Navigate Motherhood and Career: Your Essential Guide
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Finding balance as a working mom is like trying to juggle a dozen balls at once. It’s challenging, chaotic, and sometimes feels impossible. But fear not, dear mama, because you’re not alone on this journey. I’ve come up with somewhat of a guide to help you navigate motherhood and career with grace and confidence. These are all things I have been working on myself. Small habits add up to big change.
Build Positive Habits
Let’s talk habits – those little routines that shape our days. Think of them like the building blocks of your life. Some habits lift you up, like a morning run or your nightly skincare routine. Others might drag you down, like mindlessly scrolling through social media or emotionally eating. Take a moment to reflect on your habits. Which ones serve you well, and which ones could use a little makeover? No, like really… literally pull out a notebook and take a good hard look!
Plan with Purpose
Planning might not sound enjoyable, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. To navigate motherhood and career, planning is an absolute must! Picture this: you’ve got a big work deadline coming up, events at church, a birthday party to plan and your kids’ swim lessons three nights in the upcoming week(this may or may not be might right at this very moment). Without a plan, you’re left feeling frazzled and pulled in a million directions. With a little foresight and some handy apps or a good old-fashioned planner, you can tackle your tasks with little anxiety and know what you need to do to prepare for the busy week ahead. I find this a good activity to do every Sunday. Sit down, look at your week ahead and check in to see what you can do to prepare yourself now.
Embrace Your Authenticity
As moms, we’re bombarded with advice on how to be the perfect parent, employee, partner – you name it. But here’s the secret: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood or career. Embrace your unique quirks and preferences. Maybe you’re a night owl who does her best work after the kids are in bed, or maybe you thrive on structure and routine. Whatever makes you, well, you – own it proudly. Block out all the nonsense, and for goodness sakes, put it on your (already long) to-do list to unfollow some of the Instagram accounts making you feel bad about snapping at your kids or not doing all the crafts or putting on a $1000 birthday party.
Focus on Consistency
Let’s talk about consistency – in my opinion, the most important (but least talked about) part of personal growth. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea perfection, but the truth is, progress is messy. Celebrate the small wins and don’t beat yourself up over the occasional setback. Remember, it’s not about being flawless; it’s about showing up, day after day, and doing your best. This might show up while planning for the week, wellness habits, etc. Maybe you don’t do an hour long HIIT workout 3x a week, but even if you make time for a 10 minute workout, that will make a difference. You might not have time Sunday night to sit down and plan out your whole week, but even if it’s just looking ahead at your calendar, and that’s all you get done. That’s something! Inch toward your goals.
Find Your Balance
Ah, balance – the elusive unicorn of modern motherhood. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of daily life, but don’t forget to carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s along shower, a coffee date with friends, or a long-overdue date night with your partner, prioritize self-care and recharge your batteries regularly. Busy weeks can make this hard, but get your booty off of Instagram, and pick up a book, start a puzzle or play some cards with your partner (if you have one).
Prioritize What Matters
Here’s a little secret: you can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Take a moment to identify your top priorities – both at work and at home – and focus your energy on those. Learn to say no to anything that doesn’t align with your goals, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks when needed. Remember, you’re a superhero, not a one-woman show. It’s important to remember that too many priorities=no priorities. When trying to navigate motherhood and career, things can get chaotic. Put a reminder of your priorities up somewhere. Revisit them regularly. I also recommend checking out this daily task planner. Filling this out at the start of your work day can improve focus and help you feel more productive.
Simplify and Streamline
Life is complicated enough as it is, so why make it harder? Take a Marie Kondo approach to your schedule and declutter anything that doesn’t spark joy. Be ruthless, because there’s nothing more stressful and anxiety inducing than a jam packed schedule… talk about Sunday scaries. This also includes your home. Take decluttering very seriously. Make it a hobby because it will improve your life in so many ways. Take a look at your routine and see if there’s anything you can do to add in some consistency that would allow for you to streamline things, and clear space for the things that truly matter – like quality time with your family or taking care of your mind and body.
Track Your Progress
Repeat after me, PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. Emily Ley has a FANTASTIC book on this very subject called, “Grace Not Perfection“. Keep track of your goals and milestones, and celebrate your progress along the way. Whether you use a bullet journal, a habit tracker app, or good old-fashioned pen and paper, find a system that works for you and stick with it. I know setting goals and tracking them can feel like just another task. However, working toward goals and making progress can help in feelings of purpose and life satisfaction. Tracking your progress is a constant reminder of the goal and why you’re doing it, which means you’re way more likely to drop those last 5 pounds or start that new business you’ve been thinking about for years.
Automate and Delegate
Let’s face it: you’re a busy woman with a million things on your plate. So why not let technology help you out? Look for ways to automate repetitive tasks – like bill payments or grocery shopping – and delegate responsibilities whenever possible. Remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself. I like using Amazon auto ship options for things like detergents, toilet paper, and toothpaste. I never have to worry about running out! When it comes to laundry, I simplified our laundry routine so much so that now our kids can put their own laundry way without too many headaches or meltdowns.
Embrace Exploration
Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun along the way. Life is an adventure, so why not embrace the unknown and try new things? Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, traveling to a new destination, or simply trying a new recipe, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and see where life takes you.
In conclusion, finding balance as a working mom is an ongoing journey, not a destination. With this guide by your side, you’ll thrive while trying to navigate motherhood and career with confidence and grace. So go ahead, mama – embrace the chaos, savor the sweet moments, and remember that you’ve got this!
For more tips on balancing family life or work-life, check out some of my other blog posts!
