Do you have PMS? Pathetic Mom Syndrome?

There you are, wearing that same old baggy t-shirt and sweatpants. You didn't have time for a shower (again!) and those flip-flops you put on are revealing some toes that are in dire need of a pedicure. But, you're a mom! You don't have time for frivolous things like pedicures, pretty clothes, or a shower! You're too busy running after kids, cleaning up messes, and making meals.

Get over it!

If there is one thing I've learned as a mom, it's that you get out of life what you are willing to put into it. And if you are not willing to invest in yourself, then you're not going to get too much out of it. Many moms have a bad case of PMS (Pathetic Mom Syndrom). They wear their pity clothes everywhere--the shirts with the baby spit-up stains on the shoulder and the pants with the ever-forgiving elastic waistband. This has become the PMS regulation uniform! It's like they are trying to tell the world, "Look at me! I'm sacrificing everything to be a mom!"

Here's the deal--motherhood is a privilege. It's an honor. Change out of pity and start dressing in pride! There are a thousand reasons to get up early and look the part of a professional mom, but I'm going to give you three of the most important ones:

First, preparation multiplies performance. Motherhood is a professional career, just like any other. You don't just show up. You show up ready. That means you get up early and get yourself dressed. Put a smile on your face (and a little blush and lip gloss never hurt). When you just roll out of bed in the morning, more than likely you're going to roll right into frustration, confusion, and overwhelm. You need to approach your day in command! You are a mom and you're the one calling the shots. Don't let life take charge of you. Take charge of life! This is your career. If you want to see a huge improvement in your performance, then invest some time in getting yourself ready to tackle the day. That small amount of time you take to get yourself dressed and ready and step into the right attitude will pay off in a huge way throughout the day. It's worth it.

Second, appearance breeds confidence. I see many moms shuffling through life with downcast eyes and slumped shoulders. No, that's not how we were meant to live. Wear your profession with pride! When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you are confident and in charge. You're a mom, dang it! And you should be proud of it. Don't give moms everywhere a bad rep by looking like something the dog dragged in. Take a shower, put on some nice clothes, style your hair, and look the part. When you prepare for your work day, you can hold your head up, roll those shoulders back, and walk with confidence.

Third, confidence demands respect. When we don't invest time in appearance and our attitude, we are also giving a subtle message to our families that they don't need to respect us. After all, if we don't respect ourselves enough to get up and look the part of a professional mom, then why should anyone respect us and take our career seriously? This is especially true with our children. If they see us investing in our career, then they will develop a higher level of respect for what we say and do. If you have been complaining that you don't get any respect as a mom, let me tell you something: respect is earned, not given. You earn it by first respecting yourself. So, no more PMS! No one is giving out any awards for the most pathetic mom of the year, so you can pull out of the contest. It's time to take pride in your career and show the world that being a mom is the greatest honor there is!