Marissa Mayer is all over the news due to her choice to become CEO of Yahoo Inc. while being six months pregnant. No doubt, this is an exciting opportunity for her. Many people are even saying she will be remembered for generations if she can successfully pull this off. While her status, actions, and business acumen are admirable, and certainly extraordinary, the media attention she has received has not helped the pressures within our society on working moms to be super-moms. Suggesting that her path should be the goal for all working mothers is off point. The misleading mindset needs to be addressed upfront.
Working mothers have a lot on their plate, whether they are working part-time retail, full time as an administrator or if they are the CEO of Yahoo. Each woman’s situation is unique and admirable in its own right, so props to all working mothers. For any working mother that is emotionally stifled due to feelings of inadequacy or high stress, here are some props reminders to lean on when the juggling act becomes overwhelming.
Props to remember:
Priorities – Schedule your priorities not prioritize your schedule. Be realistic about priorities. Over-aiming is the surest way to feel debilitated and incompetent. Like going to a salad bar, take portions of your favorite foods and add to your plate only when your plate empties.
Do something nice for yourself – As girls that turned to moms we have become trained to do, care and provide, but not to take care of ourselves. Let’s face it, the world sort of does revolves around you because if you fall, your life as you know it will fall. So put you first. Do at least one thing each week that refuels you mentally, and emotionally.
Beautify – Beauty is found inside and out. Studies have shown people that are physically fit and groomed not only are happier but are also taken more seriously. You have trained a life-time to work at your highest efficiency. It is time that you train yourself to strike a balance to also tend to your inner and outer beauty.
Resources – Utilize baby-sitters. There are almost always friends or family happy to spend some time with your child so you can have a break. Also be aware of which people you can count on in times of emergency. These networks relieve subconscious stress.
Ownership – This is your life so take ownership of it. Only you know your own strengths and weaknesses. Only you know what you can manage on your plate while maintaining good mental health, work productivity and relationships. Stay in tune with your needs and communicate that with work and home. Put your foot down and gain ownership of your work-life balance, because you have that power.
Gratitude – The power of positive thinking is often under estimated. Encourage yourself at all times. When our mental resources are exhausted, it is easy to be pessimistic and critical. Go to bed each night with one thing you feel blessed for and wake up each day saying wonderful things are going to happen today. This positive outlook is also often infectious to co-workers and family, creating enjoyable at home and job environments.
Create your own normal – Every work-life balance situation is unique. We’ve all met the “perfect” family down the street. They seem to have everything figured out and there is never a hitch. That doesn’t mean you need to emulate their every strategy or life style detail. Your life is totally different than their life, which is great. Tailor your home plans and work structure to make your family function in what ways make your family happy. Each set up has a unique definition of “perfection” which is based on functionality and happiness.
So be happy for Marissa and her feats but be happy for yourself as well.
