The Power of Prioritizing Yourself as a Mom: How to Balance Parenthood and Personal Growth
In today’s fast-paced world, many moms find themselves caught in the endless cycle of juggling family responsibilities, careers, and personal ambitions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and put your needs last, but taking time to prioritize yourself is crucial.
In this episode of the All Figured Out podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Gillian Behnke, the creator of Mom Camp. Gillian shared her journey of balancing motherhood with a demanding career while creating a space for moms to recharge and reconnect with themselves through her retreats. This blog post will explore the importance of prioritizing yourself as a mom and offer actionable takeaways from our discussion.
Gillian Behnke, Founder of Mom Camp
The Importance of Self-Priority for Moms
Many moms face the challenge of balancing their personal growth with the demands of parenting. Gillian opened up about how, in the early years of motherhood, she felt thrust into a world of survival mode. Between raising her children and managing a full-time job, it was easy to lose herself in the process. However, she learned to embrace her passions and needs, which ultimately made her a better mom and professional.
Takeaway 1: Schedule Self-Care as Non-Negotiable
One of Gillian’s key strategies for maintaining balance is scheduling self-care just like any other important task. Whether it’s booking a workout, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet hour with a book, Gillian emphasizes the importance of creating time in your schedule to take care of yourself. Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant; it can be as simple as a five-minute breathing exercise. What matters is making it non-negotiable and part of your daily routine.
Takeaway 2: Ask for Help and Delegate
Gillian shared how learning to delegate was a game-changer in both her personal life and her business. For a long time, she struggled with guilt when asking for help, but as her events grew and life got busier, she realized it was necessary. Surround yourself with people who can support you, whether it’s your partner, friends, or hired help. When it comes to parenting or organizing large events like Mom Camp, knowing when to ask for help can lighten the load and free up time for yourself.
Takeaway 3: Prioritize Your Time and Energy
A common theme in our conversation was being intentional about how you spend your time. Gillian emphasizes the importance of managing your capacity by knowing when to say “no” and protecting your energy. For example, she shared how she and her family try to avoid over-scheduling activities on the weekends to leave room for relaxation and connection. By being thoughtful about where your time goes, you can create a sustainable balance that supports your well-being.
Takeaway 4: Take the First Step—Just Start
Whether it’s a big project or a small goal, getting started is often the hardest part. Gillian mentioned how she avoided creating content for her business, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of it. However, once she took the first step, it wasn’t as difficult as she had imagined. The same principle applies to any change you want to make in your life. Start small, keep moving, and before you know it, you’ll have made significant progress.
Takeaway 5: Lead by Example for Your Children
One of the most powerful moments in our discussion was when Gillian spoke about being a role model for her kids. By prioritizing her self-care and pursuing her passions, she sets a strong example for her children. Gillian shared how her daughter once expressed admiration for the work she’s doing with Mom Camp, which reinforced the importance of showing her children that it’s okay to follow your passions while being a parent.
Summary
Balancing motherhood, work, and personal growth can be challenging, but as Gillian’s story illustrates, it’s entirely possible—and incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing your own needs, delegating when necessary, and being intentional about how you spend your time, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Take the first step toward reclaiming your time and energy—you deserve it!
For more in-depth insights and inspiration, listen to the full episode with Gillian Behnke on the All Figured Out podcast. You’ll discover even more tips on how to balance motherhood with personal and professional growth.
We discuss:
+ Gillian’s journey to parenthood and balancing her current corporate career, while being a mom and running a business.
+ The inspiration and creation of Gillian’s event, "Mom Camp", including how to turn an idea into a large-scale, weekend-long event.
+ The transformation, impact and ripple effect of bringing moms together.
About Gillian Behnke
Gillian cares deeply about helping other moms feel better both mentally and physically, by putting themselves back on their own priority list. A busy mom of two, she believes that motherhood does not have to equal exhaustion, and that is is possible to thrive mentally, emotionally, physically and professionally.
Gillian is the founder of Mom Camp, a media and events company that empowers moms to live their best lives. She is also the host of the Mom Camp: Around the Campfire podcast.
Gillian has worked in marketing and event management for over 15 years. She is a skilled problem solver and her passion is connecting people with the right solutions that will improve their lives and work.
Learn more about the Mom Camp here.
Connect with the guest via Instagram here.
About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:
Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.
Connect with Andrea via Instagram here.
