How Becoming a Mom Changed My Perspective on My Writing Career

When I first set out to pursue my writing career, I had a clear vision of success. I imagined long hours spent crafting stories, meeting tight deadlines, and rapidly building a portfolio of published work. But then, I became a mom—and everything changed.

Motherhood didn’t just transform my day-to-day life; it completely shifted my perspective on what success looks like and how I approach my writing. Here’s how becoming a mom has redefined my writing journey.

1. Redefining Success

Before having children, success felt like something to chase relentlessly. It was all about hitting certain milestones—completing projects, getting published, growing my audience. But motherhood taught me that success isn’t just about tangible achievements. Now, success looks more like balance and fulfillment. It’s about creating work that I’m proud of, while also being present for my family.

Writing, for me, is no longer tied solely to external validation. Instead, it’s about telling stories that matter, even if they take longer to complete or don’t always reach a wide audience. I’ve come to appreciate that success is about quality, not quantity.

2. Letting Go of Timelines

Before becoming a mother, I would set very strict timelines for my writing goals. I wanted to get published by a certain age, complete a novel by a set date, and try to keep up with all things career and productivity. But once I became a mom, I had to let go of all of that.

Motherhood is totally unpredictable. Some days, I have the energy and time to write for hours at a time. Other days, my kid decides to nap for twenty minutes and that’s all the writing I get done for that day. This used to frustrate me to no end, but now I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow of motherhood. My writing will eventually get done, but I’ve realized that it’s okay to just take it slow.

3. Embracing Flexibility

Motherhood has required me to embrace flexibility in all aspects of life, including my writing career. My writing routine is no longer rigid. Some days, I wake up early to squeeze in a few quiet moments before the household wakes up. On other days, I jot down notes while my kid plays. Flexibility has become essential to maintaining both my writing practice and my role as a mom.

This adaptability has also helped me become more patient and compassionate with myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause, reset, and return to my writing when life allows. The creative process doesn’t have to be rushed.

4. Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

In the past, I viewed writing as a race to the finish line—publish the book, get the recognition, and then move on to the next project. But motherhood has taught me that the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination. I’ve learned to savor the small victories: a well-written sentence, a breakthrough in a difficult scene, or even the act of sitting down to write, no matter how brief.

My writing career is no longer defined by end goals alone. It’s about enjoying the process of creation, finding joy in the everyday moments of inspiration, and celebrating progress in whatever form it takes.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a mom has undoubtedly slowed down my writing career, but it has also made it more meaningful. My goals have shifted from productivity and achievement to growth and fulfillment. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to embrace the unpredictable nature of life, and to cherish the creative journey.

Motherhood has changed my perspective on writing in the best possible way. I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m living it, one story at a time, alongside the most important role of my life as a mother.