The CEO Mom’s Secret: How to Manage 3 Under 3 with a Simple Framework (Part 1)
When you become a mom, the rhythm of your days is no longer your own. The calm routines you once had are replaced by a beautiful, unpredictable chaos. But what if you could take control of your mornings and set the tone for the entire day?
That's what this is. A framework for a morning routine built not just to save time—but to save you.
This isn’t about waking up at 4 am or being a perfect mom. It’s about a set of consistent, purposeful actions broken down into four key categories: Mental & Physical Readiness, Nourishment, Planning, and Family Connection.
Mental & Physical Readiness
In the beginning of this journey, I didn’t start with a perfect routine. I’ve had to figure out what works best through a process of trial and error. The only constant was the "why." My goal was to create a routine that gave me the energy and discipline to navigate the demands of motherhood.
For me, that meant mastering a morning workout. My gym doesn’t have a fancy app, and my coffee pot won’t brew itself. So out of bed I am every morning, hitting the brew button before lacing up my sneakers. I’m at the gym and home by 6 am for that first glorious sip.
Getting in a grueling workout first thing in the morning covers three crucial areas for a mom: energy, health, and discipline. If I can prove to myself that I can do something hard before the sun is even up, I can handle whatever the day throws at me, which with three kids under six, can be a lot. The mental and overall wellness I get from my workouts keeps the routine going, and the energy it provides is what I rely on to get me through the rest of the day.
The next step is crucial. Getting yourself fully ready—showered, with your hair and makeup done, and in real clothes—not only adds to your mental readiness, but it trains your mind to switch to business mode.
I highly suggest you add getting ready into your morning routine. Try it for a week straight and tell me you don't go into the day feeling completely different.
Nourishment
Remember, nurturing your body with the right foods is not just about physical health; it's a form of self-respect and love. Motherhood is demanding, and our nutrition shouldn't be a source of stress. It should be a path of wellness and joy.
I've learned that in order to perform at the level motherhood requires, I must eat to fuel my day. For me, that means staying away from heavy meals that make me sluggish. I save those for dinner, where I get to expand.
I'm a creature of habit, and I think we all are. Eating the same breakfast and lunch is just easier; it's one less decision to make each day, and as moms we know how many decisions we must make each day.. For me, breakfast is a choice between oatmeal, avocado on bread, or a protein shake. Lunch is typically a slice of sourdough with mozzarella, topped with olive oil and tomatoes.
These simple, nutrient-rich meals keep me full, are easy to make, and give me the consistent energy I need to operate at my best.
Planning & Preparation
During my 10-year career in accounting, I lived for making to-do lists in my office. I had three different colored post-it notes that represented daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. This section is very close to my heart because making lists is what brought me back to who I was before I was a mother.
About a week into bringing our second daughter home and entering life with two kids under two, I felt myself losing another piece of me. In that moment, while I was watching my almost 2 year old eat breakfast and breastfeeding my newborn while sipping luke-warm coffee, had a vivid image of being back in my office, making my lists on post-it notes.
Just like that, it clicked. What started as a memory turned into me taking action with daily to-do lists, and before I knew it, I felt purpose, calm, balance, and accomplishment. Over time, the list-making became a tool I used daily. It helped me create systems that turned into daily routines.
This is the masterpiece of motherhood logistics. Most days I write down even the most mundane tasks—things like "wipe countertops" or "10-minute pick-up"—because sometimes, the easiest tasks can feel like mountains. But checking them off your list provides a tangible sense of accomplishment that fuels you for the rest of the day.
I want you to start looking at your mornings as a fresh opportunity to calm the chaos through pen to paper. Each morning, grab your favorite pen and map out the day so you can set yourself up for success. If you can do this before the kids are up, great! If not, there have been plenty of times I’ve been found sitting right next to my girls at the table during breakfast, “discussing” what we were going to do that day.
Your meals should be a reflection of the care and love you give to your family and yourself, a balance of nutrition and pleasure. This is my secret sauce.
Your Roadmap to a More Joyful Day
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t have to be your normal. What if your mornings became a roadmap for the rest of your day—a time for a quiet ritual that fills up your cup? There’s a certain magic in that first sip of coffee after a morning workout, a reward if you will. It’s a moment of transition from energy spent to energy gained for the day ahead.
Ready to find your roadmap?
If you're looking for a simple, actionable framework to organize your daily chaos, you'll love the Brewing Motherhood digital guide (Coming SOON)! It's the complete system for running your family like a business, so you can find yourself again in the beautiful mess of it all.
