9 Highly Successful Habits of Productive Working Mums

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Being a busy working mum often feels like a constant juggle. We crave that elusive “work-life balance,” but between demanding jobs, adorable (yet time-consuming) children, and the never-ending list of household chores, it can feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.

I was there too. Going back to work after having my second child, I felt like I had less time than ever. I was either taking care of kids in my job or taking care of kids at home. Quiet time wasn’t a thing and I was running out of paper for the running to-do list. I was brought up with the kind of mum who has their life together – who is highly productive and successful despite being busy, who seemed to fit in more work than there were hours for in the day. I dreamt of being that kind of mum too. I was desperate to find a way to have more productive habits to support our busy schedule so I took some time to research, some time to experiment and put in a load of work so you don’t have to!

So fear not, fellow busy mums! There are many, highly successful working mothers out there who have cracked the code to productivity and are thriving in their careers and home lives. So, how do they do it? Here are some of the best habits of productive working mums:

1. Define Your “Why” and Set Clear Goals

Every journey starts with a destination. Before diving into productivity hacks, take a moment to define your “why.” Why are you working so hard? What are your long-term goals for your career and family life? Having a clear vision will help you prioritise tasks and make decisions that align with your ultimate aspirations.

Once you have your “why” in mind, break it down into actionable goals. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for both your work and personal life. This could be anything from landing a promotion within the next year to spending 30 minutes of uninterrupted quality time with your children each day. Having a clear goal is the first step towards building effective habits.

2. Embrace the Power of the Morning Routine

Early mornings can be a game-changer for busy mums. Waking up before the chaos begins allows you to carve out some quiet “me-time” to plan your day, to tackle important tasks to jump start your day, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in peace. This sets the tone for a productive and focused day, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish before the rest of the world awakens. The success of your morning routine can lie in your evening routines, so make sure to spend enough time working through what will work for you to make the best use of your time.

3. Batch Similar Tasks and Utilise Technology

Multitasking is a myth; context-switching between different tasks can be a major time-waster. Instead, try batching similar tasks together. This could involve answering emails in one sitting, making phone calls in another, or dedicating a specific time slot for housework. The Pomodoro technique is perfect for this – simply organise your task list into related sections, and hyper-focus on one section for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break. Repeat this another three times then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. I guarantee you will have a more productive day using this technique. 

Technology can also be your best friend. Utilise tools like to-do list apps, calendar reminders, and project management software to stay organised and on top of your deadlines. To make the best use of technology, though, don’t let yourself become side-tracked by social media – it kills your productive mum vibes!

4. Prioritise Quality Time and Set Boundaries

As working mums, we often feel the pressure to be “superwomen” who excel in every aspect of life. However, it’s crucial to remember that quality time with your children is more valuable than a perfectly clean house or a perfectly balanced schedule.

Set clear boundaries between work and home life. This could involve turning off work notifications outside of working hours, delegating household chores, or simply saying “no” to additional commitments when your plate is already full. Remember, a happy and present mum is a more productive mum in the long run.

If you’re a stay-at-home mum, this could look like building habits around your daily tasks to ensure they are out of the way before the kids get home from school. Or for toddler mums, that you do the hard work through nap time. This is a phase of your life you will never get back – don’t be scared to put the work aside for a moment and enjoy this journey of motherhood. 

5. Embrace Meal Planning and Prepping

Grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking can feel like a never-ending chore. However, dedicating some time to meal planning and meal prep can save you a significant amount of time and mental energy throughout the week.

Plan your meals for the week ahead, create a grocery list, and consider batch-cooking healthy meals that can be easily reheated. This will not only save you time but also ensure your family is eating nutritious meals. Before you know it, this will simply become part of your life and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without at least one basic meal in the freezer. There are plenty of meal planning schedules out there, you simply need to find the one that will work for your family.

Planning and preparing snacks is also a good idea and can save you extra time every single day. Plan in some healthy food items to your weekly shop (like carrots or fruits) and pre-prepare them in handy bags such as these (use THEBFAMILY for 10% off). When preparing snacks in this way becomes second nature, the kids have an easy go-to snack without any mum guilt of reaching for sugary convenience foods. 

6. Build Positive Habits and Track Your Progress

Building positive habits takes time and consistent effort. Start small and focus on incorporating one or two new habits at a time. This could be anything from waking up 15 minutes earlier to practising mindfulness exercises before bed.

Track your progress using a habit tracker app or simply by journaling your experiences. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating and help you stay on track. It doesn’t need to take a lot of time but can make a huge difference to the way you see yourself. Encourage family members to get involved and create their own journals and habit trackers too. 

7. Embrace Flexibility and Plan for the Unexpected

Life with young children is rarely predictable. Be prepared for unexpected interruptions and setbacks. Having a backup plan (like a quick and healthy meal option in the freezer) can help you stay calm and collected when things don’t go as planned.

Remember, flexibility is key. Be willing to adjust your schedule and expectations as needed, and don’t let a few bumps in the road derail your entire day.

8. Prioritise Your Physical and Mental Health

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and finding ways to manage stress. This could involve regular exercise, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes for yourself each day to unwind.

A healthy and well-rested mom is a more productive and resilient mom. When your energy levels are up, there will be no stopping you from becoming the highly productive mum you’ve always wanted to become.

9. Celebrate Your Achievements and Practice Gratitude

Being a busy working mum is hard work. Take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrate your wins, both big and small, and practice gratitude for the blessings in your life.

A positive mindset and appreciation for what you have can go a long way in boosting your overall happiness and productivity. Positivity breeds positivity. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, spend more time with other productive parents and look at their productivity habits. Maybe you can give each other a helping hand. 

Remember, becoming a more productive working mum is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days, but by incorporating these highly successful habits into your life, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling experience for yourself and your family.

Additional Tips:

• Utilise social media for inspiration and connect with like-minded moms for support and encouragement.
• Consider using an effective to-do list app to organise your tasks and stay focused.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
• Remember, there is no “one size fits all” approach to productivity.
• Embrace small changes and celebrate even the smallest victories.

Bonus Tip

Start your journey today by setting a clear 90-day goal for yourself. This could be anything from achieving a specific work milestone to spending more quality time with your family. Break down your goal into smaller, manageable steps and track your progress along the way.

Remember, even the most productive moms started somewhere. With dedication, perseverance, and a few good habits, you can achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself as a working mum.