There’s a saying that goes: “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” I often think this applies perfectly to moms, who seem to embody the essence of busyness. Before I became a parent, I had seemingly endless free time—entire days, weekends, and vacations stretched ahead of me. Yet, I still found myself grumbling about being busy, unable to make it to the gym or whip up a healthy dinner.
I bought into the common narrative about parenting: the sleepless nights, the reliance on quick meals like chicken nuggets, and the belief that losing the baby weight would be impossible due to a lack of “me” time. While some of that is true—especially during those early months of parenthood—I’ve found that, in many ways, I am far more productive as a mom than I ever was before.
For starters, I’ve learned that I don’t need large chunks of time to accomplish things. If I have just five minutes, I’ll put away dishes, practice my guitar, or respond to work emails. In my 20s, I often thought that if I couldn’t dedicate an entire day to a task, it wasn’t worth attempting. As a result, I wasted hours on trivial activities, like scrolling aimlessly online or obsessing over minor imperfections. Nowadays, I can get ready in just 15 minutes instead of the hour I used to spend. I might not look as polished, but that extra time allows me to catch a few more z’s, enjoy moments with my kids, or even tackle some work.
I also find that I’m more focused during work, practice sessions, or even while cleaning. Each day, I start with a list of priorities and methodically tackle the most critical tasks first. In hindsight, my pre-kid self would often agonize over my to-do list. Procrastination became a form of self-punishment; I’d delay tasks, feel guilty, and binge-watch shows as a way to avoid them. Now, with a long and urgent list—like taking the child to the pediatrician or fixing a leak—there’s little time for guilt. I just get things done. I don’t let chores like wrestling with an insurance company linger because they need immediate attention. There’s a certain liberation in not carrying emotional baggage around chores.
Moreover, I’ve learned to say no to things that don’t excite me. As a parent, your time becomes precious, and your priorities become crystal clear. As the insightful writer, Clara Thompson, notes in her compelling piece, “Want to Be More Effective? Have a Child,” the elimination of leisure time spent on unfulfilling activities forces you to consider how to use your rare moments of free time. You begin to truly appreciate those fleeting seconds.
Sure, I still don’t exercise or cook as much as I should, but perhaps that’s because I simply don’t enjoy those activities, not due to a lack of time or productivity. As a mom, I handle countless tasks—like tackling piles of laundry or doing dishes—because they serve my family. This context adds meaning to those chores, making them harder to put off. Ultimately, my productivity is driven by the love for my family, transforming how I spend my limited free time into something richer and more rewarding.
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Summary
In conclusion, becoming a mom has transformed my approach to productivity. I’ve learned to maximize my time, prioritize essential tasks, and eliminate distractions. The responsibilities I take on for my family give meaning to my everyday chores, making me more efficient and focused. Despite the challenges, my life as a mom has led to a newfound appreciation for every moment—both in work and personal time.