There’s a well-known saying: “If you want to get something done, ask a busy person.” I often think that if you want something accomplished, ask a mother, as we are among the busiest individuals. Before becoming a parent, I had what felt like endless free time—hours each day, entire weekends, and prolonged vacations. Yet, I frequently lamented about being too busy to fit in a gym session or prepare a healthy meal.
I subscribed to the narrative that parenting leaves little free time—sleep deprivation is common, quick meals like chicken nuggets become the norm, and losing the baby weight seems impossible without dedicated “me” time. While some aspects of this are true—especially during those early months of sleepless nights—I’ve found that I am significantly more productive now as a mom than I was before kids.
For starters, I no longer believe I need large blocks of time to accomplish tasks. If I have just five minutes, I’ll tackle putting away dishes, practicing scales on the guitar, or responding to work emails. In my twenties, if I didn’t have a full day to focus on a project, I often wouldn’t even bother, resulting in wasted hours on trivial activities like aimlessly browsing the internet. Back then, I would allocate an hour to prepare for work or an outing; now, I can manage it in just 15 minutes. While I may not look as polished, this time-saving allows for more sleep, quality moments with my children, or productive work.
Moreover, I have become more efficient in my tasks, whether at work, practicing music, or cleaning. Each day, I start with a clear list of priorities and tackle the most urgent items first. Before kids, I often felt anxious about my to-do list—putting things off, feeling guilty about procrastination, and only eventually getting to them after binge-watching shows. It was an unproductive cycle of self-punishment.
As a mother, my to-do list is extensive, and the urgency of tasks—like taking a child to the pediatrician or fixing a leak—leaves little room for emotional turmoil. I address even the most tedious chores, such as negotiating with an insurance company, simply because they must be done and no one else will do them. This shift in perspective reduces the emotional weight associated with tasks.
Additionally, I no longer waste time on activities that don’t fulfill me. I’ve learned to prioritize my time and energies more effectively, as parenting sharpens your priorities quickly. As Jenna Marshall eloquently states in her insightful essay, “Want to Be Better at Your Job? Have a Child,” when your leisure time is drastically reduced, you’re forced to reflect on how you truly wish to spend those fleeting moments. This clarity allows you to genuinely appreciate every second of free time you can carve out.
While I acknowledge that I could exercise more or cook healthier meals, my choices stem from personal preference rather than a lack of time or productivity. As a mom, I engage in numerous tasks that may not be enjoyable, like tackling laundry or dishes. However, the context of caring for my family lends significance to these chores, making them harder to postpone. You become more productive because nearly every action serves your family. Consequently, the time you do have for yourself is spent in a more fulfilling and meaningful manner.
For additional insights on the journey of home insemination and parenting, you can read more in our related blog post here. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, this resource provides valuable information. Furthermore, American Pregnancy offers excellent guidance on donor insemination and pregnancy.
In summary, my journey as a mother has fundamentally shifted my productivity. Rather than being hindered by the demands of parenting, I find that it has streamlined my focus, heightened my efficiency, and clarified my priorities, allowing me to make the most of each moment.