As moms, it’s easy to feel trapped in hustle culture. There’s constant pressure to juggle everything: work deadlines, family schedules, and the endless mental load that comes with running a household. That pervasive idea that we can “have it all” if we work hard enough. We’re taught that being busy equals being successful, but deep down, we know that this constant busyness leaves us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.

When I first read Deep Work by Cal Newport at the recommendation of a work colleague, I was shocked at how it could apply to all aspects of my life. It completely shifted my mindset and helped me to let go of the noise and focus on what truly matters. Deep Work is about cutting through distractions to prioritize meaningful, high-value tasks. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with intention.

For working moms, this mindset can be transformative. In this first post (there is so much information in this book, I had to split it up into several posts!), I’ll explore what Deep Work is, how hustle culture perpetuates shallow work, and why this concept is so powerful for moms looking to create a life of balance and connection.

What is Deep Work?

At its core, Deep Work is the ability to focus intently on tasks that are valuable and meaningful, without distractions. It’s about diving into work that creates long-term impact rather than just checking off surface-level tasks.

In contrast, shallow work consists of the busy, fragmented tasks that keep us feeling “productive” but don’t actually move the needle—things like scrolling through emails, rushing to appointments, or constantly multitasking.

For moms, this distinction is huge. We’re often pulled in a million directions, from answering work emails during nap time to planning extracurriculars, meal prep, and everything in between. By adopting the principles of Deep Work, we can learn to focus on fewer, higher-value tasks—like nurturing our relationships, excelling in our work, or even reclaiming time for ourselves.

Why Does Hustle Culture Drain Moms?

Hustle culture tells us we need to do it all to succeed. As moms, this often translates to:

• Overcommitting to activities and responsibilities.
• Multitasking constantly without fully focusing on anything.
• Feeling like we have to achieve “perfection” in every area of life.

The result? Burnout.

When we’re caught up in hustle culture, it’s easy to mistake busyness for productivity. We fill our days with shallow work that leaves us mentally exhausted, yet still feeling like we haven’t done enough.

As moms, this way of living affects not just us, but our families too. It’s hard to feel fully present with our kids when our minds are racing with everything we “should” be doing. That’s why embracing Deep Work is so powerful—it helps us reclaim our focus, prioritize what really matters, and let go of the constant noise.

What’s Next?

Deep Work isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about being intentional with your time. In the next post, I’ll dive into practical ways to schedule focused time as a working mom, even with preschool drop-offs, remote work meetings, and everything else on your plate.

By shifting your focus from hustle to depth, you can create space for a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and joyful.