That Mom | Living on Autopilot? How to Find More Joy in Motherhood

IF YOU'VE EVER LOOKED AROUND AT YOUR LIFE AND THOUGHT, "HOW DID I GET HERE?"—THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR YOU. Not because your life is bad. Not because you've failed. But because somewhere between work, motherhood, responsibilities, and caring for everyone else, it's easy to lose touch with yourself. In this episode, development coach Charlotte Kovacs shares why so many women find themselves living on autopilot—and how small moments of intentionality can help us reconnect with what brings us joy, energy, and fulfillment. This conversation isn't about overhauling your life or adding another thing to your to-do list. It's about quieting the noise, questioning the "shoulds," and creating space to become more intentional about how you spend your time, energy, and attention. What We Cover: • Why so many mothers feel like they're living on autopilot • The hidden "shoulds" that shape our decisions and steal our joy • How to trust yourself in a world full of parenting advice and expectations • Why balance isn't about doing everything equally • The difference between obligation and genuine alignment • How to identify what truly gives you energy • A simple practice for checking in with yourself throughout different seasons of life • Why joy doesn't have to be big to be meaningful • The role of creativity, nature, and reflection in a fulfilling life • How to stop following someone else's rules and start choosing intentionally About the Guest: Charlotte Kovacs is a development coach who helps people grow into the person they are truly meant to be. Blending life and career coaching, she works with clients to uncover limiting beliefs, reconnect with their values, and create lives that feel more aligned, purposeful, and fulfilling. She is the founder of Kovacs Coaching and creator of the Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground coaching program. Links + Resources: Connect with Charlotte on   / charlotte-kovacs   Subscribe to Charlotte's https://kovacscoaching.com/ Follow ThatMom:   / thatmom_thepodcast   Join the ThatMom Community: https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom Learn more: https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodc... Maria's Style Picks: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/... And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.