First, let's dispel the myth of 'having it all'. As Dr. Emily Watts, a psychologist specializing in working mothers, bluntly states, "The idea of perfectly balancing work and motherhood is a dangerous myth." Instead of aiming for an elusive balance, think of it as a constant juggling act where some days you'll excel, and others you'll falter - and that's okay.
Enter the concept of 'strategic incompetence'. This involves identifying non-essential tasks at work and home, performing them poorly (but not disastrously) a few times, and watching them magically disappear from your to-do list. It's about choosing your battles wisely and recognizing that you don't have to excel at everything.
The 'divide and conquer' approach, as demonstrated by Blessing Shaka, CEO of a Nutrition & Fitness Company and mother of three, involves creating a detailed spreadsheet of all work, childcare, and household tasks, then dividing them based on strengths, schedules, and preferences. This clear division of labor can prevent resentment and forgotten tasks.
'Productive procrastination' is another useful strategy. Sometimes, putting off one task can lead to unexpected productivity in another area. The key is to channel your procrastination into tasks that need doing anyway.
Embracing the 'good enough' philosophy is crucial. Dr. Watts advises aiming for 'good enough' in most areas of life, saving energy for things that truly matter. This might mean a nutritious but not Instagram-worthy meal, or a thorough but not revolutionary work report.
Prioritizing 'me time' is not selfish; it's self-preservation. Schedule it like any other important appointment, whether it's a quick bath, jog, or moment of quiet with coffee before work.
Finally, master the power of 'no'. Declining additional projects when you're swamped, or social obligations that drain you, allows you to say 'yes' to your priorities.
Additional tips include outsourcing tasks when possible, mastering time-blocking, embracing technology for organization, creating a work 'uniform' to save time, practicing batch working, setting clear boundaries, finding a supportive network of other working moms, and cultivating a positive mindset.
Remember, balancing work and motherhood isn't about achieving perfect equilibrium. It's about finding a rhythm that works for you, even if it looks like chaos to others.
References
1. Balancing Work and Family: [Harvard Business Review]
2. Flexible Work Arrangements:[Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)]
3. Self-Care for New Moms: [American Psychological Association]
4. Technology for Work-Life Balance: [Forbes]
5. Positive Mindset and Gratitude: [Positive Psychology]
