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Without a doubt, being a mum can be “the most rewarding” choice you will ever make, but it’s tough work.

It’s because we do more in our roles than just mothering.

We are chauffeurs, chefs, nurses, events co-ordinators, cleaners, finance officers, mediators, teachers, nutritionists, monster terminators, storytellers, and good friends.

So to all the busy mums out there, including myself, I would like to pause for a moment and acknowledge our AWESOMENESS!

If we saw our role advertised on SEEK, I’m sure we wouldn’t apply.

Think about it.

The pay is crap, the hours long, sometimes we’re on 24 hour call, not enough breaks, no training and forget about sick leave.

I’m being outrageously silly, but you get my point.

Now add into the mix a career, and it’s mental torture.

Women are criticised for returning to the workforce, and judged for staying at home. We feel the pressure coming at us from all sides.

According to NewsLifeMedia, one in five Australian women are not happy with their work-life balance situation, and it’s common for us to feel that it’s our fault or that there’s something wrong with us.

It’s no wonder that today’s working mum who juggles motherhood, adult relationships, and a job; feels so tired, stressed out, and guilt ridden.

So what’s the secret to making it work without sacrificing our sanity, me time, family time or impact the growth of our business?

Over the past year I’ve researched the topic work-life balance from family studies, workplace safety documents, mental health articles, corporate professionals, blogs, and medical practitioners. All sources have confirmed what I know to be true in my heart, and that is more often than not, it’s not our fault!

We let ourselves down because we don’t listen to our true self, and we haven’t created systems in place that are just right for us.

If we want to be satisfied in both worlds, we need to know what we want, and be incredibly organised, in order to get it.

It’s creating your OWN designer, savvy life balance blueprint.

Bummer eh!  Not a quick and easy fix.

Sadly, there is no one magic “balance” formula that suits all.

So where do you start?

It all starts with you being totally honest with your priorities, desires, values and beliefs around motherhood and work.

Leading a more balanced way of life involves creating a vision, and then making it your mission to put some strategies in place to support all your work-life needs.

When creating your life balance blueprint, think about the following:-

• Eliminate technology distractions by turning off your smart phone alerts.
• Keep your work and home life separate.
• Avoid multitasking in the home or office.
• Older kids take responsibility for keeping their room clean, and packing their school bag.
• Create To-Do lists and get the most important tasks done first.
• Say NO and set better boundaries with family & friends.
• Kids have a bedtime and getting to school routine in place.
• Outsource to anyone that can help you with the home or kids.
• Exercise and eat healthy foods.
• Schedule in some REST time, ME time and FUN TIME with the family.

Ironically your life balance blueprint is less about “balance” and more about the choices you make that determine whether you feel successful in your career, and fulfilled in your personal life.

If you need assistance in creating your own life balance blueprint, call me on 0405 433 217 or email me at info@lifebalancecoach.com.au.

Fiona Craig

Fiona Craig is a work-life balance coach, business mentor, author, speaker and buy mum who loves helping women become better at juggling career and family life or to create a better work-life balance by starting a home business. Email Fiona at info@lifebalancecoach.com.au or call 0405 433 217 for a FREE 20 minute, Rapid Results Coaching Session to get right to the heart of the matter and get a solution to your problem.