Goal Setting for Moms

Every year, moms set goals and then fall short. Why?

 

As busy moms, we often put ourselves, and our goals long after everyone else.

 

The reality?

 

As moms, we deserve to work towards and reach our goals too.

 

Goal setting for moms is important not only for us to reach our goals for self-fulfillment, but also to be an example to our kids.

 

Teaching them about hard work and follow-through is something we as parents need to teach our children. We need to be showing them that hard work really does pay off!

 

Goals for stay-at-home moms and goal setting for working moms may look different. Either way, they’re still goals. Goals that we desire to meet in order to feel productive and feel a sense of accomplishment.

 

 

As busy moms, it’s easy to fall short when trying to reach our goals. But, we deserve more. Here are some tips for goal setting as busy moms.

 

 

 

 

How to Set Goals as Busy Moms

The easiest way to set and crush your goals for this year is to put them within your reach.

 

 

Don’t set a goal to lose 20 pounds. Set a goal to lose 20 pounds by working out 5 days a week for 30 minutes each day and making better food choices.

 

 

Don’t set a goal to be a better mom. Set a goal to spend 30 minutes of quality, screen-free time with your kids each day.

 

 

We don’t fail at our goals because we’re bad at making things a priority, we’re bad at reaching our goals because we don’t create them in a way that is attainable and trackable.

 

 

Find something in your life that you want to achieve and set yourself up to crush that goal by knocking it out one day, one week, and one month at a time. Give yourself grace when you fall off the wagon.

 

 

You only fail when you give up. Instead, get back up and try again.

 

 

You’ve got this mama!

 

 

So, what are some awesome goals to set this year? Here are some examples of goals for mom!

 

 

 

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. I only recommend products I love or would personally use.

 

 

 

19 Attainable Goals for Moms

 

Clean One Drawer Each Week

Clutter. Ugh. I hate clutter. Unfortunately, our house likely has enough stuff in it for 2 or 3 families.

 

 

One goal I try to keep up with each year is to clean out a drawer each week. Or maybe go after a room each month.

 

 

Get rid of the junk you no longer have a use for.

 

 

Depending on what’s in the drawer, you may need to set up bins for keep, trash, donate and recycle.

 

 

Go through the kitchen, the living room, garage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any other room in your house. By doing just a couple of drawers here and there, it isn’t as intimidating as setting out to do the entire house at once. I am NEVER successful when I do that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Minutes of Exercise Every Day

Exercise isn’t new to me, but I have started something new this year, and it’s awesome.

 

 

I am not an exercise fad person, nor do I diet, and I don’t have the time or money to go to the gym.

 

 

Recently we bought a treadmill and I use it A LOT. It was a worthwhile investment because I am using it to help reach my goal of becoming a healthier version of myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Book of the Year

One thing I have done every single year since getting married is to create a photo book.

 

 

I LOVE Shutterfly and seriously cannot say enough about the quality of their products or the level of customer service I have received over the years. They are top-notch!

 

 

I have photo books of all sizes, but my favorite is the 8×8. They’re just big enough to see and read everything on the pages, but they don’t take up a lot of space.

 

 

They also make an awesome decoration for your coffee table. Our friends and family know we make one each year, and they often come looking for our photo book from the previous year.

 

 

If you have more than one kid, Shutterfly is the way to go. Down the road, if your kids each want a copy of the photo books, all you have to do is pull it up and reorder it. This isn’t something you can do with a traditional scrapbook.

 

 

Or, if something were to damage your scrapbook, you simply reorder it without having lost all of the notes and memories you put in your book.

 

 

 

 

 

Finish the Baby Books

Those baby books. Chances are, they’re sitting on your shelf and they aren’t anywhere near finished.

 

 

I get it. We’re moms and we’re busy. One thing I will tell you is that you likely aren’t going to remember everything you do now in 10 years.

 

 

Making a goal for yourself to finish your baby books this year is something that you will remember and never regret.

 

 

You remember little things now that you think you’ll remember down the road, but you won’t.

 

 

Taking the time this year to finish your kids’ baby books is an incredible gift for them and for you.

 

 

I was gifted some awesome baby memory books and calendars for each of my kids. If you’re going to become a mom this year or know someone who is, I highly recommend these baby books and calendars!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read for Pleasure

I am not a reader.

 

 

In fact, it isn’t really my thing at all. UNLESS… I find a book that is so interesting that I can’t put it down.

 

 

But I do know that some people really enjoy reading and benefit from that time of quiet.

 

 

Reading for pleasure is a great example of goals for moms. Finding that time to sit by yourself and read a book is a great way to recharge. Recharging yourself allows you to be a better person for those around you.

 

 

Even though reading isn’t completely my thing, I have found a couple of books about parenting I’ve enjoyed. Last year I did read Girl, Wash Your Face, and it was excellent!

 

 

 

 

 

Go on Date Nights Monthly

Finding the time to date your spouse once you have kids can be hard.

 

 

If you don’t really have the money to go out on dates or pay a babysitter, you may feel stuck. Luckily for you, there are some ways you can make date night happen at home.

 

 

I know what it’s like to go from actively dating your spouse to not having much of a budget for date nights. We went from two incomes to one when we had our first baby. And even now, we are still living on one income.

 

 

One thing I can tell you is this- staying connected with your spouse is the stability of your family. If you and your spouse are together as one unit, your family is going to be better for it.

 

 

Check out some awesome tips on how to prioritize your marriage after kids, and how to date your spouse after having kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Your Bible Every Day

I know not everyone is a Christian. I get that. But maybe you are, or maybe you’re curious about religion in general and desire to learn more.

 

 

The Bible is the foundation of Christianity.

 

 

As a mom, I find my grounding in scripture and I seek it out when trying to figure out life.

 

 

I don’t always find what I’m looking for right away, but I can say that when I am actively reading scriptures on a regular basis, I feel more grounded, not only in my faith but in life in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spend Less Time on Electronics

I am guilty of this and working on it. But no doubt I spend way too much of my day on electronics.

 

 

It’s true that I do run my blog from my computer, but I can certainly put my phone down more and stop worrying about Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

The people we love need to know we love them. And love is best shown by actions. Actions speak louder than words. Putting our phones and electronics down and actually spending quality time with the people we care about is love.

 

 

I am not a “New Years Resolution” person, I am a “set a goal and make it happen no matter the time of year person”.

 

 

If this sounds like you, then set the goal and reach it. Put the screens away and get some face-to-face time with the people you care about. This is a goal you’ll never regret.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean Out the Garage

Our garage has everything from Christmas decorations to keepsakes, to clothes, and who knows what else.

 

 

Cleaning out our garage is going to take more than a couple of hours. It’s likely going to take a couple of days.

 

 

And that’s OK.

 

 

In order to successfully set and reach a goal, you need to set realistic expectations. If you think it’s going to take 2 days to do something, give yourself 3. The chances of you actually finishing your goal and accomplishing your mission is much higher than if you try and take a shortcut to get to the desired outcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live in the Moment

With the fast pace of daily life, I think we forget to live in the moment. We are quick to pick up our phones to document every moment of our kids’ lives. But, sometimes, we need to just take it all in. We need to BE in the moment, not documenting it.

 

 

I heard something recently that has stuck with me. We take pictures not for today, but for tomorrow. We spend so much time trying to hold onto each memory for the future that we lose sight of being involved in the memory.

 

 

Take the time to make sure you’re involved. Play with your kids. Teach them to cook. Watch a movie with them and don’t check your phone 10 times.

 

 

Be in the moment with your family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Game Night

I am all about setting goals that allow you more quality time with your family. I recently shared a post with some awesome tips on how to set up an awesome family game night your kids are going to love! Here are my favorite board games for preschoolers!

 

 

Some of my fondest memories growing up are of playing board games with my family. It’s OK to be competitive because I think kids need to learn how to be OK with losing. As parents, I think we have sometimes created a safe bubble for our kids to dwell in, but the reality is that sometimes you don’t win.

 

 

Setting a goal to have one family game night a week or a month is a time that you can set aside and know you’ll get quality time with your family. I am certain you will be creating some great family memories you’ll remember for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eat Healthier

Ahhh, yes, the #1/#2 goals of the year. Eating healthy and working out is always at the top of the list.

 

 

But often, people fail because they didn’t set themselves up for any type of realistic long-term nutrition program. Diets are often not something people plan to maintain, and often gain back the weight they lost plus more.

 

 

Been there, done that.

 

 

My opinion is that the reason many people fall off diets is that they just aren’t realistic. If you don’t have the willpower to keep from eating the things you “aren’t supposed to have” forever, diets don’t work.

 

 

That isn’t to say that I can eat anything I want whenever I want.

 

 

It is to say that I can eat a healthy, flavorful, balanced diet “most” of the time, and know that if I sway from that here or there, I am not off the wagon.

 

 

Once you learn how to eat and maintain that, you’re golden. Not to mention, your family is likely going to benefit from the change in your food choices as well. In the end, everyone benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start a Journal

Journaling is an amazing way to document your thoughts and your life. It is an incredible outlet for your thoughts, and it allows you quiet time to reflect.

 

 

I wish I were better at journaling because I would love for my kids to have them. But, I’m not. And that’s OK.

 

 

Journaling isn’t for everyone, but it might be just what you need this year! This 52-Week Journal will remind you to write down 3 things each day that you’re grateful for while giving you time to be inspired and check in on your own goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start Recycling

We love to recycle. It helps us feel like we’re creating a better future for our kids and cutting down on the amount of waste in our landfills.

 

 

In our community, recycling is easy because they offer us recycling receptacles. We usually recycle about the same number of items as what we put in our trash. Think about that. You could cut down on your trash output by about 50% just by recycling.

 

 

Even if your community doesn’t offer curbside recycling, you can still do it. Curbside recycling is new to us. Prior to the service, we would put our recycling into large plastic totes, put them in the back of our car, and take them to the nearest recycling center.

 

 

This is something you can get your entire family involved in. Many recycling plants will offer tours which is something your kids may enjoy too.

 

 

If something this simple can help create a better future for your kids with less in the landfills, is it worth it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete a House Project

The dreaded DIY home project you started about a year ago and never finished. Maybe it’s the bathroom, maybe it’s as simple as painting the house.

 

 

Bottom line- it didn’t get finished.

 

 

One thing I like about goal setting for moms is the chance to do something big, like a housing project.

 

 

I’m not saying take a sledgehammer and knock down some walls just because. I am saying that taking ownership of some of the home projects that need to be completed in your house can be empowering.

 

 

If it requires outside help, call someone.

 

 

There is indeed great satisfaction in having your home be a place of solitude and rest, rather than a place you look around and think, “I really need to get that done”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Play Outside More

Regardless of how old your kids are, they likely enjoy spending time with you, even if they don’t show it.

 

 

In my opinion, one of the greatest ways we cut our kids short is in the amount of time we dedicate to them.

 

 

If you’re going to have regrets in 10 years about the lack of time you spend with your kids, change that NOW.

 

 

Get outside, enjoy the weather.

 

 

Maybe it’s cold and snowy where you live- play in the snow with your kids. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, heck, build an igloo.

 

 

If it’s warm where you live, enjoy it. Go play on swings, shoot some hoops, go fishing. Do something.

 

 

Get outside, put your phone down, and soak in every moment of your kiddo’s childhood. It will soon be gone, and you will have missed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spend More Quality Time with the Kids

As mentioned above, one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is your time.

 

 

Spend time with them. Have a game night. Go shopping. Do a craft.

 

 

Need some ideas of things to do inside? I compiled a list of 40 fun indoor activities you can do with your kids that are either cheap or free. And even better, they’re organized by age group.

 

 

Maybe you’d prefer to be outside? Here are the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages!

 

 

I am leaving you with no excuses. Spend time with your kids!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Class

Maybe you’re a mom who wants to further their education.

 

 

Maybe you’re a mom who needs a fun night out painting with your friends.

 

 

Or even better yet, maybe you want to take a cooking class with your spouse.

 

 

If you have a desire to learn something new, take a class.

 

 

Our local public library offers some really awesome classes that are often free. Find the time to do something for yourself and learn something new.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make Time for Yourself Regularly

Last, but most important as a mom, make time for yourself.

 

 

I think as moms, we often sell ourselves short.

 

 

We give the best of ourselves to everyone else, and then we take the itsy-bitsy bit of energy that’s left and if we find the time, we use it for ourselves.

 

 

We deserve better.

 

 

As moms, we need to take care of ourselves. I get that having a newborn is hard. And having more than one kid is hard. Not to forget what it’s like to just be a mom in general, whether a working mom or a stay-at-home mom.

 

 

Every aspect of motherhood can be a challenge. Don’t let that stop you from taking care of yourself.

 

 

Even when I had a baby, I would promise myself one thing every day. For me, that was a shower. Without fail, I took a shower every day. That is one of my favorite goals for new moms. Take a shower.

 

 

Make time for yourself. If you struggle to structure your day, here is how I structure my day as a stay-at-home mom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crush Those Goals Mamas!

I am certain that you have at least 5 goals you want to crush this year.

 

 

Start with 1. Get comfortable with 1 and then add on another one.

 

 

Don’t start with 5 goals at one time. It will be a challenge, and you may not accomplish any of them.

 

 

Track your goals. Write them down and track them. Check things off a list. Let yourself feel the satisfaction of accomplishing something. That feeling is what will fuel the fire to set and reach your next goal.

 

 

Goal setting for moms isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing. You have a chance to do something that’s important to you. Do it.

 

 

Give yourself grace when you mess up and get back up again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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