How to Focus on What Matters in Life and Work

So, let’s talk mornings.

You sit down, warm, delicious coffee placed on the table, motivation high, ready to conquer the day. But then it happens – 25 (…thousand) tabs open, calendar notifications, emails calling…waiting, and somehow, after 45 minutes (um make that an hour…and a half), you’re knee-deep in something important-ish but not exactly the thing you wanted to focus on.

Sound familiar?

It’s not that you don’t try – you do. You’ve *tried* setting goals, taken productivity courses (hello, “5am club”!), even bought planners that promised to “transform your life.” But here you are, still spinning, and still, somehow, falling just a little short on all fronts. Not for lack of effort, right?

Well, here’s the truth: the “system” wasn’t built for you. Society’s model wasn’t built with the juggle of family and work, or with you and your goals, in mind. It’s set up to have you bouncing between priorities like a human tennis ball, believing that your needs and dreams come second.

But let’s make one thing clear: they don’t have to.

Step One: Let Go of the "Ideal"

Let’s get one thing out of the way – the perfect, “ideal” way to do this doesn’t exist. That influencer with the shiny six-figure promises isn’t telling you about her four hours of childcare a day and nanny or her assistant handling her inbox or the fact that she doesn’t actually have kids (and absolutely no shade at all here’s to women choosing to not have kids, I’m all for it if that’s their jam, just that not having kids and having kids does A. LOT. to your (lack of!) time, and your ability to have some…and therefore the solutions provided don’t really apply to the pandemonium of kids in your life).

Let’s stop comparing our everything to their highlight reels. It’s time to embrace the “messy clarity” that makes life, well, real. Think about the time you sat in a meeting with kids asking for snacks in the background. That’s life, and it’s your edge, not your downfall.

Step Two: Set Priorities that Work for You (and Only You)

You need clarity, yes, but not the type you’ll find in a five-step marketing or productivity or time management webinar. Let’s dig into your actual priorities – the stuff that lights you up *and* keeps you grounded.

Take just 15 minutes today (yep, set a timer if needed). Grab a pen and jot down the things you truly want to focus on this week, both personally and professionally.

This doesn’t have to look perfect – in fact, it won’t, and that’s fine. The goal is to get things down on paper so you have a road map, even a rough one, to remind you of what matters.

Step Three: Make It Non-Negotiable

Here’s the hard truth about time: if you don’t make it a priority, it’ll slip away into the noise of the daily grind. Let’s start with something achievable – carve out 10 minutes each morning for your priority list. Think of it like brushing your teeth or grabbing that coffee. Just 10 minutes a day on this list could mean an extra hour of focused work a week – an hour more than you’d have if you didn’t take those tiny, intentional steps.

Step Four: Embrace the Little Wins

Ever notice how focusing on one small thing can lead to a huge energy boost? That’s because every tiny action you take toward clarity builds momentum. So maybe today, you write down that goal you’ve been sitting on or tackle that task you’ve been dodging. Don’t worry if it’s not a massive leap. Each action builds confidence, and from little things, big things really do grow (thanks, Paul Kelly and Uncle Kev).

Step Five: Set Boundaries like a Boss

Now, here’s a truth bomb – time management is less about squeezing more in and more about setting better boundaries. Think of it as creating “sacred time” for yourself and what you value most. Yes, this means sometimes saying “no” to extra work, that impromptu meeting, or even the Netflix binge. It’s about saying “yes” to things that align with your vision of success and balance.

(Note about balance - we’re not actually going for true balance here - we’re going for an ebb and flow that works for us - nothing will every be in true balance. Impossible. But we’re going for an equilibrium that works for us, yeah?).

Consider this: Australian studies show that over 40% of working mothers experience consistent work-family tension, with less access to flexible schedules. It’s not your fault that it feels impossible to balance work and family – the system wasn’t built for that. So let’s rewrite it, with your priorities at the center.

Step Six: Measure Success in Time Saved, Not Tasks Done

You know that planner you filled out meticulously on January 1st? How’s that going?

Planning is one thing, but follow-through is where the magic happens. Instead of counting how many tasks you get through, try tracking how much time you get *back* by focusing on what really matters.

Did you save an hour? Did you get through work early enough to read with the kids or have a quiet tea with yourself? That’s the real measure of progress.

Step Seven: Flexibility is Power – Use It Wisely

Remember, flexibility isn’t the enemy of structure; it’s the part that keeps you sane when life (or the school pickup/doctor’s line) throws a curveball. You’ll need to lean on your “structured flexibility” to navigate the reality of work and family without breaking stride. When you’ve got the essentials (your priorities and non-negotiable time), everything else can shift a little to make room for life as it is. Because, let’s be real, who gets a “perfect” 9-5?

Step Eight: Get Comfortable with Imperfection

Here’s a moment of honesty: it won’t always go to plan. Sometimes, the universe laughs at even the best-laid plans, and your whole week can get flipped on its head. That’s not failure – it’s life. And every “imperfect” moment is a reminder that clarity doesn’t mean perfection.

Embracing a little chaos with a solid foundation? That’s the sweet spot.

Step Nine: Lean on Your Community

You’re not meant to do this alone.

That guilt and/or frustration? Many working mums feel it, especially when navigating uncharted business territory while balancing family. So, surround yourself with people who understand and can offer real support. Whether it’s a community of fellow entrepreneurs or friends who “get it,” having someone to share the ups and downs with makes a world of difference. Not to mention, accountability is a powerful force.

Step Ten: Make Time for You – Yes, Really

There’s no work-life balance without “you” in the equation. It’s easy to sideline yourself between work, family, and everything else, but making time for yourself – even if it’s 5 minutes of meditation, a quick walk, or a cup of tea – isn’t indulgent; it’s essential.

The clarity you’re after? It stems from nurturing yourself as much as your work and family. Read that again.

---

By rethinking what success looks like, leaning into the little wins, and setting boundaries like your life depends on it (because in a way, it does), you’ll get closer to the balanced, fulfilling life you want.

Keep that momentum going, one small step at a time – and remember, a little mess is just part of the journey.