How Can Working Mums Overcome Self-Sabotage and Achieve Success?

Working mothers face a distinct set of challenges. Juggling the responsibilities of a job and family life can be daunting, frequently resulting in feelings of guilt, stress, and self-doubt.

In their efforts to handle everything, many working mothers inadvertently engage in self-sabotage—behaviors that hinder their ability to achieve success or happiness, despite being fully capable.

Perfectionism is a frequent form of self-sabotage.

The pressure to be an "ideal" mother and employee results in establishing unattainably high standards. Every minor error triggers guilt, and tasks are never considered "satisfactory." This black-and-white mindset can cause procrastination or burnout, as you devote excessive time to achieving perfection in everything.

Over-commitment is yet another pitfall.

Working mothers frequently feel compelled to demonstrate their ability to manage everything—career, parenting, household tasks, and beyond. By agreeing to too many obligations, you become exhausted and resentful, leaving no time for yourself. This pattern of taking on too much can result in frustration, affecting both job performance and personal well-being.

Negative self-talk is another type of self-sabotage.

Many working mothers grapple with feelings of inadequacy, frequently questioning their ability to manage everything. Thoughts such as "I'm failing as a mother" or "I can't keep up at work" become entrenched, diminishing confidence and making it more challenging to reach personal or professional objectives.

To escape this cycle, it's important to establish realistic expectations, focus on self-care, and embrace self-compassion.

Reaching out for assistance, whether by delegating tasks, consulting a mentor, or seeking therapy, can significantly impact one's life. By identifying and tackling self-sabotaging behaviors, working mothers can cultivate healthier and more rewarding lives for themselves and their families.