Work-life balance is a myth.

Inspired by Indira Nooyi’s words—“There is no work-life balance; you can only juggle priorities”—here’s what I’ve learned as a new mom (of a 4-month-old) and corporate product leader.

Balancing leadership responsibilities with motherhood isn’t easy. Here’s advice I’ve gathered from veteran moms and tested myself.

1. Stop Relying on Fixed Cut-Off Times
   The traditional 9-5 doesn’t align with our digitally connected lives. Instead, define flexible boundaries. For me, this means setting “family time” and “no-work hours,” while reserving deep work windows.

My goal isn’t a clear cut-off but a *blend* where I can be mentally and physically present for both family and work when needed.

2. Delegate Intentionally
   Delegation is vital—but it must be purposeful and with intent. If delegation creates decision fatigue for you, you need to re-evaluate.

At home, husband and I split duties based on our strengths, reducing decision fatigue, where we get the task done, without much involvement from other person. At work, I delegate in ways that minimize my need for follow-ups, empowering my team to lead independently and reach where they need support.

3. Focus on Closing “Brain Tabs” and forget multitasking
   Multitasking drains focus. I prioritize closing 1-2 mental “tabs” each day. You know the mental tabs of " I need to buy milk","I need to call insurance", "I need to call the bank","I need to buy winter clothes for the kid" etc where each task is almost a category of its own.

My brain tabs have tasks in categories - 3 kitchen tasks, project A, project B, 2 House tasks, kid, self-care, etc. My goal in fringe hours is to tackle specific tasks in categories and close the "brain tabs"

Multitasking feels necessary—but it’s draining our mental power. Instead, I've learned to batch tasks and fully close a few “brain tabs” each day. It's about making progress, not doing it all.

4. Mindful Media Consumption
   Remember –You are the sum of the content you consume, not just 5 people around as the old saying goes. Social media and content are part of our lives. Consume wisely.
5. Sleep and Self-Care look different every day and that's okay
   Find small rituals that energize you, like a skincare routine or a peaceful cup of coffee, to ground your day.

For me sleep and self-care look different each day, I do try and get good 5-7 hours each day. but sometimes the 5-7 hours are not in one go and I take naps in the day to give myself the needed rest.

Another example is skin care, for the last decade or so I have been on a solid 5-6 step skincare routine and couldn't sleep without it. Now some days my skin care routine is 2 steps and thats perfectly okay because I still do it. It gives me joy.

6. Establish Routines to Reduce Decision Fatigue
   Routines aren’t just time-savers; they eliminate unnecessary decisions. Fixed blocks for work meetings and family time help keep both worlds from overlapping, making it easier to blend and integrate.

I hope these tips help you in some way and if they do, do write me back, I reply to all DMs and emails.

See you next week!

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Nazuk