The things we think we ‘should’ be doing are very rarely what we want to do and more often about what’s expected from us.

 

‘Should’s’ can invoke strong emotions and more often than not, they have the opposite effect to what we intend – instead of propelling us into action, something in us rebels.

We either self-sabotage ourselves into procrastination, sidelining the very thing we ‘should’ be doing. Or even if we act on the ‘should, we feel utterly rubbish whilst doing it.

If we’re really honest, the things we think we ‘should’ be doing are very rarely what we want to do and more often about what’s expected from us.

This is even more difficult when you’re a mum and juggling not just what’s best for you but also for your children, made even more complicated with the million and one opinions on what careers are acceptable and how you ‘should’ be mothering.

As a result, we often find ourselves in jobs or parenting in ways that are unaligned with who we really are – all because we think that’s what we ‘should’ be doing.

The result?

A heady mix of frustration, stress and feeling like a hamster on a wheel – often with a side of complete overwhelm when you begin thinking of changing your situation because it all feels too confusing and complicated.

So how can you ditch the ‘should’s’ and create a career (and life) you love in 2025?

1. Recognise
When feeling utterly overwhelmed, being really honest about what isn’t working is the start. Identify the areas you’re struggling in and remind yourself of your values. I have often found that looking at friction through a values lens is illuminating in understanding why something jars or not.

2. Reveal
If anything was possible, who would you want to be? Now consider the gap between who you are now and who you would like to be and give yourself permission to find small steps to bridge that gap. You will be surprised at what’s possible and how small steps can add up.

3. Reconnect
Be curious about your dreams and desires and allow yourself to believe that you have the skills (or can acquire them) to make them your reality. What talents and skills do you have right now? What are your passions and interests? What are 10 things you’ve achieved that you are really proud of?

Write those down and remind yourself often.

4. Resource
By this point, you may be thinking that you do not have the necessary money, time, courage or [insert other perceived limitation]. Commit to working through these. Jen Sincero is a brilliant author to help you get started.

5. Reset
I believe you deserve a career and life that lights you up. Do you?

Until you believe that you are worthy of a career and life you truly love, little will change. So identify a practice that works for you and commit to that until you find your beliefs about yourself begin to change.

As a Transformative Coach & (EFT) Tapping Practitioner, I have created something special to make this the year you move closer to a life you truly love.

Tapping is a powerful & evidence-based practice that combines principles of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology to tap into the body’s own healing power. It involves tapping your body’s meridian points to relieve symptoms of negative experience or emotion, improve the flow of energy and bring balance back to the body.

 

Tap with me into your best year yet – and choose this as your moment to reset and to give yourself permission to go after that career (and life) that lights you up inside out.

You can also find out more about working with me via my profile page here on the Careering into Motherhood website.

February 7, 2025