As a mom of 2, a nurse, entrepreneur, and wife, life can get a bit busy, to say the least. As each new year arrives, it’s not unusual for us to reflect on the last 12 months, analyzing what we accomplished and what we hope to achieve. Sometimes, this analysis can lead us down a path of fear, frustration, and disappointment when last year’s dreams weren’t realized. I’m here to bring a bit of good news and encouragement. Instead of looking at the past year with regrets, use this moment to do a deep dive into what you can do differently. You may not have all the answers, and it may take some time. Rather than giving yourself a week to make a new year plan, take the entire month of January to ease into the plan for the future.
In my role as a childbirth educator and nurse, I knew I needed a better planning system. As 2024 started, the overwhelm of juggling it all hit me. I knew I wanted to push my business further while being more present with my family. The realization came during a family vacation in Jamaica last year when I struggled to rest, constantly thinking about the tasks I needed to do. I was significantly distracted and felt behind even though I was with my family and knew that’s where I wanted to be. Feeling behind all the time created significant stress because my mind was in the past, yet I was worried about the future. I robbed myself from enjoying the present. I knew that was not okay. This year, I want to be more intentional with my time and mindset, and I know you do too.
To create a new plan, I’ve been reading a book called “The 12 Week Year” by Brian Moran and Mike Pennington, and it has transformed my approach to annual planning. The book recommends approaching the year 12 weeks at a time, making each day like one week. With this mindset, priorities completely shift. It forces you to be realistic and practical about the goals you can achieve. This shift in perspective also helps focus on the most important goals, especially for those like me who tend to make too many goals at once.
The truth is, we can’t land all the planes in our life at once. We need a system, and we need to be realistic. Each season requires its own sacrifices. We chase balance, but the goal is not to balance it all because that’s not achievable. The goal is to focus on what’s most needed in this season of life. Ask yourself, what areas need my attention most right now? Consider what key goal you need to achieve to create the life impact you desire. The next season may look very different, and that’s okay. Moms, let’s give ourselves grace. The picture attached shows my husband and I in Jamaica, may we be present and make even more memories like these. Happy planning.
