This is a loaded topic. I mean let’s be honest, Moms are rockstars. Whether you have a traditional career, you’re running your own business or you’re taking care of your family and home full-time, Moms are juggling a LOT.
I must admit, I feel a bit unqualified to be giving advice in this area because finding the perfect work/life balance has been difficult for me as a mother. That being said, I’ve run my own business as long as I’ve been raising babies, so I feel like I can at least speak to what has worked for me when it comes to having a successful business while also being a present Mama.
So, here’s a bit of unsolicited advice that I hope you find helpful in this season.
Lesson #1: Learn to Prioritize
As a working mom, I find myself feeling like everything is a priority, which makes my to do list a million miles long. Can you relate? Well, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you prioritize everything, it will be hard to accomplish anything. I encourage you to pick your top 3 non-negotiables each day at work and at home. If you can actively check things off of your list, it will help you feel more confident and successful.
Lesson #2: Use Software to Run Your Home
Managing a home is just has much of a business as a career. So why don’t we treat it that way? I started to notice that I had all of these organizational processes at work but was constantly overwhelmed at home. Once I started implementing a software system at home (Asana is my favorite), I found that my productivity increased, and my family felt more organized and supported! Plus, it allowed my husband and I to get and stay on the same page.
Lesson #3: Mental Health is #1
If mom isn’t okay, no one is okay. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true! If I don’t give myself what I need, then I can’t even remotely handle juggling a business while being a mom and wife. If you aren’t intentionally doing SOMETHING for your mental health each day, balance will continue to feel out of reach. Managing your mental health will allow you to manage your life in the best possible way.
Lesson #4: People’s Needs Really Are Minimal
I was told once that children remember how they feel right before heading off to school, before they go to bed and the time they spend with their families. As someone who wants to make EVERYTHING feel special for my kids, this gave me a good framework to start with. When it comes to morning and evening routines, create something you can commit to so that your kids and your spouse can look forward to intentional time to connect without any distractions. Additionally, I would encourage you to plan one activity per week for your family. It doesn’t always have to elaborate; it can be as simple as grabbing ice cream or having a dance party in the car. The goal is to ensure your family feels like they are a priority.
Lesson #5: Don’t Multitask
Okay, this is a tricky one. Let me explain…
Multitasking and habit stacking are two different things. In my opinion, one is chaotic, and one is strategic. We may think that multitasking is more efficient, but focusing on one task at a time will allow you to accomplish things in a more quality driven way while preserving your mood and stress level.
I know these tips may seem basic, but I promise they can be a game changer. Being a mother is not for the faint of heart, but we’re strong women. With a little bit of thought, planning and strategy, we can achieve whatever we put our minds to.
