Mastering Time Management: A Mom's Guide to Balancing Work, Family, and Passion Projects
“Life seems harder when you’re on autopilot - without purpose or personal pursuits.”
Being a mom is a rewarding and fulfilling role, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Juggling a full-time corporate job, tending to the needs of a 4-year-old daughter, managing household responsibilities, nurturing a relationship with a spouse, and pursuing a passion project like writing a book might seem overwhelming. However, with effective time management skills, it's possible to find a balance and thrive in all areas of life. Let’s explore the time management strategies I have used to successfully navigate my various roles and responsibilities.
1. prioritize consciously:
The first step in mastering time management as a mom is identifying your priorities. Please don’t say that “I know all my priorities well.” Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and align your schedule accordingly. Determine the non-negotiables in your life, such as your corporate job, family time, and self-care, and build your routine around them. You might have the best intentions, but you only have 24 hours in a day.
2. PLAN EFFICIENTLY:
Efficient planning is the cornerstone of effective time management. Put things on paper, your brain already has too much information it needs to process. Start by creating a comprehensive schedule that includes all your commitments, including work hours, family activities, household chores, and dedicated time for your personal pursuit. In my case, it was book writing. It might sound daunting, but it’s like auditing your activities and seeing where most of your time goes. Use digital calendars or traditional planners to stay organized and ensure that you are optimizing at best.
3. Delegate and Share confidently:
You don’t have to do it all alone! Seeking help, delegating tasks and responsibilities to your partner or trusted support network is the key where most of us “Supermoms'“ fail. What worked for me was a heads up to my husband and family. I told them what I was working on and how my time will be optimized to pursue this new project. I set the right expectations with him and asked him to bear with me and give me an extra hand when needed. Nothing was left to interpretation and things were very clear from the get go. I was amazed how smoothly it went with both of us catching the ball for each other. Of course, once in a while you would still drop the ball on things, but it won’t create resentment with your support system. You’d be amazed how much valuable time you free up by distributing tasks and reduce the burden on yourself.
4. use Small Time Blocks diligently:
As a busy mom, you may not have large chunks of uninterrupted time at your disposal. However, you can make the most of small time blocks throughout the day. Whether it's during your lunch break at work, your child's nap time, or after bedtime, utilize these pockets of time to work on your book writing. My golden hour (as my friend and coach, Catherine Nuss calls it) is after bedtime. I am in my flow and chugging away at my To-Do List. Remember, every little counts and even short, focused bursts of productivity can accumulate into significant progress over time.
5. Sneak In some Self-Care regularly:
Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Carve out time for activities that recharge your energy and nourish your well-being - whether it's practicing yoga, lifting weights going for a walk, reading a book, or simply taking a relaxing bath. My day starts with self-care as I pop into my building’s gym for 20-40 minutes, before she wakes up. I also love going for manicures with my girl squad or even alone. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be more present and effective in all areas of your life, including a healthy relationship with your partner.
6. Say No Graciously:
Learn to say no with grace and without guilt. It's impossible to do everything, and it's okay to decline certain commitments that don't align with your priorities. I always ask myself “what’s the worse that could happen?” Focus on what truly matters to you and politely decline requests or activities that would stretch you too thin. By prioritizing your time and energy, you can ensure that you give your best to the things that truly matter.
Juggling it all with the responsibility of bringing up little humans is quite challenging, but it’s not impossible. Remember, it's not about achieving perfection but rather finding a rhythm that works for you and your family. Just like you would advise a friend, embrace this task of creating a time management strategy for yourself. Good luck!
