling me to work in my pajamas, for a while.  Because I set my own hours and I am a night owl at heart – I can work into the wee hours of the morning, in-tune with my own internal clock, as opposed to typical business hours.

Of course, temptations exist with a TV in the other room, a refrigerator nearby, and a nice comfortable sofa.  However, my comfort derives from knowing that I am meeting all of my monthly expenses.  I cannot enjoy any leisure time if I have to worry about bills.  Consequently, I took the concept of discipline up a notch, to the workaholic level.  Yes, I work way too much, and rest way too little. However, if I expect to have a successful business, I know I have to exercise daily diligence.  This is not a hobby for me – it is my livelihood.

Some people mistakenly think that having a full-time writing business means that I am leisurely writing when the spirit strikes me, because I must have a “real job” doing something else.  However, that is not the case at all. When I chose this path, I leaped into it full-force, as a full-time business. This is my real job, and Angel Logan is my company  name and brand.  I have a tax ID number, I have regular clients, I am building more clientele, and I perform the daily tasks of an entire staff on my own.

I have to do all of the work it takes to operate a business – the work that no one will ever see, credit, or compensate me for doing.  That is something that all business owners have to do, regardless of our individual types of business.  For me, it is a no-brainer – if I stick to my guns and exercise discipline, I will keep up with my expenses, and have a chance for success.

Okay – that is my professional life.  What about my new weight loss plan, which I have incorporated into my personal and professional lifestyle?  It is not easy changing my eating habits, with my current routine, especially since a great deal of my time is working at my computer. When I began my new low-to-no carb weight loss plan, I craved carbs more than ever, because I could not have them.  It made me hungry for pasta, bread, and potatoes all of the time.  That was extremely difficult. However, I felt determined to overcome my cravings. I have been on this diet before, so I knew that once I got over the hump of carb withdrawals – I would be fine, and I am. 

I am losing weight, my body is changing gradually, and it is a great feeling.  Still, smelling a hot pizza when my husband is eating one right in front of me is difficult, but that makes me even more stubborn, and determined to succeed.

My dear friend, while you are in the beginning stages of your new business – make a decision to succeed, with dogged determination, on a personal and professional level. It does not matter what type of business you are running from your home office. Find a way to record your television shows to watch later, while you focus your attention upon your work. Ignore your refrigerator, and make a plan to achieve your business goals each day.

When we work for an employer, we exercise discipline because we do not want to lose our jobs, ultimately precluding us from paying our bills.  We might not get fired working for ourselves, but the end results would still be the same, if we don’t do what it takes to earn an income.  Treat your home business the same way you would treat an employer’s business, with respect and commitment. You would not constantly visit the company refrigerator for a snack, so why do that at home.

You have benefits and freedoms by working from your home office, but you should use that freedom to make you feel better about finishing your daily work, because you are in a more comfortable setting.  Work in your PJs if you want and set your hours to be conducive with your business needs and internal clock, but make a point of always achieving your daily goals. The results will show in your bank account.

The same thing applies to your weight loss plan. It does not matter whether you are watching your carbs, fat, calories, or exercising your pounds away – as long as you pursue your goal with unyielding resolve you will find all of the discipline and will power that you need to achieve success.

If you need a little boost on your weight loss goals, I think you should join the Flaab.com site, and make a wager with your nemesis.  Yes, this type of motivation is definitely different from most, but you can have fun, share your experiences, and make several new friends traveling the same road as you.  You will not feel alone, because you will be amazed at how many of us are facing the same challenges in life. You do not have to put yourself out on display, but it is nice to correspond with people who know how you feel, and who are climbing the same mountains that you are.  The people I have met through Flaab are losing weight, and have a great time. Think about it – you could too.

I think the most important thing I can say is to believe in yourself enough to know that you can achieve anything, if you want it bad enough, and if you are willing to do the work that it takes to get there.

Until next time – No Defeat … No Limitations!

ANGEL LOGAN

Published Author | Professional Writer

Official site: http://www.wingsofanangel.us

Monthly newsletter: http://blog.myspace.com/angellogan

Email: angellogan@gmail.com