There’s a saying that goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” In my experience, if you need something accomplished, ask a mom—she’s often the busiest among us. Before becoming a parent, I had what felt like endless free time. Hours stretched out each day, weekends were leisurely, and vacations were long. Yet, I still found myself complaining about a lack of time to exercise or cook healthy meals.
I used to believe the common narrative about parenting—that sleep would be a rare commodity, chicken nuggets would become a staple, and I’d never shed the baby weight due to a complete lack of “me” time. While some elements of that are true, especially in the early days of parenthood, I’ve discovered that I’m significantly more productive now than I ever was before having kids.
Maximizing Short Pockets of Time
For starters, I’ve learned to maximize short pockets of time. If I have just five minutes, I might tackle the dishes, practice scales on my guitar, or respond to emails. In my younger years, I felt that unless I had a whole day to devote to a task, it wasn’t worth starting. This often led to wasted hours spent surfing the Internet or fretting over trivial matters. Nowadays, I can get ready in 15 minutes instead of the hour I once needed. Sure, I might not look as polished, but that extra time grants me more sleep, moments with my kids, or actual productivity.
Increased Efficiency
My efficiency during work hours, music practice, or even household tasks has also seen an uptick. Each morning, I create a list of priorities and tackle the most pressing items first. In the past, I often experienced anxiety about my to-do list, which I now recognize was a bit indulgent. If I didn’t want to do something, I’d procrastinate, feel guilty about it, and then indulge in Netflix binges instead of being productive.
As a mom, I have a lengthy and urgent to-do list—taking a child to the doctor, fixing a plumbing issue, etc.—that leaves little room for the emotional turmoil that once consumed me. I no longer postpone tedious tasks, like dealing with an insurance company over a denied bill. I simply get it done because it has to be done, and I know that putting it off only means more work tomorrow. The emotional weight of these tasks has diminished.
Clarifying Priorities
Moreover, I’ve developed a strong filter for how I spend my time. I no longer feel obligated to attend events that don’t excite me or spend time with people who don’t uplift me. Parenthood clarifies priorities quickly. As noted in a compelling essay by Jessica Novotny, “When the leisure hours you used to spend on unfulfilling activities are gone, you’re left with only a few moments to enjoy what truly matters. You start to appreciate those fleeting moments of free time like never before.”
I’ll admit, I could exercise more and cook healthier meals. However, it’s possible that my choices are based on preference rather than a lack of time. As a mom, I engage in countless tasks I may not enjoy—like laundry and dishes—but knowing that these chores benefit my family infuses them with meaning. Productivity flourishes when nearly every action serves a purpose.
Resources for Parenting and Insemination
If you’re curious about home insemination and its relationship to parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And for those interested in self-insemination options, visit Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit for more information. For further insights, you can explore this other blog post on related topics.
Conclusion
In summary, being a mom has transformed my productivity mindset. What once seemed like endless time now feels like a precious commodity, driving me to make the most of every minute in a way I never considered before.