There’s a saying: “If you need something done, ask a busy person.” I often think it should read, “If you want something accomplished, ask a mom,” because we are among the busiest individuals out there. Before I became a parent, I had an abundance of free time—hours each day, entire weekends, and long vacations. Yet, I constantly lamented about being overwhelmed, struggling to fit in gym sessions or prepare healthy meals.
I accepted the common narrative that parenting meant sleepless nights, resorting to chicken nuggets for convenience, and battling the baby weight without a moment to focus on myself. While there’s some truth to this, especially during those challenging early months (or years), I’ve found that I am significantly more productive as a mom than I ever was before.
Maximizing Small Moments
For starters, I’ve learned that I don’t require long stretches of time to accomplish tasks. If I have just five minutes, I can unload the dishwasher, practice guitar scales, or tackle a few work emails. In my younger days, I often felt that unless I had an entire day to dedicate to something, it wasn’t worth attempting. This mindset led to wasted hours spent on trivial activities like mindless web browsing or, frankly, obsessing over my complexion. Back then, I would allocate an hour to prepare for work or a night out, but now I can accomplish that in just 15 minutes. I may not look as polished, but those saved minutes grant me extra sleep, time with my children, or actual productivity.
Efficient Task Management
Additionally, I’ve become much more efficient during work, practice, or chores. I start each day with a list of tasks that need my attention. I prioritize the most critical items and hope the less urgent ones can wait. Before having kids, I often stressed over my to-do list—procrastinating, feeling guilty about it, and occasionally getting around to tasks only after binge-watching my favorite shows. It was a strange cycle of self-inflicted pressure.
However, as a mom, my to-do list is extensive and filled with urgent items—like taking the child to the pediatrician or addressing a plumbing issue—leaving little room for guilt. I tackle even the most unpleasant tasks, such as disputing a health insurance bill, because they simply need to be done. Anything I put off today will still be there tomorrow, so I have less emotional baggage weighing me down.
Valuing Time
Moreover, I no longer waste time on things that don’t bring me joy. I’ve learned to skip parties I’m not excited about or interactions that don’t uplift me. Once you become a parent, the value of time becomes glaringly clear. As Sarah Mitchell insightfully notes in her compelling essay, “Want to Be More Effective at Work? Become a Parent,” when the hours you once spent on trivial activities vanish, you’re left with mere moments to pursue what truly matters. You quickly learn to cherish those fleeting seconds of free time.
Finding Purpose in Chores
Sure, I still struggle with consistency in exercising and cooking, but perhaps it’s not due to a lack of time or productivity—it might be that I simply don’t enjoy those activities. As a mother, I engage in many chores that may not be glamorous, like tackling piles of laundry or washing dishes, but knowing it’s all for my family adds depth and significance to these tasks. You become more productive because nearly everything you do serves a purpose for your loved ones. The time you carve out for yourself becomes richer and more fulfilling.
Conclusion
In summary, the demands of motherhood have transformed my approach to productivity, encouraging me to make the most of every moment. Whether it’s managing a busy household or prioritizing meaningful activities, I’ve learned to be efficient and intentional with my time.
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