Chapter 1: Understanding Your Time as a Mom

As a mother, it often feels like my time is no longer mine but belongs to my little ones, who create chaos wherever they roam. However, I strive to carve out small moments for myself—moments I eagerly seek to engage in personal interests like reading, exercising, or even launching a business to stimulate my mind and support my family.

Just as I manage to open the book I’ve longed to read since before my pregnancy, my 5-year-old inadvertently causes a ruckus, and suddenly, my quiet moment vanishes. Back to parenting I go, often pushing my own needs to the back burner. If you relate to this struggle, you might feel as if you’ve lost touch with your own hobbies.

So, what can you do to achieve your goals?

Start with small, manageable steps. Even the tiniest progress is still progress. Some people can take strides, while others, like me, may need to crawl towards their aspirations. Regardless, any movement is better than stagnation.

The key lies not in finding more time but in being intentional with the time you have. My life often feels like a whirlwind of tasks—snack times, school drop-offs, and sibling squabbles. Yet, if I commit to taking purposeful steps daily, I inch closer to my aspirations.

One of my favorite quotes by Karen Lamb resonates with me: “A year from now you may wish you had started today.” This reminder keeps me motivated when it feels like my baby steps aren't leading to significant change.

Let’s explore how this can be practically applied. Imagine you can dedicate just one hour a day to pursuing a business, writing, or learning an art. That single hour accumulates to seven hours weekly and ultimately 288 hours in a year. While it may not sound like a lot, it’s infinitely better than doing nothing.

It's absolutely okay to prioritize your needs during that hour. This journey isn't about being more productive; it’s about dedicating time to yourself and recognizing that your dreams deserve a place among your top priorities. Just like on an airplane, where you’re advised to secure your oxygen mask before assisting others, this is your moment to breathe.

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Goals

To effectively reach your goals—whether it's running a mile or painting—you must focus on forming habits and systems that support your journey.

1. Define Your Yearly Goal:

   Choose a goal you aim to achieve within a year. This timeframe is long enough to make substantial progress without feeling overwhelming. Ensure your goal is specific and measurable. For instance, instead of saying you want to "work out," say, "I plan to exercise three times a week for 30 minutes each session."

2. Monitor Your Time Usage:

   Track how you spend your time for a week. Record every activity, from social media scrolling to school pickups. This awareness will help you identify where you can create space for your goals. For example, I discovered that social media consumed more time than I realized, which prevented me from focusing on my fitness.

3. Create a Goal Map:

   Transform your yearly goal into quarterly, monthly, and weekly objectives. This structured approach allows for flexibility, as your focus may shift over time. Planning for just the upcoming quarter helps keep your goals manageable and adaptable.

4. Break Down Your Goals:

   Start small. If you want to return to painting, aim for just 10 minutes three times a week rather than daily for longer. As you build your routine, gradually increase your time or frequency.

5. Prepare for Success:

   Remove obstacles that hinder your progress. If you plan to wake up early to work on your business, set everything up the night before. Lay out your workout clothes or keep a book handy to encourage reading instead of scrolling through your phone.

6. Allow Yourself Grace:

   It’s perfectly fine to do things imperfectly. Sometimes, just showing up is enough. If you need a break, take it, and give yourself permission to return to your goals when you're ready.

7. Celebrate Every Milestone:

   Acknowledge each step you take toward your aspirations. Whether you’ve increased your treadmill time or cooked more meals at home, each achievement deserves recognition.

Progress is all that matters, not perfection. Whether you’re running, walking, or crawling, keep moving forward. Every small step contributes to building the life you envision for yourself and your family.

If you find these strategies helpful or think I've overlooked something, feel free to leave a comment.

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The first video titled "So You Didn't Meet Your Goals? Now What?" offers insights on how to recover from setbacks and ensure your plans don’t fall apart, especially as the quarter ends.

The second video, "EVERY busy mom of kids under 5 should TRY THIS!," shares seven practical tips for navigating early motherhood and maintaining your sanity.

Candice, a writer and mompreneur, specializes in SEO copywriting to help women and mom-owned businesses thrive through inbound marketing. She resides in Arizona with her husband, three young children, and two cats, Solo and Gambit. Before her writing career, she taught high school English for eight years and is an avid fan of Marvel Comics and Star Wars.