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What's Holding You Back, Even as the Most Organised of Working Mums!

Sam Summers

I hear from so many women who have their to-do lists nailed, their lives running like a well oiled machine, deadlines being met, food prep being done and yet, they still feel like something isn't "quite" right. This one is for you organised ladies, the ones who colour code and schedule like a pro, but somehow, you still don't feel like the dots aren't connecting. Here's some insight into what might be happening in that beautiful organised mind of yours...




The Problem with Relying on Organisation Alone


Many working mums believe that if they can just get more organised, plan better, and manage their time more efficiently, everything will fall into place. But the truth is, no matter how well you manage your schedule, if you’re not clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing—or where you’re headed—you’re likely to feel stuck, lost, or even resentful over time.

 

Here’s what often happens:

 

  • You prioritise everything except for yourself. Your career, your kids, your household—everything is accounted for except you. Your needs, passions, and well-being get pushed to the bottom of the list.

  • You attach your success to how much you accomplish in a day. And when life inevitably gets in the way (sick kids, work crises, unexpected hurdles), it throws you completely off course.

  • You feel like you should be happy—after all, you’ve got the job, the family, the structure—but something still feels off.


This is where strategy comes in.

 

Why You Need a Strategy, Not Just a To-Do List


Organisation helps you manage your time. Strategy helps you design your life.

 

A strategy isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about having a clear vision for where you’re going and ensuring that your daily actions align with that bigger picture. It’s about taking a holistic approach to your career and personal life so that even when things go off track, you’re not completely derailed.

 

When you have a strategy:

 

  • You’re not just managing time—you’re making intentional choices that support your long-term goals.

  • You’re less reactive and more in control because you understand the bigger picture and can adjust without feeling lost.

  • You can prioritise yourself without guilt because you know that your happiness and well-being are essential to both your success and your family’s.


How to Shift from Surviving to Thriving


If you feel like you’re running on autopilot despite being the most organised person you know, it’s time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself:

 

  • What’s the bigger vision for my career and my life?

  • Am I making time for things that truly matter to me?

  • Do my daily actions align with my long-term goals and values?


If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, here’s how to start shifting from simply getting through the day to actually building a life that excites you:

 

  1. Create a personal vision statement – Write down what you truly want in your career and personal life. Not just in terms of achievements, but also how you want to feel.

  2. Audit your current routine – Look at where your time is going. Are you making space for things that energise and fulfil you, or are you stuck in a cycle of obligations?

  3. Start small but intentional – Incorporate one thing into your daily or weekly routine that aligns with your bigger vision, whether it’s personal growth, self-care, or a passion project.

  4. Give yourself permission to pivot – Life changes, and so do priorities. The key is to stay connected to yourself so that when things shift, you can adjust with clarity instead of feeling lost.


Organisation keeps things running. Strategy keeps you fulfilled. By focusing on the bigger picture and aligning your daily efforts with a long-term vision, you’ll find yourself moving from simply managing life to truly living it.

 

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