As a working mother, you are probably facing the challenge of juggling two unique and often demanding roles. Being a mother and a woman working towards career advancement are two fulltime jobs that require every ounce of concentration you can afford.

And if last year, you really didn’t do so well as regards achieving work-life balance as a working mom, do not be dejected! But understand that this is achievable and a lot of other working mothers like you are walking this tight rope too, so you are not alone in this.

Here are some proven ways to help you achieve work-life balance as a working mom this year.

1. Cool off your burners
If you have made mistakes in parenting or at the workplace this past year, you have to forgive yourself first. Acknowledge your mistakes. Both change and conflict begin from within. Start by making new plans to achieve work-life balance as a working mom by first analysing why you are working. Are you working for extra income or fulfilling a desire to contribute to the world?

2. Plan and Commit
Write out your career and parenting goals once again. If you want to achieve work-life balance as a working mom, do not just say it, act it. It is important to have a specific definition of who you want to be. For instance, your goal could be to ensure your children eat more nutritious meals this new year and still write six great and engaging articles per week and publish them on your blog.

3. Connect and network
Every worthy endeavour has its moments of drudgery which may require some doses of external motivation.

For this, you need to connect with working mothers like yourself who may inspire you and also be able to help with their ideas and resources. You should also share your goal of achieving work-life balance as a working mom clearly with your partner and work out family arrangements. This is very important as higher stress levels are associated with dissatisfaction with partners’ commitment and family arrangements.
4. Be motivated, avoid comparisons

Do not compare your job with another woman’s or your kids with another. You should only look at others to be motivated and inspired. Making comparisons is detrimental to your achieving work-life balance as a working mom because you tend to judge yourself by the life/standard of another person which may leave you depressed in the end.
5. Be creative with home management

Creativity is essential, especially in this clime where there are not enough legislations and provisions for working mothers.

If you are not comfortable with a hired help, you could try family. Use holidays creatively for special ‘mommy’ times if you want to achieve work-life balance as a working mom. You can also try to move breakfast and/or dinner times so you can be present.

Being a mother and forging ahead in your career are both inherently demanding, but it is possible to strike a balance. You may fall off this tight rope a number of times but always get back on. That’s the attitude of winners.

Have fun and a great year ahead!

Culled from http://www.insidify.com/discovery/working-mothers-5-easy-ways-you-can-achieve-work-life-balance