May Shoutout: Let's Talk About Life Lessons from Mom

MAY SHOUTOUT
LET'S TALK ABOUT LIFE LESSONS FROM MOM

This month, I was honored to write a tribute to my mom (and dad) for Mother's Day in The Santa Barbara Independent. In the article, I broke down the top 5 life lessons I learned from them and use in my daily life with my family and with my clients too. Therefore, I'm going to veer from my usual Podcast and reading recommendations and instead share the 5 lessons with you. If you've worked with me, you'll probably shake your head "yes" and think, "these lessons are so Sara!" Now you'll know I came by it naturally since they are so my mom and dad too! I hope it also helps you ponder what life lessons your parents instilled in you and perhaps give them a little thanks today and every day. 

#1: Write Things Down
 
While growing up, I watched my mom write every kind of list imaginable to help her run her tight ship. Groceries, travel, work, shopping, and, well, the list is endless. You name it, and, guaranteed, she had a list for it. I remember as a young girl taking a cardboard box and turning it upside down in my bedroom, plunking a mug full of pens on it, plugging in a small table lamp, and calling it my “workspace” where I could write and think. You’re never too young to start good habits. 

#2: Verbalize, don’t internalize.
 
My dad said this over and over while we were growing up, and it got hardwired into my brain. We had a magnet on our fridge that said this quote; thus, my intense need to talk about EVERYTHING and process ALL details is inevitable.

#3: Prep as much as possible the night before.
 
I use this in my life, I force it on my husband, I push my kids to do it, and I teach it to my clients. If this feels a bit foreign to you, then here are some common the-night-before tasks: the next day’s clothes chosen, ready to wear, and hanging neatly and nearby for easy access; lunches made and breakfast decided; homework completed and signed off; backpacks, briefcases, and gym bags packed and by the door. After a long and exhausting day, prepping the night before can seem like an impossibility. It is so worth the effort to do it. Believe me. This is the true cornerstone of my productivity habits.

#4: Put things back where they belong. 
 
This is a fundamental law of efficiency. My parents are very organized people, and this was instilled from birth in my house: Everything has a home. We all abided by this rule, and it worked really well. These days, getting my children to do the same is a work in progress, of course!

#5: Do unto others as you’d have done to you.
 
Better known as the Golden Rule, it was drilled into our heads growing up that you treat people how you want to be treated. This has a direct connection to my habits as a business owner. I try, at all costs, to treat people with respect and kindness, no matter what the circumstances.