Being a mom and having a career can be challenging and rewarding.
Finding the balance between the two is a unique journey for each individual. Defining your career and family goals will be your stepping stones to a healthy quality of life. Identifying your different roles and gathering feedback from others will assist you in making decisions based on your own experiences. Pulling from your perspectives while maintaining an open dialogue with your family members will help you define your priorities.
Your walk in life doesn’t necessarily have to mean one clear path. Becoming flexible within your roles and being fluid between them will empower you. Encouraging your family members to participate in feedback while keeping a forum for discussion is key. In addition, considering the demands of your career will allow you to outline your goals.
Balancing motherhood and a career makes fulfilling emotional and physical needs difficult. There seems not to be enough hours in the day to get everything done for working moms.
This is when we need to remember that we are one person and not to make unrealistic demands on ourselves. We can be pulled in many directions and feel like we’re not accomplishing anything. At this moment, we need to realize our worth and acknowledge our achievements.
The key is establishing what balance means to you and what it will look like. What works for one might not be the answer for another. Giving yourself time and space to explore and experience it will bring you and your family closer.
Remember to set realistic expectations for yourself and be aware of any mom guilt. You are not being selfish to want to have a career and a family. You can have both and be successful. There doesn’t have to be a choice between one or the other.
Be aware of any running negative monologues and replace them with positive affirmations. Surround yourself with a team that supports and encourages you. That team will be important when times get tough. Finding like-minded parents will also help you seek that light and inspire you to keep going.
Outline goals for your career and family and identify milestones. Make sure you take time to reflect and focus on self-care as well. Creating a routine and then having a weekly plan will teach you how to manage your schedule. Scheduling family time as a daily practice is a good tool for time management. Time management involves learning to listen to your inner voice and your physical body. Being mindful of burnout is essential.
Signs of burnout can range from brain fog and emotional distress to family breakdown. Create a strategic plan to address these situations that incorporates simple steps. Recruit your team, including family members, to assist in the process. Each person can participate in their way to alleviate the stress.
