What most working mums get wrong about productivity and what to do instead
As a hardworking mother, my independence and ambition were always my driving force. Back in university, I was juggling three jobs, eager to prove to myself and the world that I could stand on my own two feet. I worked relentlessly, eventually earning more than my partner.
PUSHED TO THE LIMITS
Even after my precious baby arrived in 2015, I didn’t slow down. Instead, I pushed myself even harder to be the perfect employee. Always punctual, delivering exceptional work, and motivating my team, I felt like I was nailing it. But in my pursuit of being a dedicated employee and a loving mother, I lost sight of my own needs and well-being.
WHIRLWIND OF HARD WORK
As the years flew by in a blur of hard work and constant motion, I began to feel stuck in my career. Operating on autopilot left me feeling unfulfilled and unhappy, both at work and at home. My productivity suffered, and I couldn’t understand why.
I COULD DO IT ALL
Then, in 2020, everything changed. The pandemic pushed me to start my own business. I approached it with the same unwavering dedication and long hours as before, wanting to prove I could do it all – work, spend time with my kids and family, and maintain that elusive work-life balance. But in the process, I neglected my health and well-being, and the stress started taking a toll on me.
MY HAIR WAS FALLING OUT
When I began suffering from hair loss and became scared of brushing my hair after a wash, I had an epiphany – I was getting it all wrong (again). Trying to be a superwoman and do it all wasn’t sustainable. The constant pressure to be perfect was draining my happiness and productivity. It was time for a change, a new way to be productive without sacrificing my well-being and family life.
I discovered the power of energy management, the importance of setting boundaries, and the beauty of embracing imperfections. With each step towards a more compassionate and balanced approach to productivity, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. The stress began to fade, and I found joy and fulfillment in both my work and my role as a mother.
I realised that true productivity isn’t just about working hard and doing it all. It’s about finding harmony, joy, and fulfillment in all aspects of life. I want to share my journey and insights with you so that you too can break free from the overwhelming pressure and discover a more balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling approach to productivity.
Mums need to stop doing everything to start achieving anything.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what most working mums get wrong about productivity and offer compassionate alternatives that prioritise joy, self-care, and realistic goal-setting.
From Hustle to Harmony: Rethinking the Hard Work Myth
MISTAKE: Society often praises hard work as the key to success, but overworking without considering other factors can lead to burnout and an unfulfilling family life. The hustle culture may impress your boss and fill your bank account, but it can leave you feeling drained and dissatisfied.
TRY INSTEAD: Energy Management, Prioritise Joy, and Outsource – Instead of pushing through relentlessly, focus on energy management. Prioritise tasks that bring joy and fulfillment, and don’t hesitate to delegate or outsource non-essential responsibilities. Remember, it’s not just about doing; it’s about becoming the person you want to be.
The Multitasking Myth: Finding Focus in a World of Distractions
MISTAKE: Many working mums feel pressured to multitask to handle numerous responsibilities simultaneously. This belief stems from the perception that women are naturally skilled at multitasking and can excel at managing various tasks at once. Reality is, our brains are not made for multitasking and so many mums struggle with the feeling of having their attention constantly divided without being able to fully focus. The “switching cost” (the cognitive effort required to shift focus from one task to another) is a major reason for the mental exhaustion so many mums experience.
TRY INSTEAD: Single-Task Focus, Batching, and Prioritisation – Research has shown that multitasking reduces productivity and leads to more errors. Embrace single-tasking, where you focus on one task at a time, complete it efficiently, and then move on to the next. By prioritising tasks and minimising distractions, you harness the full potential of your brain, grow your attention span and achieve greater productivity and efficiency.
Energy Management: The Missing Piece of the Productivity Puzzle
MISTAKE: Time management alone can’t unlock your productivity potential. Ignoring the need for rest and recovery leads to burnout, reduced focus, and overall diminished productivity. A fatigued mind struggles to resist the temptation of distractions and easily gives in the impulse to delay or avoid activities that require effort and concentration.
TRY INSTEAD: Creativity and Innovation – Energy management is the key to sustained productivity. Taking breaks and nurturing your well-being allows your brain to recharge, leading to enhanced creativity and innovative thinking. Pause and ask yourself how you want to feel and what tasks bring you joy. Schedule time for rest and recovery; it’s not a waste of time, but the power of rejuvenation.
The Art of Prioritisation: Needle Moving Actions Over Busywork
MISTAKE: Many working mums struggle with prioritising tasks, often confusing busyness with productivity. They compare themselves to others, fear missing out, and take on additional responsibilities, even when they are stretched thin.
TRY INSTEAD: Systems and process-oriented goals – Prioritise needle-moving actions over busywork. Set clear goals that resonate with your inner drive and align with your values. Create a well-designed system that sets you up for success by creating an environment that supports consistent progress and minimises the need for constant willpower. Build habits and routines that become ingrained in your daily life.
Embracing the Jumbled Life: Boundaries and Work-Life Harmony
MISTAKE: The pressure to compartmentalise life can be particularly challenging for working mums, as society often promotes this approach for increased productivity. However, compartmentalisation can reinforce gender norms, create imbalances, lead to increased stress and guilt, and leaves many mums feeling like they have to choose between being a dedicated professional or a present parent.
TRY INSTEAD: Boundaries – Establishing healthy boundaries is essential for managing expectations, preventing burnout, and fostering overall well-being. Protect yourself from overcommitment, balance work and personal life, prioritise self-care, reduce guilt and obligation, and enhance focus and productivity by setting clear boundaries. Embrace the jumbled life, finding harmony and authenticity in your roles as a working mum. Embrace the idea that you can be both and explore creative ways to integrate work and family responsibilities, finding what works for their unique situation.
Embrace the journey of being a working mum, and let productivity become a tool that supports and enriches your life, rather than a source of stress and pressure. Remember, it’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about finding fulfillment and joy in every step of the way. With the right mindset and strategies, you can create a thriving and balanced life that allows you to excel both at work and in your role as a mum.
If you’re ready to redefine your path as a working mom, let’s chat!
Click here to join me for a complimentary 30-minute connection call, and let’s explore how you can harness productivity to enrich your life.