3 Things Mompreneurs Can Start To Do Today to Improve Work-Life Balance
We're providing a tried and true framework for Moms and Mompreneurs who want to gain a sense of control over their days. Get ready for some practical tips on creating routines, tackling to-do-lists, and how to stay motivated when we need it most!
Jim Rohn said "either you run the day or the day runs you". Now add changing diapers, creating snack packs, managing emails and social media accounts, all before having your first cup of coffee.
I'm in the social media and marketing world. So I know first hand there's an unrealistic representation of what work-life balance should look like. Sometimes I feel like I contribute to that too, if I’m being honest.
Ladies, let me remind you that Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and mainstream media shows the highlights of motherhood and entrepreneurship. So if you're reading this and thinking, I can't compare to those moms who make chef-inspired home-cooked meals, dress up in matching outfits, own my own business, and model on the side - you are not alone. Because yes - there are moms and mompreneurs who are capable of "doing it all" - but they aren't showing us the ups and downs in between.
When I interview mompreneurs on my podcast, I ask them to tell me what a "good day" looks like. And they all share a similar story: the key to striking the elusive work-life balance is preparing for the day ahead. and setting realistic expectations of themselves.
Here are 3 things you can start to do today to improve work-life balance as a mompreneur.
Bookend Your Days:
Bookending your day (and night) is a concept of having solid morning and evening routines. The morning routine is designed to set the foundation and tone for what is to come next. This may look like waking up at the same time every day, brewing tea or coffee and meditation or journaling before the kids wake up.
Your nighttime routine could look like eating dinner discussing the day, watching a show, reading, and spending quality time with your significant other. Or it could look like waking up with the kids, having a morning meeting over breakfast, and then outlining your day while the kids get dressed.
Consistency will turn these small daily habits into an overall routine. So squeezing in those personal goals such as having a positive mindset or staying fit or nurturing your relationship, or self-care in your routines can create the results you've been looking for when you master bookending.
Plan:
So many moms talk about this feeling of being thrown into the day. And that's exhausting!
It feels like you're constantly falling behind and you never catch up to the day. So by the time you're asleep, you wonder where the time went and if you got anything productive done. Mompreneurs live in a go-go-go world, and we can easily be distracted by life when we're working, and vice versa. So setting aside 10-15 minutes to make a game plan for the day is SO NECESSARY!
Most productivity experts will recommend you choose the top 3 things you want to accomplish for the day. These may be time-sensitive tasks, big projects that need to get started on, or the one thing that is going to move the money needle today.
Narrowing them down to 3 may seem hard - as everything is a priority - but it's important for you to not feel overwhelmed so you can fully function as a mom and business owner.
The Muse wrote an article recommending you ask yourself these 3 questions when your to-do list is scaring you.
Do I really need to do this right now?
Does this need to be done today, or even at all? We love adding things to our list but pause before you do.Do I really WANT to do this right now?
There are some things that will have a dealing - and if that deadline is important to you then do it, in spite of your feelings. But this question is designed to help you prioritize your tasks because obviously if you're more inclined or interested in a certain task, you can go ahead and power through it.Why am I doing this?
This one addresses the "work" you’ve created for yourself. The tasks that perhaps at one point you were super passionate about but have lost motivation. If you want to permanently take it off your to-do list, you have the option of just stopping - right now - today. You choose your own adventure.
But if it means something to you, and you want it to continue but don't necessarily want to be the person doing it, consider delegating it to someone else who is faster, better, or more interested in the task than you!
That's a framework for planning your day. Maybe write those questions down at the top of your notes in your phone or your piece of paper and keep those in mind when you narrow down your to-do list. The idea is to create focus, clarity, and intention for the day and be present at work and with your family.
Debrief:
Nothing feels as good as slamming your laptop closed to mark the end of a productive day. But I highly recommend you take a few extra minutes to wrap things up strategically and end the day on a high note.
It might look like closing all the browser tabs, checking off all the tasks you accomplished, and re-assessing your to-do list. If you felt like you accomplished a ton, but barely moved the needle on a project, perhaps you need more help. Or if you still have 30 things left to do this week, give yourself more time and stop assigning yourself unrealistic goals. That only makes you feel defeated and unmotivated.
If there are also things that didn't go well during the day, make a mental note of it and ask yourself why? Find the lessons to be learned and incorporate them moving forward.
Lastly, list your wins for the day! It can be small or major moves. Celebrating these wins is not only designed to end your day on a positive note but they also combat our natural inclination to focus on the things we DIDNT get done. There is nothing wrong about being proud of yourself and gaining more confidence to do it all again tomorrow!
I hope this helped you in creating a framework for your days as a mompreneur. These are action items you can start to implement today. And trust me, this is no easy task. So do your best, and if you fall off, just keep trying again. It's a marathon mama, not a sprint.
Tune into “3 Things Mompreneurs Can Start To Do Today to Improve Work-Life Balance”, also released on The Momillennial Podcast (S1E2).
WHERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
You can tune into the Momillennial Podcast on the following platforms: