Often the demands of a mom affect work and productivity at work , which may lead to self-doubt and make them feel not as worthy and valued like before. Working moms also tend to do more mistakes, have a low self-drive and motivation to work, and relate poor to other workers that aggravate the situation.
If this is your situation, it is important to rebuild your confidence now and map a clear way forward by learning from mistakes, go for therapy, avoid a toxic environment, find a support system and start a self-care routine.
Self-Affirmation Tips for Working Moms
1. Learn and Improve From Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes so do not blame yourself too much. We are all human and man is to err. It is normal to make mistakes but you should not dwell on them. Instead fix the problem, learn from it and move on.
- People thrive on growth and feedback so be willing to learn
- Use the feedback constructively and avoid taking it personally
- Change the mindset and underlying assumptions you have about yourself
- Calibrate your thoughts and separate extreme thought from rational thought.
- Learn a new skill, art, hobby, etc. Accomplish small things that are outside your comfort zone.
Read: How to Get a Positive Performance Review
2. Don’t Try Too Hard To Prove Your Worth
Women tend to blame themselves and look for love and respect by doing more rather than drawing boundaries. You do need to address your thinking patterns because you are just as competent. You are as a valuable and a worth to your company the same way as before.
The truth is as a working mom you will have more work challenges than any other colleagues at your workplace . And you do not need to pressure yourself to outdo others to prove a point. Do your best and know that it is enough. Stop comparing yourself especially to your male colleagues if you are working as hard as others since your situations are different.
Read: How to Set and Enforce Boundaries at Work
3. Rebuild your Work Confidence and Affirmation
Look at your strengths, capabilities, and inner potential. Look at what you have been able to achieve so far despite it all. Look at the changes that you have brought in your work and all that you have made happen.
Reflect on this and regain your confidence in your work. You are worth and capable and if you were a mess, your employer would not have kept you this long. You only need to believe in yourself and your capabilities and you only can make yourself confident at what you do.
It is okay to doubt yourself once in a while but remember the best kind of strength to press on comes from within. Look within you; what defines and drives you. Hang on it and sap it to rebuild your confidence in your work as a mom.
4. Look for a Healthy Working Environment
The environment that we work in sometimes can be the major reason why working moms are having such an awful time at work. It could be the culture, the colleagues, or even the bosses who make it so hard for you and everyone else to work well and feel valued and worth their job.
For instance, there is a big difference between working for the public sector versus working in the private sector. As such it is important to identify if your workplace is toxic in which case it is better to leave.
A toxic workplace will keep eating at you until you have no value for yourself. Switch employers or even start your own business whereby you can work in an environment you feel safe and appreciated.
Read: Top Mom Friendly Careers and Employers
5. Consider Therapy
Work can be too overwhelming and the pressure can push you to the wall . It can mess you emotionally and psychologically to a point you are unable to work or care for your family. It can even lead to depression.
Therefore if you feel too overwhelmed, it is wise to talk to a therapist. A therapist will help you sort out your feelings out and find a solution. Therapy is the best way to find ways to deal with self-doubt, perfectionism, and restructuring your thinking patterns personally and at work.
Life couches are also helpful to decide if your line of work is suited for you and if it makes you happy.
6. Find a Support System at Work
Spend time with the people who make you feel better about yourself and cut out toxic people too. Sometimes having a group of supportive people around you makes a major difference. If you don’t have access to a therapist, surround yourself with people who care and love you instead. It can be your partner, your close friends, or your family members.
People who can help you re-frame your mind and balance your work from the work-related pressure and demands.Take keen in sharing what is bothering you at work instead of bottling it all up within yourself.
Read: How to have a Social Life as a Mom Working Full Time
7. Start and Maintain A Self-Care Routine
When you neglect yourself, you will eventually suck at work and parenting. You need to take care of yourself to be able to take care of your family and also be productive at work. Neglecting yourself messes with your physical and mental health and everything else.
You need to ensure that you get adequate time and care for yourself on a daily basis amidst the demand of motherhood and work. Without it, you will be easily fatigued, tired, irritable, and poor at work.
To stick to a self-care routine, ensure you create a self-care plan that incorporates activities meant to nourish you mentally, physically, and emotionally. In addition eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Also, rediscover yourself by reading encouraging books.
Practice gratitude as it promotes positive thinking and improves your outlook. Do the best you can and know that you are helping people in what way you can. Practice good deeds for others, accept, embrace, and remember the compliments people give you
Read: How to Create a Self-care Routine
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