The ability to work as a parent is indeed a remarkable skill. It is an ongoing interplay of time
constraints, diaper changes, and the constant feeling of having to be present in multiple places
simultaneously. Undoubtedly, motivation can be a fickle friend, particularly when exhaustion
becomes apparent.
Nevertheless, do not be worried, fellow juggling champions! This blog is here to provide you
with a comprehensive set of strategies and techniques to rekindle your drive and overcome the
challenges of being a working parent. So, let’s dive in!
The Motivation Meltdown: Why Does It Happen?
The first thing to do is admit the obvious: it’s normal to have low motivation from time to time.
With two demanding roles to juggle, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes. Here are
some of the reasons for parents experiencing a drop in their motivation levels:
● The Sheer Grind
When you add in taking care of children, working, and maintaining your
home, it’s easy to feel trapped like a hamster in a wheel.
● Mom/Dad Guilt
The guilt trip is a popular social tool. Isn’t it impossible to have an excellent
career and be the perfect parent? No way! However, that embedded pressure has the
potential to drain your drive.
● Lack of Self-Care
Can you remember the last time you slept well or had a hot meal that
didn’t need to be reheated in 30 seconds? No, right? Not taking care of their own self is
another reason why parents feel exhausted most of the time. You can better take care of
your loved ones if you put yourself first.
● Unrealistic Expectations
Parental burnout is inevitable if you strive to be the ideal working
parent that is usually portrayed on the internet and in TV shows. Embrace the mindset of
“good enough” – it’s perfectly fine!
Reignite the Flame: Strategies for Supercharged Motivation
We can now get down to brass tacks since we know who the inspiration thieves are. Here are
some battle-tested strategies to get your mojo back.
● Tiny Victories, Big Rewards
Small wins add up to a big sum. Find something to celebrate
every time you finish a task, whether it’s getting the kids to bed on time, finishing the load
of laundry, or anything else. Celebrate every success, no matter how big or small!
● The Power of “No”
Establishing boundaries is very important. Build the ability to say “no”
to time-consuming and exhausting commitments. Take care of yourself; it’s not selfish; it’s
necessary.
● Schedule “Me Time”, Not “Maybe Time”
Take time out of your schedule to do things that
bring you joy, like reading, soaking in the tub, or socializing with friends. This is an extremely
important and non-negotiable thing, especially if you work a full-time job.
● Embrace the Power of “Done” Over “Perfect”
Forget about getting things precisely right.
Get things done, and not worry about making them look perfect enough to post on
Instagram. A “lived-in” house is a sign of a flourishing family, not a failure.
● The “Blooper Reel” Mindset
Things will go wrong. The milk will get spilled, the important
Zoom call will be interrupted by a surprise guest star (your toddler), and the perfectly
planned dinner will turn into a night of takeout. Instead of getting flustered, try to laugh it
off. These “bloopers” are what make your family story unique, and someday, they’ll be
hilarious anecdotes to share.
● The Magic of Delegation
You don’t have to stick to performing as a solo act. At work and at
home, delegate duties whenever you can. Engage your partner or children (with age-
appropriate tasks!), or even employ assistance if your finances permit.
● Focus on Your Finish Line
Give yourself a clear definition of what success means to you at
this point in your life cycle. It could be in the form of obtaining a promotion, achieving a
healthy balance between work and personal life, or even just getting a good night’s sleep.
Instead of focusing on the highlights reel of another person, you should concentrate on
achieving your own goals.
Hacking Your Day: Time Management for Busy Bees
Feeling like you’re rushing through life and never have enough time? I think we can all relate. If
you want to get your life back under control, here are some time management tips
● Become a Meal-Prep Master
Make sure you have nutritious snacks and meals ready for
the week by spending some time on the weekend preparing so. During the weeknight rush,
this helps save both time and stress.
● The Morning Miracle
Start waking up earlier every day. Even if you only have half an hour
to yourself first thing in the morning, you can use that time to meditate, exercise, or just
relax with a cup of coffee.
● Batch Similar Tasks
To save time, run similar errands together. Instead of letting calls
disrupt your work, set aside a specific time each day to handle all of them.
● Utilize Downtime Pockets
Convert those moments of waiting in line or on the train into
mini-productive tasks. Listen to an audiobook while you get some work done, catch up on
emails, or make a quick to-do list for the day.
● Technology to the Rescue
Numerous apps exist that can help you save time. To make
things easier for yourself, look into ways to have groceries delivered, pay bills online, and
look for management tools to streamline your life.
Building Your Support System: You’re Not in This Alone
Just a friendly reminder, you’re not alone. Building a strong support system is crucial for
working parents. Here’s how you can create a community.
● Partner Power
Keep the lines of communication open with your spouse or partner. Try
splitting up the babysitting and housekeeping responsibilities between you and your
partner.
● Family Matters
Family can be a great source of support. You never know who might be
happy to watch the kids for the afternoon—grandma, a sibling, or someone else entirely.
So, never hesitate to use a little help.
● The Village Vibe
Create a support system with other working parents. Talk things out,
share strategies, and support each other when you need it. For this, online groups can be
really useful.
● Don’t Forget the Professionals
If your budget permits, consider hiring a babysitter, a
housekeeper, or maybe even a service that prepares meals. Their help can allow you to free
up some valuable time and energy.
Fueling Your Motivation Engine: Prioritizing Self-Care
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that keeps your motivation engine running. Here are
some ways to take care of yourself, body and mind:
● Move Your Body
When you work out, your brain releases endorphins, which are chemicals
that make you feel good and give you more energy. Hence, don’t forget to squeeze some
work out in your daily routine. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or throwing
a dance party in your living room, find something that you enjoy doing.
● Prioritize Sleep
Make sure you get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Your motivation and
productivity will both increase when you get enough sleep.
● Healthy Habits
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Even though junk food might
make you feel better for a little while, it won’t give you the long-term energy you require.
● Mindfulness Matters
Ensure that you schedule time for activities that will help you relax
and deal with stress. Practices such as meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or
even just taking a few deep breaths could be included in this group of activities.
● Fuel Your Passions
If you want to keep your hobbies, you shouldn’t let them go. Even if it’s
just for a short period of time each day, you should make time for activities that you enjoy
doing.
Remember: You Are Enough
The role of a working parent is one that requires constant juggling, but it also offers a great deal
of satisfaction. On certain days, you will have the impression that you are completely losing
your mind, and that is perfectly normal. Here is the most essential piece of advice: Treat
yourself with empathy.
Furthermore, acknowledge all of your accomplishments, no matter how big or how small. Your
primary focus should be on making joyful memories with your family. It is important to forgive
yourself for the occasional mistake. Let me remind you that you are doing an outstanding job!
Embrace the chaos, find humor in the unexpected, and first and foremost, make sure you never
lose sight of the incredible journey you are currently on.
Therefore, all of you who are also working parents, go ahead and conquer! Find your own way
to motivate yourself by taking these suggestions, adapting them to your specific circumstances,
and finding yourself. Always keep in mind that you are powerful, capable, and most
importantly, enough. Now is the time to go out into the world and show to the world what
working parents are truly capable of!