A little over two years ago, I got the best promotion I could have ever asked for! I decided to hang up my suits and traded them in for sweats, I retired straightened hair for a bun on top of my head, I said goodbye to clients and hello to a cute baby, I put money away and let all of the hugs and cuddles come my way. I was very sad to leave the best company EVER – But I finally got to live my dream job… I became A MOM.
I have held a lot of great jobs that I have LOVED in my life! From my first job at a Scrapbook Store when I was 15 years old, to a Sales Manager at one of the most beautiful, 5 Diamond hotels on the Las Vegas strip – I found happiness. With each and every role that I held, I tried my very best to be as successful as possible. I worked hard and always tried to get that next promotion that opened up.
Over the past year, I have learned {and continue to learn DAILY} on how to be the most successful mom possible. Not “successful” like with an abundance of wealth or riches, but “successful” as happiness and satisfaction. To me, a successful mom may not have all of the money in the world, but is a mom who finds joy each day with her children, as she treasures her role in motherhood.
Today we have 10 Habits Of A Successful Mom. A few things that you can think about to become the happiest mother possible.
1. TAKE TIME FOR YOU: It is SO important to take time for yourself. Mom’s lives can get so busy with cleaning, cooking, running errands and playing, all while trying to deal with finances, kissing boo-boos and singing songs. Do something you love EVERY day. After the kids are down, take a few minutes for yourself. Read a book. Take a warm bath. Go to Target. Call your mom or friend. Do something you LOVE. Your health and your sanity is extremely important, so you can take care of your babies the next day.
2. LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING: Learn to laugh. Nothing is going to be perfect – there are going to be days where you actually just want to cry! But learn to laugh. We all make mistakes – but everything works out. I find it helpful to laugh in some of the most stressful situations.
In fact, one day I was running out the door and my girl had a dirty diaper, so I ran back in to change her. That was when I noticed it was not only a dirty diaper… but it was a dirty BODY. It was EVERYWHERE. So I put her in the bath and cleaned her up… right when I was getting the towel, she pooped AGAIN. But this time, it wasn’t all over her, but it was IN THE BATH! For her health and safety, I pulled her out as I cleaned the tub.
I honestly wanted to cry – but I decided I just needed to laugh. The situation just kept getting worse and worse, and I wanted to give up! But I found as I laughed about it… everything seemed to be okay.
3. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SCHEDULE: I find that my most successful days as a mom are the days I wake up early and get going quickly. I love getting showered in the morning so I can start my daily check-list of things to do. Get into a routine of waking up and doing what you need to do.
I have a crazy obsession with my kitchen. It HAS to be clean before I do anything. So, I wake up and clean the kitchen each morning. That way if nothing gets done the rest of the day, at least I feel good about something. Find out what kind of schedule works best for you and stick with it.
4. FOCUS ON FAMILY: Family should always come first. Your spouse and your children should be your very first priority. “Let your first interest be in your home. The baby you hold in your arms will grow quickly as the sunrise and the sunset of the rushing days,” said Gordon B. Hinckley.
Take time for your children. Have them sit on your lap and read a book. Get on your hands and knees and play with their blocks and trucks. The more time you spend with them, the more your love for them will grow, and the happier and more successful mom you will be.
5. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN…AND THAT IS OKAY: Not only is it okay, but it is a good thing! Leave the kids with your husband, mom, friend, babysitter – and have a little Girls Night Out! I remember the first time I left my new baby, I seriously almost had a meltdown. I missed her so much! Get out and have fun with your lady friends. It is good for you to still have friends and to still socialize. You totally deserve it too!
6. CREATE A HAPPY, HEALTHY HOUSE: I once saw a sign that said, “Please excuse the mess, my kids are busy making memories.” I LOVE that! Although it is so important to have a clean house, I am a big believer in creating a happy house too.
Often times, I will get done mopping our floors and suddenly little toes come running down the hall that I JUST cleaned. Permanent little feet marks are always on my wood floors. It use to stress me out – but then I realized that it is okay! Our houses don’t need to be perfect – one day we will miss those little feet and hand marks all over the place.
7. DONT WORRY ABOUT THE JONESES: Always remember we don’t see EVERYTHING. Just because someone’s life looks flawless on Facebook, doesn’t mean that is truly how it is. Everyone has trials. Everyone has bad days. Stop comparing and just do your best.
8. CALL FOR HELP: I have learned that it is okay to ask for help. In fact, we can’t do it alone. If you don’t have a husband to call – call your mom, call a friend, call a neighbor. We all need support. Someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a person to make us laugh. Reach out for help and don’t be shy. I use to think I needed to be SUPER MOM and do everything all on my own, but I quickly learned that I can’t do it ALL, I need some serious help!
9. LEARN HOW TO SAY “NO”: This is a hard one for me, but I am slowly learning how to say it. Successful moms know where to draw the line in service, in party planning, in recreation, in volunteering, in church, in EVERYTHING. As you get wrapped up in special events and groups – people will seek for your help and ask you to make dinner for someone, plan a program, drop the kids off and then pick them up and babysit all in one day. It is okay to say “no” sometimes. You can’t do it all. Only put as much as you can handle into your schedule.
10. DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, IN THE BEST WAY YOU KNOW: Lastly, just do your very best! My mom texted me this quote the other day and it brought me a lot of comfort. It said, “I feel to invite women everywhere, to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your normal capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do, in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.”
These 10 habits are the perfect start for you to become the most successful mom! “Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.” – Sharon Jaynes
Do you love being a mom? Don’t forget to share! –
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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Sarah
June 19, 2017 at 8:19 am (8 years ago)Being a mother is such a beautiful thing. I being a mom of 1 girl i feel so proud and blessed to. I also understand the value of a true mom through my beloved mom. She always strugled alot to make sure we got everything we needed. So single day ended without her endless love towards us. Thanks to pinterest for considering our moms.
melissa austen
April 18, 2016 at 4:31 pm (9 years ago)where did you get those CUTE tights in the picture??
melissa austen
April 18, 2016 at 4:30 pm (9 years ago)Hi Danielle , loved your post and also loved the tights you are sporting in the photo. Where did get them? I hope you can let me know.
Thanks,
Melissa
salma
March 7, 2016 at 4:36 pm (9 years ago)The minute I started reading tears were dropping off without a wink…I a mom of 2 girls and a boy of 7,6 and 4 years old..it is a huge responsability to raise a human to be..in an other hand you find yourself in a re education mode..goodluck to everywoman outthere
Kristie
February 25, 2016 at 8:37 pm (9 years ago)Great perspective! And I totally agree! Love being a mom, but I need girl time and me time!
Regina
February 11, 2016 at 8:48 am (9 years ago)This is such a great post! These 10 things are of utmost importance. Boundaries in every aspect of our life definitely makes for better days. P.s. my daughter did the same thing before & I had to laugh so I wouldn’t bawl my eyes out lol. Thanks for sharing your heart Danielle! God bless.
Anna
February 5, 2016 at 8:25 pm (9 years ago)I really needed this. “The struggle is real” as it has been said. We are working on bedtimes and not sleeping on top of Mami and Papi. It can be so draining, pushing my day to start later and later each morning. And so the cycle continues. But I know that we can have success in these things, that eventually my energy will boost and my children will sleep and my house will be organized, lived in, but organized. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
<3
Anna
Nida
February 1, 2016 at 11:25 am (9 years ago)Thanks for the great advice. I believe its going to help me a lot.
phyllis sheetz
August 18, 2016 at 11:22 pm (8 years ago)I absolutely loved this post. I am a stay home mommy to a 9 month old little boy and I am currently working towards a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice taking online courses. I completely understand the responsibility and hard work it takesto raise a child. My favorite thing about this post is the part that tells you to always laugh. One of the very first baths I ever gave my son, I had a similar experience… I put my baby in the bath and I had only done it once before and all of a sudden, he pooped all over the bathtub. I picked him up and cleaned it and then I found myself hosing my kid down with the shower head with tears running down my cheeks because all I could think was “I cant even give him a bath, how am I supposed to be a good mom?” And then he looked at me with his big blue eyes and he smiled and thats when I realized I wasnt doing anything wrong and I laughed about it. To this day, I laugh about everything with my baby. He has learned to crawl and pull himself up on the furniture and every time I tell him no, he looks at me, smiles, and goes for it anyways. You can understand how exhausting this could be. I have learned to just laugh with him. I get on the floor like a little kid, chase him around on my hands and knees and that little laugh makes it all worth it.
Jenn @ A Southern Inspired home
February 1, 2016 at 12:30 am (9 years ago)Such a great list! It’s SO important for us not to lose our identities as individuals separate from being mommy or wife and not to put ourselves last once we become wives and mothers. I know for myself this has been a struggle and I’ve been a mother for over 20 years now! We really are cheating ourselves and our families by not making that a big priority. I think if we are happy first & foremost that will flow over into every aspect of our lives. And you are SO 100% right! Those precious little darlings grow up so fast! I love that you said you always have footprints on your wood floors. I do too & I don’t care! I once left my youngest son’s tiny 1 year old little handprint on my living room mirror for about 3 months because I wanted to keep his little hand frozen in time. I’m so sentimental & sappy that way! Lol! But I raised 2 daughters in my 20’s,remarried at 38 & now have 2 boys ages 4 & 2 1/2. I know all too well how quickly their lives go by. One day you’re holding those tiny little bundles next to you & it seems like in a blink of the eye they’re off at college! My house can be spotless when these boys are grown. Right now in our home the most important thing is making great memories. In 20 years our children will remember the time we spent with them, the laughter and how they felt. Not the mess.
Tessa Kirby
January 28, 2016 at 2:36 am (9 years ago)Danielle! I absolutely love this piece! I can relate in SO many ways being a stay at home mom myself! I actually just wrote a VERY similar blog about balancing life as a mom, wife, blogge, etc. check it out if you have a chance, you’ll find some very similar tips 🙂
http://www.tessakirby.com/motherhood/howtobalancebeingmomwifeblogger
Melanie
January 21, 2016 at 10:37 pm (9 years ago)Great post with good advice and encouragement for moms with children of all ages. I am a homeschooling mom to 5 children whose ages range down from 18 years to 6 years. Your tips are wise words for every mom still raising a family. 🙂
Nina
January 18, 2016 at 7:29 pm (9 years ago)I LOVE this post. I’m 3 and a half months into my first pregnancy and my husband and I are so giddy to be parents! I will be a stay at home mom, an adjustment that has actually developed over the past year after we got married and I didn’t find work in a new city… then got pregnant.. and it all fell into place! I love these tips and I will look forward to re-reading this when the little one arrives! Thanks for the great list!
Sarah
January 10, 2016 at 12:02 am (9 years ago)Great article. About a year ago, my husband left and I now have sole custody of our 2 children. I’m learning that I *have* to take some time for myself. Even if it’s just to read a book or lock the door while I take a bath! If not, I’ll get overwhelmed and not be the best mama I can be. I really enjoyed this article. And where did you get your outfit in this picture? I love those pants!
Diya
December 26, 2015 at 4:01 am (9 years ago)Love your post… It gives a fresh start to my day.
Sabine
October 25, 2015 at 3:40 pm (9 years ago)Thank you so much for this post it is wonderful, it made me cry I related to it so much!
Thank you for such refreshing and honest advice, it’s reassuring to know I’m not alone with parenting gets tough. Thank you for reminding us it truly is the most important thing ❤️❤️ xx
Mim
October 19, 2015 at 2:08 am (9 years ago)I love this whole post! I have been thinking about this a lot, and as a mom who seldom gets breaks from the children (no girl time for me), I love that you start off with me time. I used to have a hard time with finding time for myself and I would be grouchy because of it, but I find that while the little kids nap or after al the kids go to sleep (if I haven’t fallen asleep too) I am able to get some me time in and that is so important for my own well being. Thank you for this post!
Liz
October 3, 2015 at 2:56 am (9 years ago)I recently found your blog through Pinterest and am so excited! I spent my sons entire nap time browsing your site! Thank you and I can’t wait to practice what I have read so far 💙
bukola
August 18, 2015 at 12:02 pm (9 years ago)This is beautiful. Every point really makes sense. Thanke Danielle. God bless u. Am really blessed
Jeannine
August 18, 2015 at 4:55 am (9 years ago)Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing and I’m going to try making sure my kitchen is my first priority in the morning, might work a little better than being my last. 🙂
Danielle
August 6, 2015 at 1:33 am (9 years ago)I love the ideas you put forth in this post!!! I really want my readers to know about this too! I want to share this in my weekly series called “Roll Out The Red Carpet Thursday” – I share bloggers’ amazing posts that I’ve found during the week. I hope that’ ok! Have a great night!
Sana
August 3, 2015 at 6:37 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for this Wonderful article. I m mother of 3 little boys and the article is very helpful to me…..
Karen Barahona
August 3, 2015 at 4:41 am (9 years ago)Hi! In Nov of this year, I will become a Mom for the very first time. And it is so scare to me figure out how can I leave my job for two months and how this will impact in my life emotionally.
Sorry if I write or express wrong my native lenguge is Spanish.
Regards from Honduras!
Mariah
July 29, 2015 at 11:44 pm (9 years ago)Love this read.❤
Kelly
July 26, 2015 at 7:45 pm (9 years ago)Such a beautifully written post! Every mother needs to read this! I agree, life is better when you’re laughing 🙂
Jessica
March 7, 2015 at 5:06 pm (10 years ago)Such an encouraging post. Thank you for reminding us that we’re doing great even if we’re not perfect! I love your blog!
Danielle Davis
March 10, 2015 at 10:29 pm (10 years ago)Hi Jessica! I am so happy you stopped by! You’re totally right, we all aren’t perfect but every day that we get up and try a littler harder to be a litter better we are being examples for our families. Thanks so much for your comment!
Sara Marie Cook
February 22, 2015 at 2:28 pm (10 years ago)this is a beautiful blog! So inspiring, truthful and positive. Great job mama! I think maybe we could work together… Contact me!
Danielle Davis
February 24, 2015 at 4:49 pm (10 years ago)Hi Sara! So nice of you to comment! I love collaborating with other bloggers and I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by today!
Tanya
October 6, 2014 at 2:44 am (10 years ago)You know that feeling when you meet someone and you know instantly you’re kindred spirits? That’s the vibe I get from you after reading multiple posts. That’s because you’re authetic, write from the heart fearlessly and believe in yourself! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and positivity. I loved this post! Xoxo
Tanya
k
August 1, 2014 at 3:33 pm (10 years ago)Thank you so much for the wonderful words of wisdom. Indeed you are being a great help to mothers like me who needs encouragement as well as mentoring. Btw, my daughter’s 2nd namr is also danielle. 🙂
Julie Ervin
July 13, 2014 at 3:27 am (10 years ago)It’s so good to hear positive words about motherhood! Thank you for being so upbeat and encouraging and posting this. The world needs more gals like you to help boost others up. I definitely LOVE motherhood, and it is hard at times, but just take one day at a time. One thing I try to do everyday is enjoy my children. To hold them a little longer, play with them more, really listen to them when they are talking to me. I realize these moments won’t be around forever.
Tiffany
June 22, 2014 at 9:54 pm (11 years ago)Love this! And you’re right, life IS better when you’re laughing! There are so many opportunities in motherhood to get frustrated, but it’s so much easier to just laugh about it. And it sets such a great example for your kids if you laugh instead of getting upset.
Lauren
June 18, 2014 at 1:37 am (11 years ago)So needed to read!! I’m juggling two boys and on summer vacation now from teaching and boy was it hard to get back in mommy mode. I’ve noticed that these 10 things were things I needed to hear. My four year old is giving me a hard time and I feel like a failure which then leads to my little one doing the same and so on. I was feeling stressed but reading this has enlightened me. Thank You!
April Hammond
May 20, 2014 at 11:28 am (11 years ago)Great tips! I would also add- Families that pray and play together, stay together. I can’t wait until I am a mom. In a couple years I will be adopting and I can not wait!!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 9:54 pm (11 years ago)April, thank you so much for your kind words. I love that phrase you shared about praying and playing together. I am so excited for you to become a mom! Keep me updated on the adoption process. I wish you the very best!
Ana Lynn
May 20, 2014 at 11:06 am (11 years ago)Awesome tips, I am happy to say I have most of those habits if not all. Took me a while to relax and accept the mess but I did and now I feel much better and I’m not stressing about it. Also, laughter… laughter helps always!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 9:58 pm (11 years ago)Ana, that is awesome that you have almost all of these habits down! Way to go! I totally agree with the laughter aspect. I always loved the phrase, 7 days without laughter makes one weak. Thanks for your comments and for being awesome.
Michelle F.
May 20, 2014 at 5:17 am (11 years ago)Those are really great tips. I have learned to take time for me by going to the gym.
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 9:59 pm (11 years ago)Michelle, congrats on getting to the gym. That is currently a goal I am working to do too. Thanks for your comments!
Miranda Sherman
May 20, 2014 at 3:46 am (11 years ago)I love this and I think it crucial moms out there remember to forget keeping up with the joneses. It’s not a competition, no matter how much everyone else does it!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:00 pm (11 years ago)Miranda, you are so right. Keeping up with the Joneses is such a hard thing to work on. It’s not a competition like you said. Being happy with what you have is such an important thing. Thanks for commenting!
Rena (An Ordinary Housewife)
May 20, 2014 at 2:21 am (11 years ago)I struggle with a few of these sometimes. And I can definitely relate to #2! It can be miserable trying to potty train a toddler while pregnant and achy!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:02 pm (11 years ago)Rena, I am definitely not looking forward to potty training. Do you have any tips on how to do it successfully?
Sara
May 20, 2014 at 1:45 am (11 years ago)Ah yes, number 1. All of these tips are so great but number 1 is always the hardest, no? Scheduling “me” time really helps me put things into focus. It’s work taking care of everyone else- but taking care of me is important too!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:02 pm (11 years ago)Sara, you are right on. Me time is hard to get but when you do it is SO worth it. What do you do with your “me” time?
Reesa Lewandowski
May 20, 2014 at 12:54 am (11 years ago)Thanks for this! I have been struggling big time lately!
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:03 pm (11 years ago)Reesa, I am so sorry to hear that you have been struggling recently. Your family is lucky to have you and you are awesome! Thanks for dropping by today!
Debi
May 20, 2014 at 12:28 am (11 years ago)Great tips. I sometimes forget how much easier life is with a schedule
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:09 pm (11 years ago)Debi, it’s funny how that always works out right? I always think that life would be so much easier without a schedule. Then I veg out for a few days and everything gets so crazy that I need my schedule to feel sane again lol. Thanks for your comment.
Jenna @ A Savory Feast
May 20, 2014 at 12:17 am (11 years ago)I love this! Great inspiration for me someday 🙂
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:09 pm (11 years ago)Thanks for your comment Jenna!
Tiffany
May 19, 2014 at 11:39 pm (11 years ago)I still have some work to do to live up to these. Lol! As a single WAHM, I am still trying to perfect my schedule and rarely am able to get out and do anything fun. I also sometimes have periods when the work/family balance is out of whack. But it’s all a work in progress. Pretty much living tip #10. 🙂
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:15 pm (11 years ago)Tiffany, you are awesome. Tip #10 is how I live every day too lol. Keep on being so great! Thank you for commenting!
Angie B.
May 19, 2014 at 11:31 pm (11 years ago)I know one thing I need to work on is learning to ask for help. Sometimes I feel like I need to do it all but sometimes asking for help is better
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:16 pm (11 years ago)Angie, I have that same problem. I know there is so much pressure on moms to look like super woman. It’s the times when I ask for help that I feel like I grow more and learn how to be a better person. Thanks for sharing your comment.
Nicole at Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge
May 19, 2014 at 11:15 pm (11 years ago)Thanks for the great reminders. I am getting better with taking time for me.
Danielle Davis
May 21, 2014 at 10:29 pm (11 years ago)Thank you for commenting Nicole. It’s my hope that these tips can help just one mom have a better day. I agree that it does take time to be better and for me I am lucky that I have more time to do so.
Angel
May 19, 2014 at 10:51 pm (11 years ago)I love this post! Lots that I needed to hear. And as I read this my son asked me to sit down and I did 🙂 Also…where did you get those CUTE tights in the picture??