Ah yes, September is almost here, a.k.a back-to-school season for our kiddos–no big deal, right, sis? Screams internally!
While it's obviously exciting for us as a busy mom to anticipate another year of learning and growth for our “tiny” humans, the looming reality of getting back to a structured routine after months of summer fun is–let's face it–scarier than realizing you've forgotten to do your skincare routine for a week.
But does navigating this shift have to be that dreadful? Well, from my experience, not if you're able to cover a few critical bases. I'm talking setting SMART goals, mastering time blocking, and more game-changing strategies.
So, if you've got a few minutes to spare, I invite you to tune into this episode as I dive into the juicy details!
Catch the full episode below or on iTunes or Spotify!
Listen out for:
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Setting Clear Goals [6:13]
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Prioritizing Self-Care [13:39]
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Time Management [20:19]
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Balancing Work and Family Life [22:53]
- Spending Quality Family Time [25:26]
Smart Goals
In the podcast, I said I would share some of the notes and research to help you create your goals. Here is the smart goal framework.
SMART Goals Framework: To make sure your goals are effective, I recommend using the SMART goals framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific. Instead of saying ‘I want to be more productive,' say ‘I want to complete all client proposals by the end of the week.'
- Measurable: You should be able to track your progress. For example, ‘I want to increase my social media followers by 500 in the next month.'
- Achievable: Your goal should be realistic and attainable. If you set a goal that’s too far out of reach, you might get discouraged. Aim for something challenging yet possible.
- Relevant: Your goal should matter to you and align with your other objectives. Ask yourself why this goal is important and how it fits into your overall plans.
- Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. This helps create a sense of urgency and keeps you focused. Instead of ‘I want to write a book someday,' say ‘I want to complete the first draft of my book by December 31st.'
By using the SMART framework, you ensure that your goals are clear, actionable, and aligned with your overall vision. This not only helps you stay focused and motivated but also increases your chances of achieving them.
So, take some time to sit down and write out your goals using the SMART framework. Trust me, it’s worth the effort, and it will set you up for success as you transition into this new routine.
Prioritizing Self-Care
We often put ourselves last on the list, but let me tell you, prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining your energy and productivity.
Why Self-Care Matters: First, let’s talk about why self-care matters. When you take care of yourself, you’re not just benefiting yourself—you’re also benefiting everyone around you. Think about it: if you’re running on empty, it’s hard to be present for your kids, give your best to your business, or enjoy time with your family. Self-care helps you recharge your batteries, manage stress, and stay focused. It’s like the oxygen mask analogy: you have to put on your own mask first before you can help others. By prioritizing self-care, you ensure that you have the energy and mental clarity to handle all your responsibilities effectively.
Self-Care Ideas: Now, let’s get into some practical self-care tips for the busy mom. These are simple yet powerful ways to recharge and take care of yourself:
- Morning Routines: Start your day with a routine that energizes you. This could include things like meditation, journaling, stretching, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the chaos begins.
- Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to boost your energy and mood. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or even a dance party in your living room, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your day.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress and stay grounded. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Personal Time: Carve out time each day to do something you love, whether it’s reading, crafting, gardening, or anything that brings you joy and relaxation.
- Healthy Eating: Nourish your body with healthy, balanced meals. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but try to make choices that fuel your body and give you sustained energy.
Incorporating Self-Care into Daily Routine: Now, how do you make self-care a non-negotiable part of your day? Here are some strategies:
- Schedule It: Just like you schedule meetings and appointments, schedule your self-care time. Put it on your calendar and treat it as a priority.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or don’t align with your priorities. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your self-care time.
- Create Rituals: Turn self-care into a ritual that you look forward to. For example, a nightly skincare routine can be a relaxing way to wind down before bed.
- Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Start with small, manageable changes and gradually build on them.
- Involve Your Family: Get your family on board with your self-care routine. Explain why it’s important and encourage them to support you. You can even make it a family activity, like going for a walk together or having a tech-free hour in the evening.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of your family and run your business effectively. So make self-care a priority, and watch how it positively impacts every area of your life.
Quotes
“[By] using the smart framework, you're essentially ensuring that your goals are clear, actionable, and aligned with your overall vision of your life. This really helps you to stay focused and motivated, and also it increases your chances of achieving them.” [12:12]
“As a busy mom, we often put ourselves last on every single list, but really, prioritizing our self -care is crucial, A, for maintaining our energy, B, for maintaining our productivity, and C, for teaching our kids how to take care of themselves and building it into their day -to -day lives, so they're not putting themselves at the bottom of the totem pole.” [14:01]
“[Time blocking] really helps you to dedicate specific time and focus to a specific group of tasks. The beauty of this is that it really helps you focus on one thing at a time, reducing the distractions and really increasing your productivity.” [21:19]
“[T]he biggest boundary you can set is with yourself” [23:42]
Bonus
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