I made peace with the fact that there will be times in my life where balance is not realistic, and once I made peace with it, it made everything so much easier. I know right now running a business with a baby means there is no time for all the lovely things in my former life I had time for, but I'm ok with it, as I also know this time will not last forever, and one day, there will be time for me to get back into ultra running (something I did in a former life) crossfit and even socialising to an extent! Making impact takes sacrifice and you can't do something big and impactful without their being a shift in your life. Once I got on board with that, it made me sleep a little better at night.

To help manage my day to day and to ensure I try, highlight try, to show up as a great version of myself each day, despite the no sleep, teething periods, sleeping on the floor next to the baby, to go to a board meeting at 9am, I try to adapt some simple principles to mean that my productivity is high in the time I allocate for certain areas of my life, and I'm present at work and at home. Here they are:

Here’s how I do it and some productivity tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Prioritize Ruthlessly

One of the first things I learned was that I can’t do everything—at least not all at once. I prioritize by identifying the most critical tasks for both work and home each day. This might mean focusing on a major project deadline at work and ensuring my family has what they need for the day. Everything else can wait or be delegated.

Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to determine what’s urgent and important, and focus on those tasks first.

2. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

Boundaries are crucial when you're balancing work and family. I'm pretty strict on my boundaries when I have meetings, when I work and make sure the time between work and bedtime, I'm 100% present for my daughter, I can always go back online after she sleeps. Same goes for at work, I learnt when I'm at work to work, I ensure that the time there, I have significant impact and outputs based on my time, otherwise if I'm not disciplined in my approach at work, I will have all the guilt and stress and mom guilt, and I just can't / don't have the capacity for that in my life, I have to ensure I set myself up for success.

Tip: Clearly communicate your boundaries to your colleagues and family. Use tools like calendar blocking to ensure that your work and family time don’t overlap.

3. Embrace the Power of a Routine

Routines are my secret weapon. Whether it’s a morning routine that sets the tone for the day or an evening wind-down routine that helps me transition from work mode to family time, having structure helps me stay focused and reduces decision fatigue.

Tip: Create a morning routine that includes time for self-care (mine is cuddling with our baby). This small investment in yourself can make a big difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day.

4. Dress for Success, Even at Home

How you dress can have a significant impact on your mindset. Even when I’m working from home, I make an effort to dress in a way that makes me feel confident and put-together. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a power suit every day—find what works for you and makes you feel your best.

My go to is good quality leggings, and I always wear a shirt even oversized but I either wear Shona joy or Rails to feel even more elevated and put together and if I have to do a quick call, I don't need to change as I already have a fab shirt on!

Tip: Invest in a few key pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. A great pair of tailored pants or a chic blouse can instantly elevate your look and your mood.

5. Leverage Technology for Efficiency

Technology is a game-changer for busy women. From project management tools that keep me on track at work to apps that help me manage my family’s schedule, I rely on tech to streamline my day. Automation is key—whether it’s automating grocery deliveries or setting up email filters to keep your inbox organized.

I stopped sending emails a long time ago- Of course I send them sometimes, but they are a time drainer for me, we use slack as a team and all our coms are quick and efficient!

Tip: Experiment with different productivity apps until you find the ones that work best for you. Tools like Trello, Slack, or even a good old-fashioned to-do list app can help you stay organized and reduce overwhelm.

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to not have it all together all the time. Some days will be more chaotic than others, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Tip: Practice self-compassion and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I recently begged my mum to fly from Australia to help with the Baby as we are going into huge shifts and strategies for work and I needed that trusted support. When she was scheduled to leave, I cried again and asked her to stay, she stayed an extra week! Thanks Mum! Building a support network—whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues—can make all the difference.

Getting back to work while managing a family is no small feat, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s absolutely possible to thrive. Remember, it’s all about finding balance in your own way and making sure you feel great while doing it.

You've got this!

Heidi Armstrong

Founder of Wear That