Imagine maintaining a thriving career, being a devoted mom, traveling frequently, and still finding the time to write a book. For many, it seems an impossible feat, but Brittany Hodak manages to do just that.
In an insightful conversation with Brittany, she shares her strategies for balancing these demanding roles, her unique approach to time management, and her definition of success.
Traveling and Time Management
One of the biggest challenges Brittany faces is the frequent travel her job requires. Travel can be an energy-draining process: from commuting to the airport, waiting in queues, to the flight itself, and repeating the same steps on the way back. Not to mention the recovery period once you return home. Despite these challenges, Brittany juggles her speaking commitments, book writing, and family life with remarkable effectiveness.
The “Time Genius” Approach
A couple of years ago, Brittany took Marie Forleo’s “Time Genius” course, which is designed to change how people think about time. She learned an important lesson. Marie Forleo stressed the importance of avoiding overwhelm. She taught herself to let go of these feelings because they are unproductive and only hinder real work. Brittany adopted this mindset by deciding not to let herself feel guilty.
Every child is unique, but even the same child is different at different times.
Overcoming Guilt
The idea of “I don’t do guilt” became Brittany’s mantra. This shift in mindset allowed her to be fully present with her children when at home and wholly focused on her career during work hours. While guilt is a common emotion for many working moms, Brittany realized that dwelling on it benefits no one.
Last year, Brittany faced a challenging moment when work commitments caused her to miss both of her kids’ birthdays. Initially, she felt like a terrible mom but quickly shifted her perspective. Rather than letting guilt consume her, she decided to make their birthday celebrations exceptionally memorable when she returned. This approach not only allowed her to be more present and effective but also set a positive example for her children.
Being Present and Focused
Releasing guilt and staying focused has empowered Brittany to excel in all areas of her life. Whether she’s writing, giving a presentation, or spending time with her kids, she strives to be fully present. This mindset enhances her productivity and allows her to deliver her best in every situation.
Defining Success
When asked how she defines success, Brittany’s answer is poignant and thought-provoking:
“Success is having the freedom to choose.”
Throughout her career, Brittany faced moments where she felt compelled to say yes to projects and trips out of financial necessity, even when her heart wasn’t in it. She realized that true success means having the autonomy to say no to things that don’t align with her values and priorities.
Conclusion: Navigating Life’s Complexities
Brittany’s story is indeed one of balancing act, resilience, and self-awareness. Her journey sheds light on the common struggles many working moms face and offers practical advice on overcoming them.
By refusing to let guilt dictate her actions, Brittany shows us that it is possible to honor your professional ambitions while also being there for your family. Her philosophy of being present and focused is not just about productivity, it’s about enriching the moments that matter most, whether in business or at home.
Success, as Brittany defines it, transcends conventional metrics of achievement. It’s about having the liberty to make choices that resonate with your true self—choices that bring you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. This freedom to choose aligns your actions with your values, creating a harmonious blend of career and personal life.
If you like more conversations about thriving and living fully as a working mom, check out my podcast, The Savvy Working Mom, on Spotify or anywhere you listen to your podcasts. We also talk a lot about prioritization, time management, how to be more fulfilled, and how to find peace in this overwhelming world we live in.
Don’t forget to sign up for my free resource library. You’ll get free printable worksheets, workbooks, and checklists to help with goal setting, time management, and self-care for busy moms.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, follow these 4 easy steps to find some peace: How To Get Unstuck.
