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Today we’re talking about something we all experience—setting big New Year’s Resolutions, only to feel guilty when life takes over and they fall to the side. According to research, 80% or more of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by February. So, you are not alone.
But here’s the thing—resolutions aren’t the only way to create meaningful change. Today, we’re throwing out the guilt and talking about a better, more sustainable way to refocus in 2025.
I use the Full Focus Planner created by Michael Hyatt. I love it because the planner is divided into quarters, four for the year. I have a new planner every quarter and it gives me a feeling of renewal and energy every time I receive a new planner.
And here’s something really important: the way you approach your goals and challenges doesn’t just impact you—it shapes how your child sees goals and their own ability to grow. Let’s talk about how you can be a powerful role model in a way that’s realistic and guilt-free.
Grab your beverage of choice, take a deep breath, and let’s get started!
Why Resolutions Fail (And Why That’s Okay!)
Let’s be honest—how many of us started January with big goals?
- I’ll exercise every day!
- I’ll get organized!
- I’ll finally make time for myself!
But then real life happens—kids get sick, work gets busy, we’re exhausted, and suddenly those big goals feel impossible. Sound familiar?
✨ The problem isn’t you—it’s the all-or-nothing mindset that resolutions create.
✨ When we set rigid goals, we feel like we’ve “failed” the moment we slip up.
✨ That guilt keeps us stuck instead of moving forward.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need a resolution to create change. You just need a reset.
🔹 And let’s remember—our kids are always watching. When they see us give up on a goal because we weren’t perfect, they learn that mistakes mean failure. But when they see us adjust, reset, and keep going, they learn that progress is what really matters.
A Guilt-Free Way to Refocus in 2025
Instead of resolutions, let’s try something different—a gentle refocus. No pressure, no guilt, just small, intentional steps.
1️⃣ Choose a Word or Theme for the Year
- Instead of a strict resolution, pick one word to guide you.
- It could be “simplicity,” “patience,” “balance,” or “joy.”
- Ask yourself: What do I want more of in 2025?
Action Step: Write your word down and put it somewhere visible!
And here’s a fun way to include your child: Ask them to choose their own word for the year, too! You can do this as a family activity and talk about how small changes can help you live that word every day.
2️⃣ Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
- Instead of “I will work out every day,” try “I will move my body in ways that feel good.”
- Instead of “I’ll be the most organized mom ever,” try “I will take small steps to simplify my life.”
Action Step: Rewrite one of your goals with a more flexible, forgiving mindset.
And remind yourself—your kids don’t need to see a perfect mom. They need to see a mom who keeps going, even when things don’t go as planned. That’s how they learn resilience!
3️⃣ Start Small – One Tiny Shift at a Time
- Big goals can feel overwhelming, but small steps add up.
- If you want to read more, start with 5 minutes before bed.
- If you want more self-care, schedule one 10-minute break just for you.
Action Step: Pick one tiny habit you can start this week.
And if you’re thinking, “But I don’t have time,” I want you to imagine your child watching you. Do you want them to believe that taking care of themselves isn’t a priority? Or do you want them to see that even moms deserve rest, fun, and personal growth? Being their role model starts with showing them that small, consistent efforts matter more than perfection.
Letting Go of Guilt and Moving Forward
You don’t need permission to start fresh at any time.
- The calendar doesn’t determine your success—your daily choices do.
- Give yourself grace and remember: small, consistent actions lead to big change.
Instead of looking back at what didn’t happen, focus on what’s possible next.
And if you ever feel like giving up, remember—your child is learning from you. When they see you shift, adapt, and keep going, they’ll know they can do the same.
What’s one small way you can refocus—without guilt—starting today? Write in your planner, journal, or on a sticky note for the mirror in your car or bathroom.
According to studies, having an accountability partner significantly increases your chances of achieving a goal, with research suggesting that you are around 65% more likely to complete a goal if you commit to someone else, and this number jumps to 95% if you have a specific accountability appointment with that person to check in on progress. In my weekly Deep Dive Moms Group, we set a weekly goal and check with each other throughout the week to support each other and hold each other accountable. Our coach, Kim Anderson, knows the value of having accountability partners and encourages us to check on each other throughout the week. I bet there is someone in your life, who also needs a little accountabiilty to meet her goal – ask her to be your accountabilty partner and cheer each other on this week!
Want more tools to manage stress and navigate motherhood with confidence? Sign up for my newsletter at dyslexiamomlife.com for weekly tips and encouragement!
Until next time, take a deep breath—you got this!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Episode 130: Understanding Your Child’s Dyslexia Workshop
- Subscribe to the Better Together Newletter
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