My child is giggling in the background as I type on my laptop, perhaps in search of a new way to use the living room as a playground. I work two full-time jobs that often feel incompatible: I’m a blog writer, known as the “Budget Queen“, and the mother of a boisterous little child. However, this is my life, and I’m determined to live it to the fullest despite the craziness.

It’s not simple. On certain days, the “Budget Queen” in me can write without difficulty and finish a blog post while my kid rests. On other days, I’ve exhausted all of my creative reserves trying to keep up with the never-ending demands of parenting. Sometimes, as I’m lost in thought and in the middle of a sentence, I’m abruptly interrupted because my child needs me, immediately. It’s an ongoing balancing act, and occasionally I make a mistake. In addition, there’s the guilt—the persistent sense that I’m not doing enough for my child or my career. Am I raising my child as best I can? Am I devoting enough time and attention to my writing as a blogger? These unanswered questions constantly come back to me when I’m trying to concentrate.

Although it may seem like the perfect arrangement, working from home has its own set of difficulties. Nestled on a corner of the dining table, my workspace is a disarray of toys, Sippy cups, and writing notes. The chaos, the clamor, and the disruptions are unavoidable. The Budget Queen has had to get really good at writing quickly and fitting in writing whenever I can, whether it’s before my child gets up in the morning, late at night, or during naps. It wears you out. I won’t mince words. Some days I question whether it’s all worthwhile and whether I’m putting too much strain on myself. Then again, I realize why I’m doing this. I don’t want to let being a mother stop me from pursuing my aspirations as a work from home blogger. I want my child to learn that despite the busyness of life, it is possible to follow your passions.

I have high goals. My writing profession has objectives, and as the “Budget Queen,” I’m committed to achieving them. That’s cool; I might take longer than someone without a toddler crawling all over them. I intend to stick with this through. Every blog post I write and every goal I accomplish serves as evidence that I can succeed and that I won’t give up on my goals. I frequently find myself stopping what I’m writing to take a break for food, a cuddle, or to handle the newest toddler meltdown. These situations can be difficult since they take me out of my creative flow. However, I’ve also realized that these are the moments that really count. These little moments serve as a constant reminder of my initial motivation for undertaking this task. In addition to writing for myself, I also write for my child to encourage them to follow their aspirations despite obstacles in life.

I’ve discovered beauty in the balancing act and learned to accept the turmoil. Indeed, it isn’t flawless. My blog entries may not always be perfect, and occasionally I press publish while harboring residual doubts. But I’ve come to understand that progress is what matters, not perfection. Any progress, no matter how little, is a step closer to realizing my goals as a professional.

I see you, moms—all of you who are trying to do it all. I am aware of how difficult it is, but I also recognize your strength. While taking care of the next generation, we are also trying to support our own personal development. It’s not simple, but then nothing worthwhile is ever. Thus, continue. Create that blog, launch that company, and enroll in that course. Hold onto your dream, whatever it may be. It’s acceptable to be ambitious and to set higher goals for yourself, even if you already feel overextended. It doesn’t make you any less of a mother to pursue your aspirations; on the contrary, it elevates you to the position of role model. Keep pushing forward—after all, that’s what the “Budget Queen” does.

Here are a few tips:

Create a Flexible Routine: Come up with a schedule that suits you and your kid. Even if it’s not always possible to follow a rigid plan, having a flexible routine can help you stay organized. Determine when you are most productive, and then plan your work around your child’s free play or naps.
Set Clear Boundaries: Even if your home and work lives physically overlap, it’s still necessary to establish boundaries. Inform your family of your working hours and your availability to them. You can choose certain visual indicators, such as a door sign, to let people know when you’re in “work mode.”
Create a Workspace: Try setting apart a particular section of your house as your workspace, even if you don’t have a formal office. By doing this, you’ll be able to mentally transition between “work mode” and “home mode,” which will boost output.
Use Nap Times Wisely: Make the most of your child’s naps and activity periods to increase productivity. During these quieter times, when you may work undisturbed, concentrate on high-priority activities.
Prioritize Tasks: Make a list of your top priorities before you begin each day. Even if your day doesn’t go as planned, this will help you maintain concentrate on the tasks at hand. Divide more complex jobs into smaller, more doable chores that you can accomplish during the day.