This year my New Year’s goals have to be kept simple. I’m a mom to an almost one-year-old, and I know I will be busy with my toddler. So I’m letting go of the need to get too much done. One main goal, however, is creating harmony and functionality in our family life. I’ve been sleep-deprived and stressed out for too long.
Keeping the goals simple
Luckily, I’m already clear on what I want to focus on. I’m just not sure how I will get there, but I will start by just deciding WHAT I want to focus on—the how will be the next step.
It all has to be realistic. We live in another country away from the baby’s grandparents, so we haven’t got much help around the house. After daycare hours, the time is limited. My goal is to have effective and ‘keep it simple’- lifestyle routines, without forgetting the fun and the love.
My realistic goals for 2025
Goal 1: Have my baby move to her bed to sleep.
I say this with fear, hesitation, and unsure when and how. She sleeps with us still, which sometimes makes me tired, because there’s not enough space. I wake up several times at night to help her go back to sleep breastfeeding.
But when I think about moving her, I feel like I will miss cuddling with her, feeling her close to knowing she’s ok, and waking up with her smile next to me. I also hate the idea of having to hear her cry.
At the same time, I need to sleep in a better position, I want to hug and kiss my fiancé as well, and I want to sleep a full night. It’s just better for us all, so it’s a step we must take.
- Stop breastfeeding
- Move my baby to sleep in her bed.
Goal 2: Keep home clean and organized.
Cleaning up is one of the most stressful things in my day. With a baby, I’m always cleaning up from when she ate the last time, doing laundry, or picking up around the house. I want to ensure the “mess” isn’t eating away all my energy. I want to enjoy the energy in my home! So my goal is to have a functional home that fits our routines.
- Choose a day when a weekly cleanup is done.
- Get paid help if possible.
- Declutter things we don’t use anymore.
- Batch cooking
Goal 3: Blogging once a week.
I know I say this every year. But I will set it as a goal again because I haven’t lost my passion. I am still excited about building my website and optimistic about finding time.
So what’s different this time? I have lost interest in trying to be perfect. Parenting a child has taught me, that it doesn’t have to be perfect. I want her to know, that the most important thing is to try her best. I want to encourage her to work on her goals and setting a good example is the way to do it.
- Pick a day and time for writing. Write it in your calendar. Make the arrangements necessary. Do I need her dad or a nanny to take care of her? Will I be able to do it during the nap? Can I record while walking?
Goal 4: Working out 3 times a week minimum
My fitness motivation is on being able to finish combos in pole dance, but also just generally feeling good and strong, and happy in my body. I’ve had a good post-partum recovery, so in the upcoming year, I can be more ambitious on this front.
I’ve always found exercise helpful for my well-being, spirit, and good energy. Therefore, keeping my fitness routine is a must.
From experience, I know that three times a week is the amount that works for me, enough to stay fit, but also realistic in our family’s schedules. Doing more will improve my fitness, but will be harder to implement.
From March, I want to increase pole dance from one to two classes per week, and then complement it with gym, barre, yoga, and pilates. While it can require planning, I know that this amount is realistic.
Before my fitness goals were my main goals for the year. Now my first and foremost goal is to have a functional home and time for family, so I’m just not going to spend hours working out. I’ve found my magic number to stay fit, so I’ll try to make that happen, but if I can’t I can adapt to a home workout.
Put it on your calendar
I know myself, and the only way to make a goal happen is to put it on my calendar! I book my classes usually a month ahead, and then one week before I go through them and adjust according to other plans. Weekly, I and my partner talk about how we plan to use the days. This routine is vital for the success of our family!
