For working mothers in the UK, mastering the art of prioritisation is key to juggling the demands of career and family. Stephen Covey, in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” aptly states, “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” This wisdom is particularly relevant for working mums, who need to manage their time and responsibilities effectively.
Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to prioritising can lead to success in both the workplace and at home.
1. Identifying Key Priorities
Success in prioritising begins with distinguishing what is truly important. It’s about differentiating urgent tasks from those that are important. Urgent tasks demand immediate attention but may not significantly contribute to long-term objectives. Important tasks, however, align with long-term goals and personal values. For working mums, this might mean choosing a child’s school event over a non-urgent work meeting, aligning actions with core values and long-term aspirations.
2. The Art of Delegation
Delegation is a vital skill in prioritising effectively. It’s understanding that you don’t have to do everything yourself. In the workplace, this means entrusting tasks to colleagues.
At home, it’s about sharing household chores with your partner or children. Sheryl Sandberg, in “Lean In,” discusses how effective delegation can create a more balanced life. It’s recognising that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
3. The Power of Saying ‘No’
Learning to say ‘no’ is an essential skill for maintaining boundaries and focusing on what matters. It sounds easy, but this can be a struggle for many people, nit just working mums.
For many mothers, accustomed to being caretakers, this can be challenging. However, as Oprah Winfrey emphasises, saying ‘no’ is critical for prioritising effectively. It’s understanding that every ‘yes’ to something is a ‘no’ to something else. Saying ‘no’ allows you to focus on your key priorities.
4. Use Time Management Tools
Effective use of time management tools is crucial in prioritising. Digital calendars, to-do lists, and scheduling apps can help keep track of personal and professional deadlines and commitments.
As Laura Vanderkam points out in “168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think,” careful time management can uncover hidden opportunities to use time more effectively.
5. Self-Care as a Priority
Self-care is often overlooked but is essential for working mums. Making time for self-care ensures you’re prepared to handle the demands of work and family. This includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and time for relaxation. Arianna Huffington in “Thrive” argues that prioritising well-being is key to success and happiness. It’s about recharging so you can be fully present in all aspects of life.
For working mothers, effective prioritisation can transform the balancing act of work and family life into a manageable and rewarding experience. It involves identifying what’s important, delegating tasks, saying ‘no’ when necessary, efficiently using time management tools, and prioritising self-care. By mastering these strategies, working mums can achieve a balance that allows them to thrive in both their careers and at home, demonstrating that with the right approach, they can indeed ‘have it all.’
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