Motherhood can be tough as it is, and being a working mom can host its own challenges on top of the already busy life of a fitness professional. According to Pew Research, 77% of adults say women have a lot of pressure on them to be involved parents, while only 49% say the same about men. Nearly half of working parents said they felt they needed to reduce their working hours because they have children. And one-third of all moms say they have been treated as though they don’t take work seriously because of their parenting status.
Looking at those statistics, it can be hard to imagine how being a mom can enhance your professional life, especially if you already have a busy schedule with your clients. In fact, I had a similar experience myself. I took a few years off work once my son was born and then started working part-time. While many of my colleagues had kids and a lot of understanding in certain situations, there was still a little annoyance when you yet again took sick leave or had to finish your work early because you had to go and take care of your family.
At this point, you might wonder why I still think that being a mom could be the best thing for your professional life. Let me explain.
Motherhood Makes You Strong
The strength of a mother is unmatched. It's the kind of strength that emerges not from physical prowess but from the depth of love and responsibility she holds for her family. This profound sense of purpose drives mothers to accomplish what once seemed impossible. Whether it's managing household finances on a tight budget, ensuring the well-being of her children, or navigating the challenges of parenting, a mother's "why" is powerful and compelling.
In the professional realm, this translates into a determination to succeed. Mothers, accustomed to balancing numerous tasks while catering to the needs of their families, bring this same tenacity to their careers. The need to provide for their family and secure their future fuels their ambition, pushing them to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence. This inner strength enables mothers to lead with empathy, make courageous decisions and persevere through adversity, making them invaluable assets to any team or organization and a great role model for their clients.
Motherhood Makes You Resilient
If resilience were a currency, mothers would be the wealthiest individuals. Motherhood is a masterclass in resilience, teaching lessons in patience, adaptability, and the art of bouncing back from setbacks. From handling the unpredictable nature of childbirth and parenting to juggling the demands of family life with personal aspirations, mothers learn to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
This resilience is incredibly beneficial in a professional context. In an ever-changing business landscape, the ability to remain flexible, adjust strategies on the fly, and recover from failures is crucial. Mothers, seasoned in the art of resilience, bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and crisis management. Their capacity to stay calm under pressure and find innovative solutions makes them exceptional fitness professionals and well-equipped for their day-to-day work.
Motherhood Makes You Focused
Perhaps one of the most significant transformations motherhood brings is an enhanced focus. Time becomes a precious commodity, and mothers quickly learn the value of prioritizing tasks and cutting through the noise to concentrate on what truly matters. This newfound focus is driven by necessity — the need to provide for their families, coupled with the desire to spend quality time with their loved ones. Mothers become adept at identifying the most efficient paths to their goals, streamlining processes, and maximizing productivity within limited time frames.
In the workplace, this ability to focus is a game-changer. Mothers are experts at working in noisy, chaotic environments without losing sight of their objectives. They excel at multitasking, but more importantly, they know when and how to channel their efforts for maximum impact. This laser-like focus enables them to achieve impressive results, often in less time and with fewer resources. This refers not only to their own success, but also to the the clients’. Why waste time and resources when you can get the results for your clients in the most efficient way? This makes mothers a go-to trainer, especially for other busy parents or professionals.
By embracing the qualities honed through motherhood, women can approach their careers with more confidence and clarity. It's also essential for workplaces to recognize the incredible value working mothers bring to the table. Mothers, let’s embrace our strength which can lead to greater success, innovation, and leadership within any organization.
Elena Biedert is an award-winning pre- and postnatal coach, internationally published author and model. Driven by her son’s traumatic birth with an unexpected c-section that almost took her life, Elena founded "Mama Fitness Coaching“ to support other mothers. With a holistic approach, Elena focuses on helping new mothers recover and reach their fitness goals post-pregnancy, so that they can feel confident and strong without sacrificing time with their loved ones. You can learn more at MamaFitnessCoaching.com or contact Elena on Instagram @mamafitnesscoaching.
