Last spring, I took a big break from blogging. I was having some health issues that forced me to take a hard look at how I was running my business (and my life!). I’ve wholly enjoyed laying low since then, tweeting at a fraction of the amount I used to, logging onto Facebook maybe 3 times, and getting my crafty game on with my new kids network.
The lessons I’ve learned in the last 4 months probably surpass the lessons I’ve learned in my first 3 1/2 years of blogging. Many of them were lessons I really didn’t want to learn, to be totally truthful with you. 
But I’ve come off one of the best summers of my life, so I’m grateful for all that I’ve gone through.
I’m finding, now that it’s almost September, that the whole ‘back to school’ season isn’t just a big expensive wardrobe makeover for my kids, but it’s something I’ve never outgrown. Every fall I get the urge to buckle down, start new things, and focus on getting work done. Kind of like a New Years Resolution – only kicked off by Labor Day instead!
So today I am reviving an old “eMoms at Home” tradition that probably only a handful of you remember: Monday Motivation. Every Monday I would make my to-do list for the day public, and hold myself accountable with consequences if I didn’t do what I said I was going to do. Our ad network also just launched a new motivational community on Divine Caroline and it all seemed like a great excuse for me to whip my butt into gear and get some stuff done this week! (Plus, if you share something you did to streamline or enhance you life today at You.Propelled, you can be entered to win $5000.)
Today I will:
- Grab a conference call with the wonderful Kelly McCausey
- Clean out 500 emails from my inbox
- Run 2 errands
- Walk my kids home from school
If I don’t have these things done by the time I go to bed tonight, I will donate $250 to Kiva.
So what are you going to get done today?
This post is sponsored by Propel® for the You.Propelled Program.
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Sparkplugging Founder Wendy Piersall is dang passionate about helping people start & grow a business while maintaining life balance (somehow). 
Easton Ellsworth is owner of 
I like your idea of Monday Motivation. Mondays for me are dreaded so maybe a little accountability would help me be more efficient. Thanks for the tip!
What a great idea! Sharing your to do list and goals makes you more motivated to achieve them (both so you feel accomplished and don’t have to deal with the public consequences). Looking forward to these posts!
I can testify that Wendy got that conference call in with me earlier today
How’d you do with clearing those 500 emails!?
150 down…… 350 more to go! :’(
I got on a roll and cleared out over 700 emails! Whoop whoop!
My day is now complete, and I can go to bed with my $250 safe in my pocket.
Wendy,
I’m glad to see you back and feeling better!
Hugs,
Glenda
Hi, eMom!
I’m totally effing stoked that you are back! I’ve missed our random 3-minute chats on Facebook.
Sounds like you’ve done a lot of critical self-assessment. I hope you found what you need.
When I saw “Monday Motivation” in the feed reader my eyes instantly jumped to the byline because I was like “Wendy?”
I’m happy that you’re on a roll, and congrats on knocking out 700 emails.
Peace Out, Homey!
Loved your post! Monday’s are hard to get motivated, I think we need to institute Monday as one more day of the weekend! As for me, I’m going to complete 4 logo projects today (even though it’s wed)…
Wendy, congrats on the email flush! Also, I really like your new Kids Network. Great looking site, and a nice place for me to get in touch with my crafty side
Wendy, sounds like you went through much of what I felt with my cancer in Jan 08 I pray your alright and mending well. I’d say my values and ideas have evolved more then I can even describe. However I’m full speed ahead just had a scan and all is well..so glad your back and ready to roll.. We changed our site and now we’re monetizing…
Hugs to you..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Great post, Wendy – I’m going to join you this week and post my Monday Motivation!
Back to school with the kids means I can get motivated again.
Or perhaps I will just start doing lunch and catch up with my friends. OH how I missed this while kids have been off.
Good to have you back. As an Amish Furniture Distributor, I’m learning to market in a green way. Amish products are eco-friendly and that’s the message I’m trying to get out.