How moms can grow their careers without going straight for a promotion or new job
Recently, I ran a half marathon with very little preparation—just two runs per week, mostly around 7K each, with the occasional longer run. It wasn’t an official race; I joined a friend who had registered for a virtual race and wanted company. Why did I do it? Because I had run the distance before, but years ago, and while the idea of signing up for an in-person race intrigued me, it also felt too daunting—and potentially a waste of money if I wasn’t ready. So I treated this as a test challenge: let’s see how it goes, and worst case, I’d stop early. And this is exactly the principle how you, as a mom, can grow your career without pressure. Sounds intriguing? I thought so.
Disclaimer: I would never encourage running a half marathon without proper training. I was able to do this because I know my body well and maintain an active lifestyle beyond my two runs per week. Listening to your body and respecting its limits is key!
And you know what? My half-marathon went really well. We didn’t aim for a record-breaking pace, but we weren’t slow either. Most importantly, I finished it feeling strong and accomplished.
Celebrating Wins: Why We Should Stop Downplaying Ourselves
Now, do I share this just to brag? Well, I am proud of my achievement—and that in itself is worth talking about. As women, we’ve been taught to stay humble, deflect compliments, and downplay our wins. But celebrating success isn’t arrogance; it’s self-recognition. And it’s even more powerful when we lift each other up instead of seeing one another as competition. We are stronger together. Celebrate your success at work and talk about them. Especially as ambitious professionals, we need to tout our own horns, if we want to progress since most bosses and employers don’t consider mothers as career driven.
Motherhood’s Daily Challenges vs. Career Growth Fears
Let’s talk about what this has to do with career coaching. As mothers, we navigate new challenges daily: a child suddenly refusing to brush their teeth, friendships at school shifting overnight, sibling fights that escalate out of nowhere. The mental load is heavy, and it’s understandable that adding another challenge—like a promotion with more responsibilities—feels overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: Parenting challenges are new to you every single time. A promotion or career step? That’s different. You already have the experience, skills, and knowledge. Yes, there will be new aspects, but you’re far better equipped than you might think—especially with the agility that motherhood has engrained in you.
The Power of ‘Test Runs’ at Work
So, back to my half marathon. This was my test challenge—a way to explore my limits without the full pressure of a race. And you can do the same in your career. Instead of waiting until you feel ‘100% ready,’ dip your toes in. Take on a slightly bigger project. Offer to cover for your boss while they’re on leave. Shadow someone in the role you aspire to. We often forget that work (and life) isn’t just black and white; there are ways to ease into the next level rather than taking an all-or-nothing leap.
Fear of Failure & Underestimating Ourselves
This test challenge also reminded me how much I fear failure—and how I often underestimate myself because of it. So many of us were raised with perfection as goal. But this perfectionism keeps us from stepping up and here’s the truth: we only learn and grow through failure. And if fear still holds you back, create conditions where failure doesn’t feel as high-stakes—like a practice run before the real thing.
We Are Stronger Together
And finally, I didn’t do this challenge alone. I had someone running by my side. Just like in your career, finding an ally, a mentor, or a sparring partner can make all the difference. Practicing a big conversation with a colleague before you walk into a high-stakes meeting can boost confidence. Seeking support makes you stronger—it doesn’t mean you can’t do it alone, it means you don’t have to.
Body Awareness: Strengthening the Body, Strengthening the Mind
Of course, I can’t wrap this up without talking about what this challenge did for me through my body. It was a physical feat, yes, but it also reignited my energy, lifted my mental state, and sparked new ideas. Last week, I was in a slump—this reminded me just how powerful the mind-body connection is. Knowing when to push and when to pause is a skill, and strengthening the body can also strengthen the mind.
Your Next Step
So here’s my challenge for you: What’s one ‘test challenge’ you can set for yourself? Something that helps you explore your limits without the pressure of an all-or-nothing leap? Let me know—I’d love to hear what you come up with!
And if you need some guidance on how to tackle your ‘real’ challenge, why not get my Work Challenge Playbook which will guide you each step of the way.
