Juggling Work/Life and Having it "All" / HAPPYBABY Giveaway

by Shazi Visram: Founder and CEO, HAPPYBABY
[See below to find out how to win a HAPPYBABY prize package.]

Sometimes it seems that your life takes on a life of its own. For me, being the CEO of a rapidly growing business is demanding enough. Layer in the crazy hours, my loving relationship with my husband, and a demanding family dog and things get even more complex. Then, just over nine weeks ago I had my first human HAPPYBABY, Zane. I was finally forced to step back and make some plans on how to keep it together—and so far, so good. As a result, I am happy to share my realizations with anyone wondering just how she is going to continue to manage it all.

First off, remember this: you can still do it all, but your definition of "it all” will simply have to change. Of course you have the best intentions and the track record to show you are a dynamo at anything you do, but major life changes like starting a family should be a time of re-evaluation. The thing to do now is to stop, reassess, and ask yourself “What is most important to me? What makes me happy?” Taking time to think about your priorities will allow you to create a schedule that honors them accordingly rather than simply adding more responsibilities into the mix. For me, this exercise made me realize that I don’t need to prove to anyone how productive I can be by pushing myself to the max anymore. Instead, I want to maximize my enjoyment. As far as priorities, baby and family come first, but HAPPYBABY is no less important to me now than it has ever been. This just means that I have to cut some things out for now, like regular trips with friends, some dinners out, and certain speaking engagements that require travel—the things that consume time that I would rather spend with Zane and my husband or focusing on the business.

Secondly, focus. If you are like me and linger too long on the phone with a colleague whose company you enjoy, be more disciplined with your time and cut it short in favor of lunch another day. Learn shortcuts, get more efficient at what you do, and focus on the task at hand while you are at work so that you get more done, feel accomplished, and can leave your work at work. The same thing goes for family time. Be present—don’t be on your Blackberry when it’s time to enjoy the little miracles of life and the first smiles. Everyone will be happier as a result. The way that I do this is meditating for a few minutes every morning before work and on my walk back to my apartment. I take some deep energizing breaths and set my intentions to be present, and it really works. Try it!

Lastly, keep this saying in mind: man plans, God laughs. (That’s one of my husband’s little gems.) This life is about enjoyment, beauty, and happiness. As long as you can have a sense of humor about what you are going through and can laugh about the ups and downs, you are already truly successful, no matter how well you juggle work/life balance.

ENTER TO WIN

One Goodies for Mom lucky reader will win a  HAPPYBABY prize package containing:

• 2 free trial coupons for each product line
• 1 FAQ on Probiotics and DHA
• HAPPYBABY: The Organic Guide to Baby & Toddler's First 24 Months
• 1 Infant & Toddler Nutrition Guide, co-authored by Dr. Robert Sears
• 1 HAPPYFAMILY recipes set

To win, visit the HAPPYBABY website, and then leave us a comment telling us which HAPPYBABY product you'd most like to get for your little one to try. Deadline is Thursday, April 29, 2010 at midnight EST. Open to US residents only.

More Chances to Win

Extra entries for:

• Linking to this contest
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• Having a link or button to the Goodies for Mom site on your site
• Tweeting about this giveaway
• Follow HAPPYBABY on Twitter
• Become a FACEBOOK fan of HAPPYBABY

Just leave us a separate comment for each letting us know.

 
About HAPPYBABY

A few short years ago, HAPPYBABY was the first premium baby brand to enter the market in five small stores in New York City—at a time when there were no homestyle options for parents to feed their children. Processed foods or homemade baby food—which can be time consuming for busy families—were the only options. A lot has changed, and they are now the leading premium brand of baby and toddler meals in the U.S.—sold in over 5,000 stores with 5 different lines of optimally delicious organic foods for your growing family.

[Visit HAPPYBABY now]