by Ilizna | Book Reviews, Everything
As women, especially career-driven and busy moms, we juggle a thousand things every day: the school run, the 9-5, keeping a home together, and often, just trying to carve out a little ‘me time’. But what if I told you that you could manage all this chaos with more confidence, focus, and even joy?
Well, I’ve got the solution—and it’s in the pages of seven life-changing books.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into these must-reads for the year!
The Phrase That Became My Motto
I’m starting with my favorite. Marie Forleo’s mantra “It’s figureoutable” has helped me navigate tough moments, reminding me that no matter how complicated things seem, there’s always a way through.
For busy moms facing challenges, this book is a lifeline of sorts. It offers actionable advice on how to push through obstacles, stay resilient, and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Forleo’s energy and wit are contagious, and this book will teach you how to:
- Shift your thinking from “I can’t” to “I can figure it out.”
- Embrace uncertainty as part of growth.
- Take positive steps towards becoming the person you want to be.
This book will help you break through the mental barriers that stop you from achieving your goals – whether it’s in your career, personal life, or even side hustle. It’s a must-read if you need a push to stop making excuses and start making things happen.
Mastering Time Management Like a Pro
If you’re a busy mom and career woman, time management is your best friend (or at least it should be). But let’s be real, sometimes time feels like it’s slipping through your fingers, and the to-do list keeps growing.
In Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy teaches you how to prioritize your day and tackle your hardest, most important tasks first. The key to productivity? Don’t put off what’s uncomfortable or difficult, rather do it first. Tracy’s advice is simple, but it works. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to identify your biggest priorities and focus on them.
- The art of overcoming procrastination.
- Practical strategies to stop feeling overwhelmed and start getting things done.
If you struggle to manage your time as a busy working mom, this book will change the way you approach every day. You’ll learn how to work smarter, not just harder.
The Blueprint for Skill-Building Success
Pat Flynn’s How to Be Better at (Almost) Anything is a practical guide to mastering new skills to reach your goals. Flynn believes that with the right approach, anyone can get better at just about anything. This book provides the step-by-step framework to make it happen.
This book is a goldmine for moms who feel stuck or want to level up in both their personal and professional lives. Flynn’s advice focuses on:
- Breaking skills down into manageable, learnable parts.
- Using deliberate practice to accelerate improvement.
- Why your focus should be on becoming a generalist, reaching 80% skill level on each relevant skill before putting it in maintenance mode and learning or improving on your next skill.
Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder, reach your fitness goals, or build a side business, this book will show you how acquire the skills to do it – without feeling like you need to be a genius or perfect mom.
The Business Classic That Sparked My Interest in Business
Let’s talk about Good to Great by Jim Collins – a book that revolutionized the way I view business and leadership. If you’re serious about growing in your career in the corporate world or starting your own business, this book is for you.
Collins explores why some companies soar while others stagnate. The lessons are in most cases just as relevant to personal growth as they are to business. Some of the insights that stuck with me include:
- The importance of having the right people in the right positions.
- Think of new ideas in line of the hedgehog effect: focusing on what you’re deeply passionate about, what drives your economic engine, and what you can be the best in the world at.
Good to Great provides a wealth of knowledge on how to grow and create lasting impact. It’s packed with stats, case studies, and real-world examples that make it an insightful read for career-driven women.
A Refreshing Take on Wealth Building
Wealth building isn’t just about saving pennies or waiting for that “one day” when you can retire. In The Millionaire Fastlane, MJ DeMarco offers a refreshing, no-nonsense approach to building wealth, making it one of the most eye-opening books I’ve read.
DeMarco challenges the conventional idea of “slow and steady” and advocates for creating a business that allows you to fast-track your financial freedom. It’s for anyone who wants to rethink their approach to money.
Here’s what this book will teach you:
- How to stop following the “get-rich-slowly” advice and take a more proactive approach to wealth.
- Why traditional advice often leaves you stuck in a cycle of mediocrity.
- The importance of focusing on value creation.
This book has been a game-changer for me in how I approach finances. If you’ve ever dreamed of financial freedom or want to teach your kids about the value of money, this book will give you lots to think about.
A Refreshing Take on Self-Help and Suffering
If you’re tired of hearing the same thing over and over again in self-help books, Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is the book you need. It strips away from the positive psychology craze to remind us that happiness, suffering and living a meaningful life is perhaps not what we’ve been told.
This book will help you:
- Think differently about your goals, other people’s expectations, suffering and the self-help industry.
- To realize that negative emotions are calls to action.
It’s blunt, it’s funny, and it’s exactly what many of us need to hear.
Think Bigger, Dream Bigger, Achieve Bigger
Last but certainly not least, The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz will teach you how to stop limiting yourself with small thinking and start dreaming bigger. Schwartz breaks down how to think like a leader and achieve goals that once seemed out of reach.
The key takeaways from this book include:
- How to cultivate confidence and belief in yourself.
- The importance of setting big, audacious goals (and how to achieve them).
- The power of attitude in achieving success.
Whether you’re a mom dreaming of launching a business or climbing the corporate ladder, this book will give you the tools to start thinking bigger and bolder. It’s about shifting your mindset to unlock new possibilities.
Conclusion: As career moms, we have the power to redefine what’s possible. The key is to keep learning, growing, and challenging ourselves. These seven life-changing books provide the wisdom, tools, and mindset shifts needed to thrive.
So, here’s to figuring it out, taking action, improving every day, building wealth on our own terms, and thinking big.
by Ilizna | Everything, Productivity
You’re juggling deadlines, birthday party planning, meal prep, and maybe even the occasional meltdown – yours or the kids’. To keep all the balls in the air, you need productivity tools that don’t just look good but actually deliver. Below is a curated list of the 19 best productivity tools every working mom should know about, from time-saving apps to gadgets to significantly enhance productivity.
Quick List of Productivity Tools for Working Moms
- Notion – for productivity and time management
- Canva – for quick and easy designs
- Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar – for scheduling
- Evernote or Samsung Notes – for note-taking
- Checkers Sixty60 App – for online grocery shopping
- Snipping Tool – for quick screenshots
- Instapaper – for saving articles to read later
- Audible and Everand – for audiobooks
- Fiverr – for outsourcing tasks
- Todoist – for task management
- Skillshare – for learning new skills
- Google Drive – for document sharing
- MyFitnessPal – for tracking meals and workouts
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams – for online meetings
- Grammarly – for perfecting your writing
- Headphones or Earphones – for creating a focused environment
- Good Old Notebook – for traditional note-taking
- A Planner (Book) – for old-school planning
- Ovia – for pregnancy tracking
Why These Productivity Tools Work
Notion is your go-to for organizing everything – and I mean everything. From meal plans to work projects, you can create customizable boards, lists, and calendars. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, so you’re always up to date.
Design isn’t just for creatives. Canva makes creating polished visuals for work presentations, school projects, or even party invitations ridiculously easy. It’s user-friendly, and with pre-designed templates, you can whip up a masterpiece in minutes.
When your life’s a mix of boardroom meetings and soccer practices, you need a solid calendar app. These tools let you color-code events, set reminders, and share schedules with your partner or nanny to keep everyone on the same page.
For those moments when inspiration (or a to-do item) strikes, note-taking apps like Evernote or Samsung Notes ensure you never forget. Bonus points for letting you attach photos, audio clips, or links.
5. Grocery Shopping and Delivery Apps
If grocery shopping feels like another full-time job, grocery shopping and delivery apps are lifesavers for busy moms. (In South Africa I prefer the Checkers Sixty60 app.) Order your groceries online, to be delivered at your door. You’ll save time and avoid toddler tantrums in aisle three.
6. Snipping Tool
Need to quickly capture part of your screen? The Snipping Tool (pre-installed on most laptops) is a simple but mighty time-saver, especially for sharing info or creating quick tutorials.
Moms don’t have time to read long articles during the day. Instapaper lets you save articles to read offline later—perfect for those rare moments of quiet.
Turn car rides or workouts into productive sessions with audiobooks. Audible and Everand even let you speed up narration, so you can devour books while managing your day.
Need a logo, a quick translation, or some social media help? Fiverr connects you with freelancers worldwide who can take these tasks off your plate.
Todoist is a simple, intuitive app for tracking tasks and ticking off to-dos. With priority levels and recurring tasks, it keeps you on top of everything.
Upskilling doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Skillshare offers bite-sized video lessons on topics like photography, marketing, and productivity.
12. Google Drive
Sharing documents, storing files, or collaborating on a project? Google Drive is a reliable and easy-to-use option that ensures you’ll never lose track of an important file again.
Health is wealth, but who has the time to track everything? MyFitnessPal simplifies calorie counting and exercise tracking, helping you stay fit without overthinking it.
14. Zoom or Microsoft Teams
Whether it’s a quick work meeting or a parent-teacher conference, these apps keep you connected. Bonus: You can always claim “technical issues” if the meeting runs long.
Emails, reports, and even text messages can benefit from Grammarly. It’s like having your own proofreader to catch typos and awkward phrases.
16. Headphones or Earphones
When you need to focus amid chaos, a good pair of headphones can be your best friend. Use noise-canceling ones to block out distractions and power through your work.
17. Good Old Notebook
Sometimes, nothing beats pen and paper. A notebook is perfect for jotting down quick ideas or mapping out your goals without the temptation of notifications.
18. A Planner (Book)
Digital tools are great, but there’s something satisfying about writing on a physical planner. Choose one with plenty of space for notes and weekly overviews. Choose one from your favorite stationery store – or buy one on Etsy.
For moms-to-be, Ovia offers tracking for pregnancy milestones, health tips, and even baby name suggestions. It’s like having a virtual midwife in your pocket.
Practical Tips for Maximizing These Tools
- Start Small: You don’t need to use all 25 tools at once. Begin with 2-3 that address your biggest pain points.
- Automate When Possible: Use tools like Google Calendar or Todoist for reminders and recurring tasks to free up mental space.
- Set Boundaries: Block off time for focused work and let the kids know it’s mom’s “do not disturb” time.
- Mix Digital with Physical: Use a digital calendar for scheduling and a physical planner for long-term goal-setting.
- Batch Tasks: Dedicate specific times for similar tasks – like meal planning with MyFitnessPal and grocery shopping with a grocery shopping app.
Final Thoughts
Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently. These 19 productivity tools aren’t just “shiny object syndrome” contenders. They’re practical, mom-tested solutions to help you thrive in work and life. So, pick a couple and watch your chaos turn into calm – or at least organized chaos.
by Ilizna | Everything, Productivity
Time. The one thing we all want more of but can never seem to hold onto. As a busy career woman, and efficiency enthusiast, I’ve mastered a few time-saving tips outside the office. These tips aren’t groundbreaking, but they work – and that’s what matters. So, let’s dive into the little ways I’ve reclaimed my time (and my sanity).
1. Less Clothes
Gone are the days of staring at my closet like it’s a Sudoku puzzle. I’ve adopted a capsule-like wardrobe with mostly neutral basics that mix and match effortlessly. Think black tops, jeans and a few simple dresses. The result? I can get dressed in under two minutes flat and still look put-together enough for work and mom duties.
2. Minimalist Makeup
My makeup bag could probably fit in my pocket, and that’s the way I like it. My everyday makeup is simple and easy. Max 7 minutes. No drama. No 12-step makeup regimens that make me late for life.
3. Habit Bundling
In the productivity world, multitasking has become something of a bad word. “Focus on one thing at a time” is the new golden rule. I get it – but I also think multitasking, or habit bundling, still has its place when done thoughtfully. Here’s how I make it work for me:
- Lunch Prep Meets Learning: While I’m assembling my kids’ lunchboxes, I’ve got a podcast or audiobook playing in my earphones. For years, I’ve been obsessed with How I Built This (podcast) by Guy Raz. It’s inspiring to hear how entrepreneurs have built their dreams from the ground up – all while I’m slicing apples and grapes.
- Walking With a Purpose: My daily walks aren’t just for exercise. They’re also favourite audiobook time.
4. Grocery Shopping on Autopilot
I do most of my shopping online. With an app. And delivery. I’ve also got a running list of household essentials that must be in stock (think bread, milk, coffee and yoghurt). Whenever I’m running low, I add them to the cart in seconds. No wandering aisles or impulse buys here.
5. Batch Everything You Can
Doing similar tasks together saves me time and keeps my brain from shifting gears unnecessarily.
6. Ask for Help (And Expect It)
Gone are the days when women were expected to do it all – run the household, crush it at work, and look flawless while doing it. I’ve learned to ask for help when it’s not offered. I can’t and won’t do it all – and that’s okay. By handing over some responsibilities, I’m not only saving time but also setting a powerful example for my kids about teamwork and partnership.
That said, I understand that everyone’s situation looks different. Not everyone has a partner who can or will assist when help is asked, and some may not have a partner at all. In those cases, asking for help might mean leaning on extended family, trusted friends, or even outsourcing certain tasks when possible. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is recognizing that you don’t have to do everything alone and finding the support system that works for you.
What About You?
These tine-saving tips might seem random, but they add up to hours saved each week. What are some of your go-to time-saving tips?
by Ilizna | Everything
If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of self-development, you’ve probably stumbled across the concept of the “law of attraction.” It’s everywhere – a recurring theme in countless books, workshops, and motivational speeches. The idea is simple and alluring: dream it, see it, feel it, and then… don’t worry too much about the how. Just trust the universe, and voila! What you desire will come to you.
The Appeal of the Law of Attraction
It’s easy to see why the law of attraction is so appealing. Who doesn’t want to believe that thinking big and feeling good will effortlessly bring all your desires to life? It sounds simple, but there’s a downside.
The Dark Side of the Law of Attraction
The law of attraction can inadvertently promote toxic positivity, victim-blaming, and feelings of guilt and shame. The notion that negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes can leave people feeling responsible for their struggles. Rather than empowering them, it can foster self-doubt and inaction.
As Mark Manson explains in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, “Negative emotions are a call to action. When you feel them, it’s because you’re supposed to do something.” While thoughts and emotions are not the same, I believe that ignoring negative thoughts is linked to ignoring negative emotions. Both are signals that something needs to be addressed, urging you to take action and make a change.
Vision Boards and Goal Setting: Their Real Purpose
I’m all for dreaming, visualizing, and setting goals. In fact, having a clear vision is crucial—it’s what guides you. But vision boards and goal lists aren’t the entire solution. They’re part of the toolkit, not the whole thing.
The Law of Effection: A Practical Alternative
I agree more with MJ DeMarco’s “law of effection” from The Millionaire Fastlane. This law emphasizes creating value and taking action, rather than relying on just visualization. Your success is built on what you do and the value you bring, not what you wish for.
Action: The Missing Ingredient in Manifestation
Manifesting without action is like planning a road trip and never leaving the driveway. Sure, you know where you’re going, but nothing will happen unless you take the first step and keep moving forward.
Dream Big, But Do the Work
Dreams and goals are important, but consistent action is what makes things happen. Set your vision, but then get to work. Small steps, even when progress is slow, build momentum over time.
A Balanced Approach to Success
While the law of attraction has some value, relying on it alone is not enough. A positive mindset can help, but true success comes from action, not just wishful thinking.
My Takeaway: Action Over Attraction
I’ll continue setting goals and staying motivated, but I’ll focus more on what really matters: taking action, building momentum, and creating value. Because in the end, dreaming is easy – doing is where the magic happens.
by Ilizna | Everything, Goals
You’ve got big dreams and shiny goals – but here’s the question: should you share your goals with others or keep them locked up like a diary? The answer might just transform how you approach success.
The Great Goal Debate: Share or Don’t Share? If you’ve spent any time scrolling through self-help advice, you’ve likely encountered two opposing camps:
- The “Keep It to Yourself” Crew
This crowd believes your goals are sacred. According to their school of thought, sharing your goals:
- Opens the door to negativity (hello, bubble-bursters!).
- Triggers a psychological effect called “goal substitution” – you feel a tiny hit of accomplishment just by talking about it, which can zap your motivation to actually do it.
- The “Share It with the World” Squad
These folks argue that sharing your goals:
- Builds accountability. When others know, you’re less likely to quit.
- Creates opportunities for collaboration and growth. The more input you get, the better your ideas become.
Both Arguments Miss the Point. Here’s where things get interesting. Whether you share or don’t share, focusing too much on this decision is a distraction. The real problem? It pulls you away from what actually matters: doing the work.
My Take: Stop Overthinking, Start Doing. Forget about whether to announce your goals to the world or keep them private. Instead, adopt this mindset:
- Do the work first. When you’re in action mode, the goal naturally takes shape. Whether you’ve shared it or not becomes irrelevant because progress speaks louder than words.
- Let results do the talking. If sharing your wins feels right in the moment, do it. If not, keep building behind the scenes. The key is to stay focused on what moves the needle.
How to Focus on Action Over Decisions. Here are three steps to keep you on track:
- Set “Actionable” Goals
Goals like “get healthy” or “build a business” are too vague. Instead, break them down into actionable steps. For example, “exercise 3 times a week” or “create a business plan by the end of the month.”
- Start Small, but Start Now
Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you. Whether it’s a 10-minute brainstorming session or drafting a single email, progress compounds over time.
- Track Progress, Not Opinions
Use a journal, app, or checklist to monitor what you’ve accomplished. It’s about measuring your growth, not gathering applause.
The Bottom Line
The next time you’re tempted to post your big dreams or keep them tightly guarded, ask yourself: Am I using this as an excuse to procrastinate? Remember, the secret to achieving your goals isn’t about who knows or doesn’t know. It’s about what you do, consistently.
So, don’t worry about whether to share. Lace up your sneakers, open your laptop, or grab that paintbrush. The world doesn’t need your announcement; it needs your action.
by Ilizna | Everything, Goals
Does This Week Feel Like Last Week?
Here’s a tough question for you: Is this week shaping up to be a repeat of last week? Same routines, same habits, same results? And yet, are you expecting different outcomes? Let me tell you, that stuck, sinking feeling you’re experiencing is a call to action for change.
And that brings me to the first truth I wish every woman knew: you need goals. Without a goal, you’re a ship drifting in the ocean. No wind, no waves, just floating—getting nowhere fast. Worse still, it doesn’t matter how productive you are at doing no-purpose, no-goal tasks. Without a direction, all that effort is wasted energy.
What Goal? Just Pick One That Sparks You
Now, you might be thinking, What goal? Here’s the liberating part: it doesn’t need to be earth-shattering or perfect. If it excites you—if it lights a tiny fire inside and nudges you closer to the person you want to become—then it’s a great place to start. Want to feel healthier? Want a career change? Want to write a book, run a marathon, or finally get that promotion? All good goals. But without naming a goal, you’ll stay stuck on the hamster wheel, spinning and frustrated.
So, pause here. Name your goal. Write it down. Make it real.
The Mountain of Starting
Now for part two: the action. The idea of starting can feel like climbing Everest. You want to get fit, but where do you even begin? You hate your job, but updating your CV feels overwhelming. You dream of writing a book, but the thought of the blank page and finding time is enough to paralyze you.
Here’s the secret: don’t overcomplicate it. Just take the first step. Start small. It doesn’t need to be perfect or pretty; it just needs to happen. Let’s break it down:
- Fitness Goal: Put on your shoes and go for a walk. Or sign up for a fitness class. Don’t think too hard about it.
- Career Goal: Dust off that CV and email it to one company today. Just one.
- Writing Goal: Open your laptop and write one sentence. Yes, just one. That’s the start.
Momentum begins when you move. Finetuning, strategizing, and perfecting—that comes later. But right now? Just start. Action is the magic.
Stop Waiting for the Lucky Break
The biggest mistake I see women make is waiting. Waiting for the perfect moment. Waiting for someone to swoop in and save them. Waiting for a “lucky break.” But here’s the truth: you already have what you need to take the next step. No knight in shining Lamborghini is coming. You are the hero of this story.
My Challenge to You
Ladies, I’m challenging you today. Be clear about your goal. Choose something that excites you and feels like progress. Then tackle that first, simple step—today. No excuses. No procrastination. Just one action. Because here’s the truth: success isn’t about massive leaps. It’s about consistent, small steps.
Your future self is waiting for you on the other side of that first move. Go meet her. She’s amazing.
My Challenge to You
Ladies, I’m challenging you today. Be clear about your goal. Choose something that excites you and feels like progress. Then tackle that first, simple step – today. No excuses. No procrastination. Just one action. Because here’s the truth: success isn’t about massive leaps. It’s about consistent, small steps.
There’s no magic here or anywhere – and that, in itself, is the magic.
Just start.
