Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

Sometimes in our Master Mind group we talk about disappointments.

In our last meeting I mentioned how my freelance writing business is struggling and I may have to look for a job to supplement our family's income.

I ended by sharing how during the last 3 months I had helped organize a volunteer group called Stitches of Hope (www.stitchesofhope.com). We crochet, knit caps for people who have lost hair, due to cancer, burns, or other illnesses. In our first three months we've made and distributed 300 caps, scarves, blankets in our area and other states.

I realized as I told my Master Mind friends about our progress how much time I've spent on the volunteer group. I've sent emails, made phone calls, run to the post office to mail packages to hospitals, written letters to people who might be interested in helping us, etc.

As we discussed my work with Stitches of Hope, I realized most of this work has occurred during the day, so it has undoubtedly cut into my work time. For years I dedicated myself to raising a family. I don't regret this as my husband and I now have three well-adjusted young adults who are making significant contributions to the welfare of society through teaching and military defense.

Now I'm making up for it with a satisfying volunteer program that so many people are finding helpful. But my career goals seem to be faltering.

My Master Mind friends listened, then suggested I could limit my volunteer efforts to times when I'm least productive in writing. I'm most productive in the mornings and can usually produce one story in the early morning hours between 7-10 am.

They thought I should broach the volunteer program more in the evening when my brain shuts down for the day - sending out emails, crocheting, packaging the items, folding brochures while watching TV. Of course, I couldn't run to the post office during the day or deliver caps to local hospitals, but I could combine trips to those places with a trip to the library to pick up materials for research.

By talking over my dilemma with my Master Mind friends, they helped me see that while the volunteer efforts are worthwhile, they should not conflict with my career goals.

Have you noticed how I've used the word "friend" in referring to my Master Mind group? I consider them good friends at this point and highly prize their advice. You can bet when they speak, I listen. I'm readjusting my work schedule to work in more writing during the day and disciplining myself not to let my volunteer work overtake my work hours.

What situation can you bring to your Master Mind group that they might help you with?