How are those resolutions working out for you?
How many times last week did you reach for another cookie, pour another cocktail, or sneak into the dwindling stocking candy and think, “it’s break, I’ll make better choices in January.”
Without knowing the actual statistics, I’m going to guess most of us would respond with “too many!”
Those behaviors that we justify over the holidays are the very thing that mold our new year’s resolutions.
Then, by mid-January, those resolutions are abandoned and forgotten and we’re left dealing with the daily guilt brought on by bad choices and their recurring and often compounding consequences.
Is it any wonder those resolutions fail?
We literally symbolize the start of every new year by watching the ball drop in NYC. Allow me to restate that for emphasis: the symbol that represents the start of every new year is “dropping the ball.” Seriously? We’re doomed from the start.
Not this year, mama!
We’ve had a revelation and you should too. Check out our 3-step approach to doing just that.
Step 1: Be realistic with your expectations
This requires an open mind and a sense of humor. Did that last part catch you off guard? The thing is, all of this “work” can seem like a lot. We have to let go of the notion that it is hard or overwhelming or most importantly that it has to yield perfect results. Rather, it’s likely going to be messy, awkward and sometimes uncomfortable and that’s okay. Lean into the mess and even laugh in the face of it when necessary. With this revelation, it should be enlightening, bring you peace and make you feel good! Strive for progress, not perfection, mamas!
Step 2: Give yourself grace
This advice should come as a surprise to NO ONE (it’s kind of what we do!). However, the trick is in actually doing it! You have to give yourself permission to let things go from time to time. The pressure we put on ourselves as mothers is incomparable. Historically speaking, we wear umpteen hats and juggle just as many balls. We make little time for ourselves and we burn the candle at both ends on the regular. STOP IT! What is it proving and who are you proving it to? You owe it to yourself to keep grace at the forefront of your every move. Tie a string around your finger or stamp it on your forehead if you have to but please, make grace a priority EVERY DAY!
Step 3: Course correct as needed
Here’s the thing about being a mom… We do all those things I just mentioned above and then wonder why we exist in a downward spiral of self loathing and regret. Okay, that might be dramatic, but then again, maybe it’s not… Only you know for sure. Chances are, when the minivan goes off the rails you tend to keep your foot pressed to the gas and you don’t stop to check the map.
Yes, that’s code. It means sometimes we have to stop, take a deep breath, acknowledge that we’re going nowhere fast, and get back on track. But guess what? That’s the ever-lovin’ beauty of course correcting: there’s an unlimited supply of it in the universe so you can do it as often as necessary. You just have to catch yourself getting off track and find your way back! Will you please try?
Strive for progress, not perfection!
In conclusion, keep these three tips in mind as you make your way through this new year. Don’t hold yourself to resolutions that don’t suit you and most certainly don’t resolve to try to be someone different by holding yourself to unreasonable expectations. Rather, subscribe to the revelation that you are enough and keep working to be the best version of yourself as often as possible.
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