Recap: Prioritization for Busy Moms
It was another sold-out night at Restored when Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square, led a discussion on prioritization for busy moms! In case you missed it, here are a few of her key takeaways:
We make an estimated 35,000 decisions each day…meaning we have lots of opportunities to determine our priorities.
Consider prioritizing a busy life much like a tightrope walker’s journey. They know exactly where they’re going and remain focused on it. When they tip to the left or right they don’t over-adjust or they would fall. They make micro-adjustments with each step to create a balanced journey.
Wanting something to happen and making it a priority are not the same thing. There must be a moment of clear resolve to make something a priority. Then, we micro-adjustment to make that something happen.
How do we get focused? At decision points, we need to play the tape forward in our minds to make wise choices.
Move forward one step at a time. When you decide to make something a priority, you will most definitely be tested, but it’s important to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
One micro-adjustment to always consider is your wellness. As moms, if we are not well mentally, physically and spiritually, then our families, employees and co-workers aren’t either…because they all feel it!
Moms juggle a lot of balls in the air at once. If you set your priorities with intention, then other tasks and opportunities fall in line easier, as if it’s on autopilot.
What happens when we fall off the tightrope? First, ask yourself if you’re OK. Then, take a step back to evaluate. Do you have too many priorities? Have you allowed something to be a priority when it’s undeserving? Do you need time with friends, a workout or something else to reset?
A Biblical way to view priorities is in this order: husband, kids, self, work. Yes, work is number four. Make your spouse a priority. It’s not easy, but it’s worthwhile.
Make sure to readjust your priorities at each stage of life. Proprieties for the mom of a newborn look different than those who are parenting teens.
After Kelly spoke, one attendee asked a fantastic question: What do you do when mom guilt seeps in? Kelly’s response surprised everyone.
“You’re not going to believe me, but I don’t entertain mom guilt. It’s not worth my time.”
She went on to say that she has too many other established priorities to give guilt any attention. She remains focused on the people and the work the Lord has given her, and that He alone can judge how her time is managed.
May we all adopt that attitude of putting mom guilt where it belongs - way down deep in the pit below the tightrope!
Thank you, Kelly, for your wisdom, your time and showcasing your faith in the workplace!