An enormous pile of boxes stares at me as I walk into what is supposed to be a guest room but has turned into storage space. It’s an eyesore, yet the time to declutter feels overwhelming. So instead of moving forward, I close the door and postpone the daunting task indefinitely. This moment is a small yet profound example of the procrastination puzzle many of us face daily.
As working moms, we’re no strangers to the juggling act of managing careers, kids, and household duties, often feeling like we’re just a step away from dropping a ball. In this whirlwind of responsibilities, procrastination can sneak up on us, not as a sign of laziness but as a deeply human response to the overwhelming demands we face. Let’s explore the heart of procrastination and share some mom-tested strategies for overcoming it, making our days more productive and less stressful.
Why We Procrastinate: It’s More Than Just Avoiding Tasks
1. The Emotional Weight of Expectation: For many of us, the fear of not living up to our own or others’ expectations can be paralyzing. This isn’t just about failing to complete a task; it’s about the deeper fear of failing as a mom, a professional, or a partner. Our desire to do everything perfectly can turn into a daunting obstacle, making starting the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.
2. Perfectionism’s Double-Edged Sword: Trying to be the perfect mom, the perfect employee, and the perfect everything often leads us into the trap of perfectionism. The pressure to excel in every aspect of our lives can make us fear starting anything we can’t complete flawlessly, leaving us stuck in a cycle of procrastination.
3. Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster: Juggling work and family life means we’re constantly switching emotional gears, from professional problem-solver to nurturing parent. Sometimes, we procrastinate because we’re seeking emotional respite from our packed schedules. Avoiding tasks becomes a way to deal with stress, exhaustion, or even the anticipation of failure.
Practical Tips for Tackling Procrastination
1. Embrace the Power of Bite-Sized Tasks: Breaking down daunting tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces can transform how we approach our to-do lists. Instead of dreading a big project, focus on one small step at a time. Celebrate these mini victories to build momentum and confidence.
2. Set Realistic Goals Within Reach: It’s essential to set achievable goals, especially when balancing work and family life. Be honest about what you can realistically accomplish in a day and forgive yourself when you need to adjust your expectations. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
3. Cultivate Compassion, Not Criticism: Perhaps the most crucial tip is to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Recognize that being a working mom comes with its unique set of challenges and that it’s okay to stumble. Reducing the guilt and shame around procrastination can help us approach tasks with a clearer mind and a lighter heart.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Towards Kindness and Productivity
As working moms, we’re often our harshest critics. Procrastination is not a flaw but a signal that we might be setting the bar too high for ourselves or avoiding the discomfort of imperfection. By understanding the emotional and psychological roots of procrastination, we can adopt strategies that align with our busy lives and embrace a more compassionate approach to productivity. Let’s give ourselves the grace to prioritize, tackle tasks in manageable chunks, and, most importantly, acknowledge our efforts and achievements, no matter how small. In doing so, we not only become more effective but also kinder to ourselves along the way.
Vonna Matthews is a visionary who believes that self-perception is one of the stepping stones to greatness. In 2016, she launched CEOMOM Magazine to celebrate working mothers. Two years later, She launched CEOKID Magazine through her branding and publishing agency, For Her Media LLC. Vonna has always married her faith with her career. She discovered her love for philanthropy right after undergraduate school. Her first job was as program director for Joni and Friends Disability Outreach. In 2002, as a part of her role, Vonna spearheaded two mission trips to Cuba to provide wheelchairs for citizens living with physical disabilities. From her mission work in Cuba, Vonna knew that every project, position and opportunity she was afforded was for the purpose of changing lives through faith and service. Her life’s passion is to equip and empower women to live out their God potential while being the best version of themselves.