How I balance work and life as a busy career-driven mum: Less is more
Balancing a demanding career while raising a family can feel like a never-ending juggling act. As a mum of two and owner of two businesses, I used to believe that success meant being everywhere and doing everything. But over the years, I’ve discovered that doing less not more actually helps me achieve more. It’s all about creating space, focusing on what matters most and letting go of perfection.
Doing less
The idea of doing less isn't just a feel-good mantra. It’s backed by science, too. A growing body of research suggests that when we focus on what’s essential and eliminate the noise, we’re more productive, less stressed and overall healthier. In his book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown talks about the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life—what he refers to as "the essentials"—and eliminating the non-essentials that drain our energy and attention.
The quote, “The way of the Essentialist means living by design, not by default,” is a powerful reminder of this principle.
Living by design
When we live by design, we are intentionally choosing how we spend our time, energy and resources. It means making conscious decisions about what to prioritise based on our values, goals and what will move us forward in the direction we want to go. Living by design allows us to be proactive and strategic, ensuring that we are focused on the things that truly matter, rather than getting distracted by everything else.
For example, as a busy mum balancing work and family, living by design would involve deciding to schedule time for self-care, prioritising family over unnecessary work commitments and being intentional about the habits you want to cultivate. You are in control of your choices and they are aligned with your overall vision of how you want to live and what kind of impact you want to make.
Living by default
On the other hand, living by default means reacting to life as it comes, allowing external circumstances, other people's demands and daily distractions to dictate how we spend our time and energy. When we live by default, we often feel overwhelmed, busy and burned out because we're constantly reacting to everything around us without a clear sense of direction.
Living by default can look like saying "yes" to every work request or attending social events out of obligation. Instead of being proactive and intentional about what’s most important, we get swept up in the noise of daily life and lose sight of our own goals and needs.
Why it matters
By choosing to live by design, as McKeown suggests, we reclaim our time and energy. We stop saying "yes" to everything and start saying "yes" to the things that align with our purpose. This approach leads to more clarity, less stress and ultimately a more fulfilling life because we're focusing on what really matters.
Here’s how I’ve applied this to my life every day:
Start the day with silence
One of the most important habits I’ve developed is starting my day with a few moments of silence. Whether it’s breathing, stretching, journaling or meditating, this quiet time immediately grounds me and helps set my intentions for the day.
Why it works:
Starting your day with a moment of stillness can significantly improve your mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that meditation and mindfulness can reduce stress, improve focus and increase productivity. By taking this time for myself, I set a calm and focused tone for the day, which means I’m less likely to be reactive and more likely to approach challenges with a clear mind.
Eat clean, energising food
As a busy mum, I know that my body is the engine that drives everything - work, family and self-care. That’s why I’m intentional about fueling my body with clean, nourishing food.
Why it works:
Nutrition is fundamental to our energy levels and overall productivity. The right kind of food not only helps us stay physically healthy but also supports mental clarity. A diet high in processed foods can lead to energy crashes and irritability, while whole foods fuel both the body and the mind. When I make better food choices, I have the energy to power through my day and show up as my best self, both at work and at home.
Leave space in my diary
In the past, I thought the key to success was to jam-pack my schedule with back-to-back meetings, appointments and to-do’s. But I’ve learned that leaving space in my diary is equally important. I intentionally schedule breathing room between appointments, so I can recharge and avoid feeling rushed.
Why it works:
Research has shown that over-scheduling can actually hurt our productivity. A study by the American Psychological Association also found that stress levels decrease when people have more flexibility in their day-to-day lives. By consciously leaving space in my schedule, I give myself the freedom to respond to life's surprises and ensure that I’m not just rushing from one task to the next.
No complaining, only solutions
Complaining is something I’ve consciously worked to eliminate from my life. It’s so easy to fall into the habit of dwelling on what’s going wrong, but I’ve learned that focusing on solutions is much more effective. When challenges arise, I take a proactive approach and look for ways to move forward instead of getting stuck in the problem.
Why it works:
Positive thinking and a solutions-oriented mindset have a profound impact on stress levels and overall happiness. A study from the University of North Carolina found that people who focus on solutions rather than problems tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of life satisfaction.
End the day with a bedtime routine
After a long day, I make sure to wind down with a calming bedtime routine. Whether it’s a warm bath, reading a book or practicing gratitude, this helps me disconnect from the day, signal to my body and ensure I get restful sleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for my productivity the next day.
Why it works:
Sleep is one of the most important factors in how we feel and perform. The Sleep Foundation reports that adequate sleep is essential for memory, emotional regulation, and physical health. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact focus, mood and decision-making, making it harder to navigate the challenges of a busy day.
Less really is more
The truth is, these practices are all about doing less in order to do more. It’s about eliminating distractions, focusing on the essentials and creating the space to show up fully for both my career and my family. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional with my time and energy.
By adopting these habits and shifting my focus, I’ve learned how to manage the constant juggling act of work and motherhood in a way that keeps me grounded, energised and aligned with what truly matters.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you need to do more, remember this: it’s not just about being productive, it’s about being present, balanced and happy.
