#45 MASTER MENTAL LOAD by Transforming Leadership into Parenting Skills with Louisa Plasberg

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:


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.


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.


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!