A Working Mama's Guide to Hitting Reset When You're Stuck in a Rut

As working mothers, we’re always juggling a thousand things—work deadlines, school pickups, meal prep, and somehow finding a moment for ourselves. But no matter how capable we are of handling the chaos, we all hit moments where life feels a little... stuck. Like you’re going through the motions, but there’s no spark left, and the days start blending into each other. Sound familiar?

It’s totally normal to fall into a rut, especially when you’re managing both a career and family. But getting out of that rut? That’s where things get tricky. The good news is that with a few mindset shifts and intentional actions, you can hit the reset button and reignite your sense of purpose and motivation.

Here are five steps to help you reset when you’re feeling stuck in a rut:

1. Recognise the Signs

Before you can hit reset, you need to recognise that you're actually in a rut. Are you feeling uninspired by things that used to excite you? Is there a sense of boredom or restlessness in your day-to-day routine? Maybe you're constantly tired or lacking motivation even after a decent night's sleep.

The first step to change is acknowledging where you are. Accepting that you're in a rut doesn't mean you're failing; it simply means you're ready for something new. Give yourself grace—life as a working mum is demanding, and sometimes we just need a little reset to get back on track.

2. Reflect on What’s Draining You

One of the key reasons we get stuck is because we’re pouring our energy into things that aren’t fulfilling us. Spend some time reflecting on where your energy is going. Is there a particular part of your job that’s draining you? Are you over-committed to things outside of work? Is your self-care falling through the cracks?

Sometimes, a lack of boundaries or saying "yes" too often can lead to exhaustion and feelings of being stuck. By pinpointing the specific areas that are draining you, you can make space to reprioritise and focus on what truly matters.

3. Reconnect with Your Why

When we’re deep in the daily grind, it’s easy to lose sight of why we’re doing it all in the first place. Take a moment to step back and ask yourself: What’s driving me? What are my core values? What kind of life am I trying to create for myself and my family?

Reconnecting with your “why” helps reignite the passion behind your actions. It could be as simple as remembering the pride you feel in providing for your family, the joy of being a role model for your kids, or the personal fulfilment that comes from doing work that challenges you. By rediscovering your purpose, you’ll feel recharged and ready to take on what’s next.

4. Switch Up Your Routine

When life feels monotonous, even the smallest change in routine can have a huge impact on your mindset. Shake things up by introducing something new or different into your daily routine. It could be as simple as trying a new morning ritual, like journaling or a quick workout, or rearranging your workspace for a fresh perspective.

You could also look at how you spend your free time—if it’s even existent! Start by blocking out a little bit of time for something just for you, whether that’s reading, walking in nature, or catching up with a friend. A change in routine can shift your mindset from stuck to refreshed.

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

When you’re in a rut, big goals can feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the bigger picture, break things down into smaller, achievable steps. Is there a small project at work you’ve been putting off? Maybe you want to reclaim your weekends for family time or finally pick up that hobby you’ve been meaning to get back into.

Setting small, manageable goals helps you build momentum, giving you that sense of accomplishment we often lose when we feel stuck. Plus, once you start ticking off those smaller wins, you'll find the motivation to tackle larger challenges with more clarity and focus.

A Gentle Reminder: You Are Allowed to Pause

It's okay to step back, reassess, and hit pause when needed. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling stuck—it happens to the best of us. Life isn’t a constant sprint, and you don’t have to power through everything. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is pause, reflect, and reset.

Take the Next Step

If you're feeling stuck in a rut and need a structured way to get back on track, The Strategy Planner can help. Designed specifically for busy working mums, it’s a tool that helps you map out your vision, set clear goals, and reflect on your progress, giving you the clarity you need to move forward with purpose. Remember, hitting reset is not about doing more—it's about doing what truly matters. You’ve got this!