Below, you’ll find the show notes for Episode 048 of The Made by Motherhood Podcast. The Made by Motherhood Podcast is a warm, encouraging space for moms building businesses while raising families — with gentle guidance for business, home, and motherhood. Subscribe on Spotify Podcasts, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe anywhere podcasts are available.
As moms and business owners, the word productivity can carry a lot of weight. Our culture often measures success by how much we get done: how many boxes we check, how long our to-do list is, or how much we can juggle at once. But the truth is, productivity will look different depending on the season of life you’re in.
In this week’s episode of the Made by Motherhood Podcast, I’m sharing how to redefine productivity so it actually serves you — so it feels supportive, not overwhelming — and helps you focus on what really matters in this season of both motherhood and business.
My Journey With Redefining Productivity
Before becoming a mom, I believed productivity meant long to-do lists and long workdays. I measured success by how much I could cross off, and I worked hard to squeeze in as much as possible.
Motherhood changed everything. I had to work more efficiently, be more decisive than I had ever been, batch my tasks so nothing slipped through the cracks, and make the most of every moment I had. The margin for distraction became smaller, and I quickly realized that my old version of productivity wasn’t going to work anymore.
At first, I thought I was falling behind, because I wasn’t producing at the same pace I once had. But slowly, I began to see that productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Three Ways to Redefine Productivity
Over time, I’ve learned to view productivity in a new way. Here are three practical shifts that have helped me in both motherhood and business:
Focus on impact, not output.
Productivity isn’t about how many tasks you finish — it’s about the impact of the tasks you choose. Sometimes one meaningful task makes a bigger difference than ten smaller ones. For me, this means asking, “What will make the biggest difference today?”
Set realistic daily goals.
Unrealistic expectations can quickly leave you feeling unproductive. Instead of a long list of twenty tasks, choose one to three realistic priorities for the day. Most mornings, I write down my “big three.” If I can finish those, I know I’ve moved forward in my work or life. Everything else becomes a bonus. This small shift has helped me end each day feeling more peaceful and less defeated.
Let productivity match your season.
Productivity will always look different depending on the season you’re in. In the newborn days, productivity might mean keeping everyone fed and rested. With toddlers, it may mean shorter, focused work sessions. Later, it may look like more structured hours. For me right now, productivity looks like batching, efficiency, and making clear decisions. It’s not the way it used to be — but it’s exactly what I need for this season.
A Practical Takeaway
This week, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: What truly matters most right now? Then, choose one small shift to support that answer. It might be writing down your “big three,” focusing on impact instead of output, or simply giving yourself permission to let productivity look different.
Final Thoughts
Productivity isn’t about checking every box or keeping up with who you used to be. It’s about aligning your time and energy with what matters most in your current season. When you give yourself that freedom, you’ll create more space, more peace, and more presence — in both motherhood and business. If this message encouraged you, I’d love for you to listen to the full episode of The Made by Motherhood Podcast.
