At MyCollective, we’re experts at converting parenting skills into leadership skills, but every now and then, we all need a gentle nudge to flip the script. We were delighted to receive that reminder from Louisa Plasberg, Co-Founder of Equaly, who wisely advises: “Professionalize your private life!”

For the past six years, MyCollective has been dedicated to helping parents balance career and family by guiding them through our Golden Triangle—the integration of the Care Model, Working Model, and Mental Load. Louisa and her co-founder, Ronja Hoffacker, developed their app, Equaly, to tackle two of these critical dimensions—Mental Load and Care Work—offering a game-changing tool to conquer the often invisible and overwhelming burdens of family life.

In our recent session, Louisa shared insights that resonated perfectly with our mission:

💡 Key Takeaways on Mastering Mental Load:

1. Mind the “Manager and Executor” Dynamic

   Whoever takes on a task should be prepared to see it through from start to finish. For example, laundry isn’t done when it’s washed—it’s only complete when it’s dried, folded, and put away. If you’re delegating but still mentally tracking the task, you’re still carrying the mental load.

2. It’s Not a Zero-Sum Game!

   A rigid 50/50 split doesn’t always work. Flexibility and the willingness to play to each other’s strengths lead to a more harmonious home life. It’s not about strict equality but about balance and mutual understanding.

3. Routine ≠ One-Time Chores

   Routine tasks like cooking or packing lunchboxes can feel more mentally exhausting than occasional ones, like repairing a bike or filing taxes. Understanding this helps in distributing tasks more fairly.

🔥 Louisa’s Tips for Reducing Mental Load:

✨ Shine a Light on Care Work: Care work is real work. Make sure it’s recognized and valued.

✨ Own the Whole Process: Commit to seeing a task through, whether it’s doing the laundry or organizing activities for the kids.

✨ Keep the Communication Flowing: Open, ongoing communication is essential, especially as family responsibilities evolve. Regular check-ins and clear agreements help maintain a smoother rhythm.

🔥 Bonus Insights:

❤️‍🔥 Men who take on more care work are often perceived as more attractive!

❤️‍🔥 Couples who share tasks more evenly report higher satisfaction in their relationship—yes, even in the bedroom.

As a special gift, Louisa offered all our participants and podcast listeners a free one-month trial of the Equaly app! Use the promo code MYCOLLECTIVE2024 to experience how the app can help you balance your own Golden Triangle. 🎉

🎧 Don’t miss out: Catch the full podcast episode for even more valuable insights!