This past week has been an emotional roller-coaster for me. There is so much going on at work, home, extended family, and life in general. It’s so hard to get work done if you don’t have your priorities straight. Honestly, being a working mother, you are constantly battling with your to-do lists, emotions, life, work and other activities. How do one stay effective while thinking of all the hoopla going on around? I have found that I am not alone and I know quite a few women in the same shoes. No wonder more women opt out of the workplace after a while of juggling work and life. The reality is that, it is hard. It is truly hard and I wish that the workplace policies will change and favor women, but we know that is not going to happen anytime soon. So, how do we stay effective at work while juggling life? By being present.
Living in the moment is one of the ways that I have stayed effective. I prioritize, delegate work, ask for help, execute, re-prioritize until my to-do list gets shorter by the end of the day.
And with each single task, I sink myself hopelessly in the moment. I give my undivided attention to every single little detail of my job and that helps me deliver bigger results in a shorter amount of time. I communicate, show empathy, listen actively, and most importantly share my own perspective and story. My life is not separated from my work, my work is not separated from my life. In fact, they are both integrated fully and that is what makes me so effective.
Being present, delivering results, enjoying your work and living your life the best way you can in the midst of all the chaos is what makes life meaningful for working women.
It’s what drives us to be better employees, better mom, and most importantly the best spouse we can be. I encourage to give your work, your life all you can.
How do you deal with all the chaos in your life and still get meaningful work done?
Honestly, I don’t know how I do it. I do try to narrow down my to-do’s with what I love most and what’s absolutely necessary though. I cut as much mediocre, unnecessary activity as possibly, so i can put my heart and time into stuff I care about – and yes.. stay present.
You are a pro at this, I can tell! I love that you cut out the unimportant. That is what eats most of our time, the things that are non-value adding.
Blessing Oshin recently posted..Staying Effective while Juggling a Busy Schedule #WorkingMom
Great post Blessing! Yes, it is difficult to juggle it all. To that end I find allowing myself to drop a ball or two every once in a while helps. For example, I miss PTA meetings some times but try to volunteer in the kids’ classes 1 or 2 times a month.
I cook tasty, quick meals rather than trying to get super gourmet and bake cakes from boxes – but dye Easter eggs.
That prioritization, LISTS, and identifying must-do’s following by it-would-be-nice-to-do’s helps me a lot. Then forcing myself to put fun for me stuff into the must-do’s also helps. It is easier some days than others though – that’s for sure!
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I love your alternatives. I haven’t been doing a lot of cooking either and now that I think about it, its because I needed to spend more time doing other things. But, I know it won’t take long before I fall back in love with cooking. There is always a season for everything they say!
Blessing Oshin recently posted..Staying Effective while Juggling a Busy Schedule #WorkingMom
Great post. Try as I might… it’s hard. Working in entertainment doesn’t make it any easier. Everyday is different and I have to just roll with the punches. I do appreciate those days when things just seem to click. I live for days like that.
You work in entertainment? My husband does too and so I know the feeling and even the crazy schedules. So proud of the way you balance it all though.
Blessing Oshin recently posted..Staying Effective while Juggling a Busy Schedule #WorkingMom
I read in O Magazine once that “No” is a complete sentence. I try not to overcommit. If I can’t do it well or give it the attention it deserves, I’d rather not do it. I’m selective about making commitments at work, the kids’ school, and family and friends.
This topic will forever be discussed and only each individual working mom will have the best answer for their family. We must take a detailed look into what we and our families needs are to be stable and successful. Those are the things that go to the top of the list. I agree that cooking easy meals is better than trying to be a professional chef. All our family wants is time around the table with one another.
Work is very important and imperative for our families to have what they need. But I am at the stage in life that my work is not the end all..be all!!! Luckily I have a supervisor who has been more than generous with accommodating my work/life balance.
Lastly, keep your lists SHORT! Not more than 5 items (combined work/life). If you cut out the unimportant (like one commenter said) and prioritize what the NEEDS are for the family, you want get overworked or overstressed. You may have to delegate other list items or postpone until a later time. But it is not worth overworking yourself so that you have a bad attitude or are tired all the time. You are no help to your job or family.
Trust me…I still don’t have it ALL TOGETHER, but each day I get better!!!
Kathy Sykes recently posted..Yes, It’s That Time! Preparing For Family Vacations!
great post. It is so important to find your own groove and to do you and do the best version of ‘you’ in each of the different places that you have a role. When at work – do the best you can and the same when it comes to home. Its also good in my opinion to be able to say ‘this is hard!’ and know when you have to take a step back.. : ) Sounds like you’re doing a great job!
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Asking for help was a big lesson I had to learn!