It's not easy to be a mom and an entrepreneur, especially now!
Although managing it all seems impossible, it is not. Just like with every system, it takes a bit of organization and a lot of consistency.
How to stay organized
While multitasking is not recommended, it’s still a daily habit for most moms (and all people who have a family), however, focusing on one task at a time is best for your brain and your sanity.
Remember: Not everything has to be done now, not everything is an emergency.
(Tip: Use the 80/20 Pareto Principle)
-Prioritize your tasks, some are important such as feeding yourself and your children but the dishes can wait and you might want to let your partner do the vacuuming.
-Rest when your children rest! Rest is productive.
-Make sure to set aside a block of time for you and your children every day for at least half an hour to connect with them 100% - trust me your whole family will benefit!
Plan your days
The amount of work we do can be mind-boggling and it can be a miracle if we get a good amount of sleep. The fewer distractions, the better.
Organizing your tasks and managing your time helps you get ahead and stay ahead. As parents, we need to plan and organize our time.
Daily or weekly planning of meals, groceries, errands and activities is a must.
Use your Sunday evening for example to plan the week ahead with your partner.
Although we want to be present for our kids and our family we also need some time to rest...ALONE. With this hectic pace, Moms often tend to forget about themselves.
To stay on top of your game, don’t hesitate to invest in a planner to organize your days and make sure you schedule some me-time. I personally use Passion Planner and it has been a game-changer.
Keep your workspace organized and clean
If you’re working from home, try to keep your workspace to the minimum. Less is more when you’re a parent.
Computer, planner, few pens, a notepad and a trash bin. Keep a reference board nearby, having to search in folders or notes for information you use regularly is a major waste of time.
Green is great! Decorate with a plant (it does wonder for the mind and the eyes) but avoid too much clutter as it will affect your creativity/productivity.
Store everything else off your desk. Put documents you don't use regularly in their own file cabinet or box; and things you use once in a blue moon as far away from your desk as you like.
Take breaks
I don’t know who need to hear this but you don’t have to do it all!
As mom entrepreneurs, we must find ways to nurture ourselves and our children. I used to believe resting meant I was being lazy (thank you patriarchy!) I was working an 8-5 and was giving it all. Like many of us, I had to reach burnout to understand rest is primordial.
Take breaks when you work: 5 minutes break every 25 minutes (Pomodoro technique) Take time off when things are becoming too much, don’t wait to feel burnt out.
Set boundaries for when you’re out of office hours, this is your time to rest and be with your children, protect it.
Carve out some time weekly to just be with people you love and do what you love doing.
In conclusion
Yes, not everything can be planned or organized, but do whatever you can to make it as simple as possible.
As a mom, my golden rule is: Pick your battles, drink water and get some sleep.
All the tips above are what works for me and my family right now, with everybody’s needs in mind. It might not be the same in a year or in 5. Trials and errors are what will help you find what works for you.
A healthy life-work balance is meant to evolve and adapt as our children grow and life happens.
I’m curious to hear about other tips if you have any, how do YOU stay ahead of your busy schedule?
Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.