Women in the workplace have made significant strides in recent decades. While pay inequity and the glass ceiling remain, employing the right mindset and strategies can help you overcome obstacles and smash your goals.

Sounds pretty nice, right? The best part is that any woman who wants to get ahead and forge a fulfilling career can start taking practical steps today. Below, Yari’s Corner lists a few tactics to consider on your mission to crush life!

Double Down on Your Personal Brand
Whether you're trying to advance as a professional or a business owner, your brand matters. Regardless of your industry, establishing a robust brand and reputation will naturally yield exciting opportunities and boost your chances of landing another — potentially better — job if you ever get laid off.

Clearly define your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments. And never stop seeking self-improvement. You have to become indispensable to become visible! Make sure you have a story to tell and that you know how to tell it concisely and powerfully.

Grow Your Network
Building a strong professional network requires a lot of time and energy. But it's more than worth it. Much of your success will depend on who you know, and constantly networking within and outside of your organization will open many doors and provide you with a backup plan when you meet challenges.

Seek out the right people in your organization and community, and don't hesitate to show them your best work. Before long, you’ll be contributing to more interesting projects or serving new clients.

Keep a Professional-Grade Resume Ready
If you hope to stand out in the job market or during client pitches, you must have a professional resume on hand. While you can hire professional writers to draft your resume, learning how to write your own is ideal.

Fortunately, you can use an online resume builder to quickly draft a well-organized and well-written resume. While you're at it, look for a cover letter template you can modify to fit each potential employer or client.

Go Out on Your Own
If you prefer to be your own boss and you have what it takes to blaze your own trail, why not start a business? These days, you have countless options for working remotely or in an office.

To set the stage for success, it's crucial to thoroughly research your market and confirm that your business idea can bring a profit in the long term. You also need to make a business plan that describes your company, how you’ll sell your products or services, and how you’ll market your brand.

Oh yeah, and your business plan needs to explain how you're going to make money! If you need help with the beginning stages, look online for business plan templates and guides.

Step with Confidence
You know that walk when a lady enters a room with a total belief in her skills, ideas, and overall competence. Project that confidence every time you go to work, enter a meeting, and meet someone on the street. You’ll be shocked how far it gets you.

If you’re looking for a confidence - and skill - boost, consider getting an advanced degree. A Masters of Business Administration, or MBA, will teach you all of the skills you’ll need to be a successful entrepreneur. You’ll learn things like ethical leadership, financial management, and marketing. And there are lots of online programs that allow you to complete your coursework when it works for you.

Be a Mentee and Mentor
Today's most successful women have worked with at least one mentor throughout their careers. It's simple: Hanging out with people who know more than you challenges you to improve.

To that end, find a mentor with lots of experience in your industry. And if you're an entrepreneur, study under someone who has come out on the other side of mistakes and failures. The guidance of someone who has been there and done that can provide you with insights and confidence you might not come by otherwise.

Furthermore, look for opportunities to mentor other women in your field. Not only is this an excellent way to help others forge a flourishing career, but teaching people can also expand your own knowledge and skill set.

Bringing It Home
No doubt women face unique challenges in the workplace. But you don't have to let those challenges keep you down.

Implement the tips above, and you'll quickly notice yourself advancing in your career and closing in on your long-term goals. Most importantly — never stop improving, be consistent, and persevere whatever comes your way.

Yari’s Corner is all about self empowerment and community! Visit us online to get the confidence boost you need to keep being an amazing entrepreneur.

Maintaining a full-time job while also raising a family is tough. As a busy mom, you want to do it all. However, you might feel overwhelmed on occasion—and understandably so. The key to success is striking the right balance and knowing when to ask for help. There are many tips, tricks, and tools to make life easier for you. The below guide from Just Yari provides some resources you can use to successfully balance your career and your family life. 
 
Trust technology to keep your work and home life organized 
Keeping track of your work and home life can be tough. Technology is the answer. Start with apps. Todoist is great for making to-do lists, for example, while Evernote can help you take notes in meetings or schedule lunch dates. Smart assistants are another handy tool to have at work or home. You can use this hands-free technology to turn on music, check the weather, purchase products, and more. 
 
Besides tech, enlist the family to help clean up and clean out your home so that you have a more organized and optimized space. A lack of clutter, and the ability to find things in a rush will add an element to calm on an otherwise chaotic morning.  
 
Set up a comprehensive support network 
You don't need to do it all yourself. Create a network of support professionals to help you in your private and professional life. For example, at work, you might hire an assistant to help with mundane tasks. At home, you might benefit from the assistance of babysitters, pet sitters, dog walkers, and more. You can find the people you need via online databases like Care.com. For help with household tasks like yardwork or repairs, try Thumbtack. 
 
Minimize time-wasters and distractions 
In addition to getting organized, technology can also help you stay focused. This can be especially handy for work, ensuring you don't procrastinate and minimizing wasted hours. Popular productivity tools include the collaboration app Asana and project management technology Trello. Additionally, make sure your workspace is conducive to productivity. Remove clutter, which can impede concentration, and other distractions. 
 
Invest in a comfortable wardrobe that can pivot from work to home 
Whether you're with your family or on the job, you want to be comfortable. Investing in some essential pieces that can transition from work to home is a must. Invest in move-with-you undergarments and breezy outfits to ensure your comfort without sacrificing style. In the summer, think linen pants and cotton tunics or soft tees. For the winter, ponte leggings and cozy sweaters are great options. 
 
Get your kids and partner to help at home 
Chores like cooking and cleaning shouldn't fall on your shoulders alone. Get your partner and kids to help when possible. Bright Horizons provides tips for getting little ones involved in chores, such as setting clear expectations and choosing age-appropriate tasks. Chore calendars and reward systems are a great way to get children excited and motivated about helping. Make sure to provide feedback and validation. 
 
Learn to let go of the "mom guilt" 
"Mom guilt" is a very real problem and can leave you like you're "failing" at work and at home. It's important to invest in self care and protect your own mental health so you can avoid these damaging feelings. Let go of working-mom guilt by being kind to yourself, forgiving yourself, and revisiting your values. It's also helpful to avoid comparing yourself to others, like super moms you might follow on social media. Of course, when you are focusing on giving time to your children, have a plan so you can be fully present with them. Create experiences to enjoy together, be available for bedtime routines and incorporate together time with family chores like cooking dinner.  
 
Balancing your career and your family isn't always easy. Sometimes, you might feel like you're getting pulled in all directions. Don't let the stress get to you. Be kind to yourself and seek help when needed. The above guide provides some pointers. ​