Summer Harmony: Balancing Career and Motherhood
By Erica Zaragoza, Financial Advisor
of GWN Securities, Inc.
for LA Wealth Management
Balancing children's summer activities and social gatherings with a high-powered career can feel like an endless juggling act for mothers. The sunny months often bring a whirlwind of soccer games, swim lessons, family barbecues, and neighborhood picnics, all vying for your time and attention. Meanwhile, the demands of your career don't take a vacation. The key to navigating this hectic season is prioritization and flexibility. It's about knowing when to step back from work to join your child's big moments and when to set boundaries to focus on that crucial project. Embrace the chaos, plan ahead, and remember that it's okay to ask for help and say no to some events. By doing so, you can create a summer filled with cherished memories and professional accomplishments.
Honest Family Conversations
Often, the pressure we feel stems from outdated expectations and self-imposed standards. For instance, working late hours might force you to order takeout multiple times a week, conflicting with the ideal of home-cooked meals you might have grown up with. However, a candid conversation with your family might reveal that they value the time spent together over the food itself. These discussions are vital in reshaping your priorities and aligning them with your family's needs.
Action: Reflect on your daily routine and have a conversation with your family about what’s truly important. Strive to connect meaningfully, even if it means letting go of less important tasks like cooking from scratch every night.
Strategies for Successful Integration
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing boundaries is crucial in protecting your personal and family time. This involves learning to say no to professional and social commitments that don't align with your values and intentionally scheduling time for yourself and your loved ones.
Action: Write down all your current commitments. Identify at least one task you can delegate or decline to better align with your priorities.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish; it's a form of self-leadership. Taking time for activities that rejuvenate you is essential for maintaining your sanity and energy levels.
Action: Ensure you are getting adequate sleep and wholesome nutrition. Then, schedule at least 15 minutes of self-care into your daily routine. Whether it's enjoying a quiet moment with a book or a walk, make it a non-negotiable part of your day.
3. Increase Time Management
Effective time management is about prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency. Don't hesitate to delegate responsibilities and seek help when needed.
Action: Review your to-do list and prioritize tasks for the day. Identify at least one task you can delegate to someone else.
4. Build a Support Network
Having a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues is invaluable. This network can provide assistance and emotional support when juggling career and motherhood becomes challenging.
Action: Write down the names of people you can call for help and make a plan to reach out, nurture and strengthen those connections.
5. Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is key to managing the unpredictability of life. Adapting to changing situations without stress is crucial for resilience.
Action: When faced with unexpected changes, list what you can control and release what you cannot.
6. Maintain Perspective
In the daily hustle, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Regularly reminding yourself of your ultimate goals and reasons for being a career-driven mom helps maintain perspective.
Action: Write down your "why" for pursuing a career while being a mom and refer to it during stressful times.
7. Celebrate Achievements
Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces a positive mindset. Acknowledge your hard work and allow yourself moments of pride and joy.
Action: Share a recent achievement with your family or treat yourself to a small reward to celebrate your success.
Conclusion
As summer unfolds with children's activities and social gatherings that will last a lifetime, balancing these with your professional duties might seem like an impossible feat. But remember, the question isn’t whether we can be both career-driven and good mothers. The right question is how we can stay true to ourselves and what’s important to us as whole individuals. By redefining success to encompass all aspects of our lives and integrating work and family harmoniously, we can thrive in both areas. It’s not about finding balance but creating a fulfilling integration that honors all parts of who you are. Embrace the chaos, prioritize what matters, and take actionable steps to ensure both your career and family life flourish. After all, you deserve a life where both your professional ambitions and personal joys coexist beautifully.