You Feel Like There’s Never Enough Time? It’s Not Your Fault

Do you ever feel like there just isn’t enough time in the day? Between work, kids, household tasks, and trying to stay on top of everything, it can feel like you’re constantly running on empty. And if you’re anything like most working moms, you probably think you need to do more to get everything done—especially as the holidays approach. But here’s the truth: it’s not your fault.

We’ve all been there—juggling endless to-do lists while keeping up with work deadlines and managing family life. For working moms, time seems like the ultimate enemy, and the guilt often sets in when we feel we’re not doing enough. But here’s the kicker: the problem isn’t the time itself—it’s the way we perceive it. Society pushes us to believe that we have to do more, work harder, and sacrifice ourselves in the process. And during busy times like the holidays, it only gets worse.

The real issue isn’t the lack of time, but the scarcity mindset we’ve been conditioned to embrace. We’ve been told time is a limited resource, and we internalize that belief. But what if time didn’t have to be scarce? What if, instead of focusing on how little time you have, you shifted your perspective to see time as abundant, with plenty of opportunities to prioritize what really matters to you?

By reframing time as something you can manage and shape, you give yourself the power to break free from this constant stress cycle. The truth is, you can create time for what’s important.

Here are some practical steps you can start implementing today to take back control of your time and reduce that overwhelming feeling of scarcity:

• Identify your priorities: What are the things that truly matter to you? Focus on your non-negotiables—work, family, self-care—and let go of the rest.
• Learn to say no: Saying no to things that drain your energy or aren’t aligned with your priorities is a powerful act of self-care.
• Embrace flexibility: Time doesn’t need to be rigid. Create space for spontaneity and give yourself permission to adjust your plans when life doesn’t go according to schedule.
• Break tasks into smaller chunks: If big tasks overwhelm you, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small wins as you go along.

As an expat working mom, I’ve learned to navigate different cultures, languages, and expectations. There have been many moments when I’ve felt like I was running out of time—especially around the holidays when expectations can feel particularly high. I had to learn to let go of the image of "perfect" holidays I grew up with. Instead, I’ve embraced simplicity: creating little traditions that my family enjoys, even if they don’t look like what I remember. It’s about being present, not perfect.

So, this holiday season (or any time of year), remember that you have the power to shift how you view time. Let go of the myth of time scarcity, and create a reality where time is abundant, flexible, and most importantly, yours. You can achieve your goals, enjoy your family, and still make space for yourself—all without sacrificing your well-being.

I’d love to hear how you’re working to change your relationship with time. What’s one way you’re going to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset? Share your thoughts with me in the comments, or on Linkedin—I can’t wait to hear your ideas!