Set reasonable goals when you add mom to your title
While I was pregnant with my first (and only) child, a mentor and colleague (and amazing super-mom) told me that the key to juggling life as a working mother is to always remember that you do not have to do everything. It struck me as an odd piece of advice at the time – what does it even mean not to do “everything?” – but it quickly became a mantra for me in multiple ways.
There is a reason that people say it takes a village to raise a child. There is a lot to do, and think about, and worry about – and, after my son was born, I quickly realized the importance of relying on others to help carry the load. My husband and I share responsibilities, and he often ends up doing things that would typically be “mom” tasks. For example, his work schedule is more flexible than mine, so he usually is responsible for drop-offs and pick-ups. I do not have to do it all myself, and this allows me time and space to both enjoy family time and succeed at work.
In another sense, however, it is important to understand that not everything on one’s theoretical to-do list actually needs to be accomplished. In a perfect world, my house would be cleaner, I would have a thriving vegetable garden, and I would be prepared days in advance for every work meeting. In reality, the house is sometimes messy, our veggies are store-bought, and sometimes things get done at the last possible minute – and that is okay. Setting realistic and reasonable goals makes life easier and more enjoyable at home and at work. You don’t have to do it all!
