As a soon-to-be mother of six, I completely understand that feeling of wanting to embark on a new endeavor or goal but feeling overwhelmed by your current responsibilities. It seems like there’s never enough time, right? Just recently, I completed a book, and the most common question I received from friends was, “How did you manage that?”
It’s a valid inquiry. Juggling pregnancy, caring for five kids, and running a wedding business while my partner works full-time as a financial advisor is no small feat. Our children are also enrolled in numerous sports and activities, adding to the chaos.
So how does someone with such a packed schedule find time for a time-consuming project like writing? Here’s the truth: I didn’t add it to my plate; I adjusted my priorities. I made the difficult choice to let some things slide. My incredibly supportive partner helped with some tasks, while others—like my appearance—took a hit.
During those months, I paused on hosting friends to avoid cleaning, exercised less, and my cooking skills devolved to throwing random frozen meals together. Instead of crafting sensory boxes and practicing reading with my five-year-olds, I took them to indoor play areas where I could focus on my laptop. It felt terrible. I worried I was being a bad mom, a neglectful partner, and an absent friend, and I let my home become a bit of a disaster. Yet, after two months, I emerged as an author. My book was in the editing stage, and slowly, I returned to my family life. The best part? No one seemed to notice the chaos while I was in the thick of it.
The “How did you do that?” questions baffled me initially. Hadn’t anyone seen my disheveled appearance or my kids’ lack of home-cooked meals? Apparently not, because we are often our own harshest critics. My children only noticed the change when I resumed my previous routines and began serving home-cooked meals again—and they weren’t thrilled about it!
So, here’s the essential message for all moms: you absolutely have time for your dreams! However, you can’t do everything at once. Prioritizing your aspirations is not selfish. In fact, your children will benefit from witnessing you pursue your goals, even if you stumble along the way. They will rejoice in your successes and learn valuable lessons about ambition and resilience.
Do you want your kids to grow up knowing they can chase their dreams? Or should they think they need to sacrifice their aspirations for the sake of a perfect home? Let them see you thrive, let them see you prioritize your passions over a spotless floor.
If you have a dream—and I hope you do—consider these seven strategies to find time to pursue it:
- Set a Schedule: Block time on your calendar dedicated to your project. Treat these appointments as sacred and non-negotiable.
- Utilize Every Moment: Keep a laptop handy to maximize those little snippets of time throughout your day—whether you’re waiting at the doctor’s office or watching your kids at ballet class.
- Listen While Driving: Audiobooks and podcasts are your friends! I absorbed the content for my book during car rides and listened to motivating podcasts about writing and marketing.
- Establish Deadlines: Find an accountability partner and commit to sharing your progress at regular intervals. I invested in a coach, but a friend or family member can work just as well.
- Release the Pressure: Embrace the mantra of letting it go! Set aside perfectionism, guilt, and self-doubt. You can even neglect cleaning and cooking for a while—everyone will be fine.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize your hard work! Set milestones and treat yourself when you hit them, whether it’s a spa day, a box of chocolates, or a glass of wine.
- Keep Perspective: Remember, this phase is temporary. Once you achieve your goal, you can regain your leisure time, whether by freeing up your schedule or hiring help for chores. Your home won’t be chaotic forever, and you can return to being the super mom you aspire to be.
For more tips on balancing parenting and aspirations, check out this insightful post on home insemination, which discusses the importance of personal goals. Resources like Intracervical Insemination can also guide you on similar journeys. If you’re curious about the intersection of genetics and fertility, consider visiting the Genetics and IVF Institute.
Summary
Even in the busiest of times, it is possible to pursue your dreams by prioritizing and making small adjustments to your daily routine. Forget about perfection and focus on what truly matters. Your journey can inspire your children to follow their own dreams, too.