tips for the 40-something working mom

For forty-something working mothers, life can be exhausting! You are constantly being pulled in multiple directions, whilst taking care of everyone around you – all without dropping a single ball and keeping a smile on your face.

And someway or the other, we manage to pull it off, day after day. Not always cheerful and occasionally a ball or two drops, but the show goes on – even if it means that your own goals get pushed to the side.

But wouldn’t it be great if it wasn’t so difficult? It is achievable to have it all – a top-notch career and a meaningful family life – without having to work even harder than you already do.

A few useful tips for working moms:

Prioritize: What comes first, right now? How do you know where to focus your attention if you do not know what is most important?
Find time for those priorities: How do you fit it all in– time for your family, your career, and yourself – without sacrificing?
Set clear and realistic goals: How will you know what direction to go in if you have not established solid goals? You will quickly get tired of running in circles. Do you know what you want out of life, personally, professionally, and financially?
Plan: A comprehensive plan to achieve what you want will keep you focused and on the right track. Get a diary or an app to keep track of your tasks!
Make choices that are aligned with your priorities: This is the number one key to eliminating your guilt and feeling good about your decisions.
Surround yourself with like-minded friends: Have you ever noticed that when you are around people who are miserable, they bring you down with them? The opposite holds true, as well. If you surround yourself with people who are positive, goal-oriented, and supportive, your attitude soars and the possibilities really are endless.

By taking these steps, you are empowering yourself. You are taking control of a chaotic situation that will result in a positive, meaningful life and a career that is both rewarding and affords the lifestyle that you want – all with less stress and guilt.

This means a better mom for your kids, a better partner for your significant other, and a happier YOU.