Finding the Energy Within: 6 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Work at Home Mom

One of the biggest challenges for work-from-home moms when it comes to staying motivated is the constant juggling of responsibilities. Balancing work tasks with household chores, childcare, and other familial obligations can be overwhelming and can make it difficult to stay focused and motivated.

If you’re able to be a work-at-home mom, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Must be nice,” muttered under the breath of an envious friend or acquaintance more times than you can count. Stay and Be motivated as a work-at-home mom. Unless someone has been in your shoes, though, they don’t understand that many obstacles go along with the benefits of your job. One of the biggest challenges of working from home and being a mom is the ability to stay motivated when you have so many responsibilities to juggle. Here are 6 ways to help you balance your career and personal life during those times when you don’t feel like you can do it all.

Stay Motivated! 6 Ways to Keep on Going When You Work from Home 

Focus on your “why.”

You have probably heard this just as many times as the “must be nice” phrase. But this is one that you should take to heart. When you remember why you are working from home – to pay for your children’s sports, to be free to drop everything when they have a school event, to balance a career and a personal life – whatever your why is, reminding yourself of it may help to redirect you enough to give you a jump start on the day.

Keep your goals in mind.

Every successful entrepreneur adds “goal setting” as one of the factors that got them where they are. (Forbes) Set your small goals – daily, weekly, monthly. But then set short term six-month, two-year, and five-year goals. You can always tweak them as you go through life, but if you keep looking ahead, you’ll stay on your path to where you want to go.

Keeping your goals in mind can be a powerful motivator as a work-from-home mom. When you have clear goals, they serve as a guiding light, providing direction and purpose to your actions.

Here’s how keeping your goals in mind can help you stay motivated:

1. Provides a sense of purpose: Having well-defined goals gives you a clear sense of purpose in your work and personal life. Knowing what you want to achieve and why you’re working towards those goals can provide a strong sense of direction. It helps you understand the significance of your efforts and gives meaning to your daily tasks, making it easier to stay motivated.
2. Fosters focus and productivity: When you keep your goals in mind, you are more likely to stay focused on the tasks that contribute to their achievement. You can prioritize your time and energy effectively by aligning your daily actions with your goals. This focused approach increases productivity and helps you see progress, which in turn boosts motivation.
3. Provides a sense of accomplishment: As a work-from-home mom, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities and lose sight of your progress. By keeping your goals in mind, you can regularly evaluate your achievements and celebrate milestones along the way. Recognizing your accomplishments, no matter how small, can fuel your motivation to keep pushing forward.
4. Sustains long-term commitment: Working from home while managing family responsibilities requires dedication and perseverance. When you have clear goals, they serve as a reminder of what you’re working towards, even during challenging times. They help you stay committed to your path, even when faced with obstacles or distractions. By keeping your goals in mind, you can maintain a long-term perspective and stay motivated for the journey ahead.
5. Allows for course correction: Goals provide a framework for evaluating your progress and making necessary adjustments. By regularly assessing your goals and keeping them in mind, you can identify areas that need improvement or changes in direction. This adaptability helps you stay motivated by allowing you to make proactive changes to your approach, ensuring that you’re continuously moving towards what you want to achieve.

To effectively utilize your goals to stay motivated as a work-from-home mom, it’s important to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Write them down and keep them visible in your workspace. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps to make them more manageable and track your progress regularly. Regularly reflect on your goals, remind yourself of their importance, and celebrate milestones along the way. By keeping your goals in mind, you can stay motivated, focused, and aligned with your desired outcomes.

Make a mental or written list of what you did accomplish that day.

So many moms with a million daily responsibilities feel bogged down at the end of the day with all of the things they didn’t do. Instead of running that tally through your head, make a list of the things you did accomplish. Yes, you’ll need to keep plugging away on that to-do list, but look at all of the good you did today!  Find work from home that you enjoy and make a good living from.If you don’t already have a job that pays the bills, it can seem like you’re spinning your wheels for nothing. There are many ways to make money online, like these from Make a Website Hub. Keep looking until you find the job that satisfies your brain, your heart, and your budget!

Making a mental note or writing down your accomplishments as a work-from-home mom can help you recognize and appreciate your progress, boosting your motivation and sense of achievement.

Here are some ways to make a note or keep a record of what you’ve accomplished:

1. Create a daily or weekly accomplishment journal: Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day or week to reflect on what you’ve achieved. Write down a list of tasks or milestones you completed, both big and small. Acknowledge the efforts you put in and the outcomes you achieved. This journal can serve as a tangible reminder of your accomplishments and a source of motivation when needed.
2. Use a productivity or task management app: Many productivity apps or task management tools allow you to track completed tasks and provide a sense of accomplishment. These apps often have features that let you mark tasks as completed or create to-do lists that you can check off. Reviewing your completed tasks can give you a visual representation of your progress and keep you motivated.
3. Set up a gratitude or accomplishment jar: Find a jar or container and some small pieces of paper. At the end of each day, write down one or more things you accomplished as a work-from-home mom or moments you feel grateful for. Fold the paper and put it in the jar. Over time, you’ll accumulate a collection of positive moments and achievements that you can revisit whenever you need a boost of motivation.
4. Share your accomplishments with a supportive community: Joining or creating a supportive community of work-from-home moms can be beneficial. Share your accomplishments, big or small, with this community through online forums, social media groups, or dedicated chat groups. Celebrating your achievements with others who understand the challenges can provide encouragement and motivation.
5. Create a visual representation: Visual cues can be powerful reminders of your accomplishments. Consider creating a vision board, a wall display, or a digital collage where you can showcase images or symbols representing your achievements. Display it in your workspace or somewhere visible to constantly remind you of what you’ve accomplished.

Remember, the key is to acknowledge and appreciate your progress, no matter how small. Celebrating your daily accomplishments can help you stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and recognize the value of your efforts as a work-from-home mom.

Don’t forget to put yourself first.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Yes, there may be days when you can’t squeeze in a few minutes of alone time, but don’t make them the rule instead of the exception. Take 30 minutes a day to relax and read a book or take a bath. Go to lunch with a friend or get a pedicure. Do something without your kids and that isn’t work-related. You’ll return home rejuvenated, refreshed, and able to be more productive than you would have had you forced yourself to be a mom and career-woman the entire time.

Remembering to put yourself first as a work-from-home mom is crucial for your overall well-being, happiness, and ability to sustain your productivity and effectiveness.

Here are some reasons why it’s important to prioritize self-care:

1. Physical and mental health: Taking care of yourself ensures that you are in good physical and mental health. As a work-from-home mom, you have multiple responsibilities and tasks to manage, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Prioritizing self-care activities such as exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits allows you to maintain energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
2. Role model for your children: By prioritizing self-care, you set a positive example for your children. They learn the importance of taking care of oneself and observing healthy boundaries. Demonstrating self-care habits teaches them the value of personal well-being, and they are more likely to adopt these habits as they grow.
3. Increased productivity and focus: When you prioritize self-care, you enhance your productivity and focus. Taking breaks, engaging in activities you enjoy, and practicing self-care rituals rejuvenate your mind and body. This, in turn, enhances your ability to concentrate, make better decisions, and be more efficient in your work and caregiving responsibilities.
4. Enhanced mental and emotional resilience: Prioritizing self-care helps build mental and emotional resilience. It allows you to recharge, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, or seeking support from others can help you manage stress effectively and bounce back from challenging situations.
5. Improved relationships: When you prioritize your needs, you create a healthier and more balanced dynamic. Taking care of yourself helps you maintain better emotional well-being and increases your capacity to be present and supportive for your family. It also enables you to establish clear boundaries and communicate your needs effectively, which fosters healthier relationships with your loved ones.
6. Personal fulfillment and happiness: Prioritizing yourself as a work-from-home mom allows you to nurture your own personal fulfillment and happiness. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, pursuing your interests and passions, and allocating time for self-reflection and personal growth contribute to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. When you prioritize yourself, you become a happier and more fulfilled individual, positively impacting your overall quality of life.

Remember that prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your mom responsibilities or work responsibilities. It means recognizing that taking care of yourself is an essential component of being able to fulfill those responsibilities effectively and with greater joy. By prioritizing self-care, you invest in your own well-being, which ultimately benefits both you and your family.

Set priority and achievable daily goals.

Don’t make your goal list for everything on your to-do list for the day. Sure, that’s a great way to keep track of things that need to be done, but those tasks need to be prioritized to keep you from giving up and losing motivation when you’re overwhelmed. Set a few tasks as your priority goals, others as second priorities, etc. If you accomplish your priorities only, you’re a rock star! Move the other tasks to tomorrow and try again. Be motivated as a work-at-home mom.

Setting priority and achievable daily goals as a work-from-home mom is important for several reasons:

1. Focus and clarity: Clear daily goals help you stay focused on what needs to be accomplished. With numerous responsibilities competing for your attention, setting priorities helps you identify the most important tasks and allocate your time and energy accordingly. It reduces overwhelm and provides clarity about what you should be working on, allowing you to make progress towards your larger objectives.
2. Productivity and efficiency: Setting achievable daily goals can enhance your productivity and efficiency. When you have specific targets to work towards, you’re more likely to structure your time effectively, minimize distractions, and make steady progress. This helps you accomplish more in less time and ensures that you’re utilizing your work hours efficiently.
3. Sense of accomplishment: Achieving daily goals provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. As a work-from-home mom, it’s common to feel like you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. When you set and achieve daily goals, you create a sense of progress and momentum. Celebrating small wins boosts your motivation and confidence, reinforcing a positive cycle of productivity.
4. Time management: Setting daily goals allows you to manage your time effectively. When you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done, you can allocate your time in a way that accommodates both work and family responsibilities. It helps you prioritize your tasks, plan your day, and make better decisions about how to invest your time.
5. Stress reduction: Having achievable daily goals can help reduce stress and overwhelm. When you break down larger projects or long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks, they become less daunting. This approach allows you to tackle one step at a time, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Meeting your daily goals provides a sense of control and accomplishment, minimizing stress levels.
6. Progress towards long-term objectives: Setting daily goals ensures that you make consistent progress toward your long-term objectives. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, actionable tasks, you maintain a sense of direction and momentum. Each day, you move closer to your desired outcomes, building confidence and motivation along the way.

Remember to set realistic and achievable daily goals that align with your larger objectives and take into account the unique demands of your work and family life. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and be flexible in adjusting your goals as needed. Regularly review and evaluate your progress to make necessary adjustments and celebrate your accomplishments. By setting priority and achievable daily goals, you can increase your productivity, manage your time effectively, and make consistent progress towards your desired outcomes as a work-from-home mom.

It’s Not Easy Being Superwoman 

Some moms give up their careers to be there for their children, and other moms must give up a lot of time with their kids to make a living. You get the best of both worlds, but sometimes it probably seems like you have to be Superwoman to make it through the day. With these 6 tips, you can stay motivated and wear all your hats without the heavy burden of many responsibilities. Be motivated as a work-at-home mom.

Being a “superwoman” as a work-from-home mom is challenging for several reasons:

1. Multitasking overload: As a work-from-home mom, you often find yourself juggling multiple roles and responsibilities simultaneously. Trying to be a dedicated worker, caregiver, homemaker, and more can lead to an overwhelming sense of multitasking overload. Balancing these various responsibilities and switching between roles can be mentally and physically exhausting.
2. Lack of clear boundaries: Working from home blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. The lines between professional tasks and family responsibilities can easily become blurred, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This lack of clear boundaries can lead to constant feelings of being pulled in multiple directions and the pressure to excel in all areas.
3. Limited support and isolation: Working from home can be isolating, especially without the support and camaraderie of colleagues. As a work-from-home mom, you may often find yourself lacking the social interactions and support network that can provide encouragement and understanding. The absence of external support can contribute to feelings of loneliness and make it more challenging to navigate the demands of multiple roles.
4. High expectations and self-imposed pressure: As a work-from-home mom, you may face high expectations from yourself, your family, and society. There can be pressure to excel in both your professional and parenting roles, which can be overwhelming. Trying to meet these expectations and maintaining a perfect image of a “superwoman” can lead to immense self-imposed pressure and feelings of inadequacy when you inevitably fall short.
5. Limited personal time and self-care: Being a superwoman often means putting others’ needs before your own. As a work-from-home mom, it can be challenging to find time for self-care, personal hobbies, and relaxation. The constant demands of work and family can leave little room for prioritizing your own well-being and recharging, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
6. Guilt and self-doubt: Striving to be a superwoman can also lead to feelings of guilt and self-doubt. When you are unable to meet all the expectations you set for yourself, it can result in guilt over perceived shortcomings. Comparisons to unrealistic standards or others who seem to manage it effortlessly all can further contribute to self-doubt and a sense of not being “good enough.”

It’s important to remember that being a superwoman is an unrealistic expectation and that it’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Recognizing and accepting that you can’t do it all perfectly and that it’s okay to ask for support can alleviate some of the pressure and promote a healthier work-life balance. Taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed are vital steps towards managing the challenges of being a work-from-home mom.

In Summary:

Staying motivated as a work-from-home mom requires several key strategies:

1. Understand your “why”: Clarify your reasons for being a work-from-home mom, and remind yourself of the importance and value of your work and personal goals. Understanding your “why” provides a sense of purpose and helps you stay motivated.
2. Keep your goals in mind: Set clear, specific, and achievable goals aligning with your vision. Regularly remind yourself of these goals to stay focused, productive, and committed to your path.
3. Celebrate accomplishments: Make a mental note or write down your daily achievements as a work-from-home mom. Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to boost motivation and maintain a positive mindset.
4. Prioritize self-care: Remember to put yourself first and prioritize self-care activities. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being allows you to sustain your motivation, productivity, and overall happiness.
5. Set priority and achievable daily goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller, actionable goals for each day. Setting priorities and achievable goals helps you stay focused, manage your time effectively, and experience a sense of accomplishment.
6. Manage expectations and seek support: Recognize that being a superwoman is unrealistic and that asking for help is okay. Set realistic expectations for yourself, establish boundaries, and seek support from a supportive community of work-from-home moms or loved ones.

Overall, staying motivated as a work-from-home mom involves understanding your purpose, setting goals, celebrating achievements, prioritizing self-care, managing expectations, and seeking support when needed. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of working from home while fulfilling your role as a mom with greater motivation and balance.