3 New Year’s Resolutions Every Mom Should Make

Written by Natasha Funderburk

It’s that time again. Time to say adios to another year and welcome a new fresh start with open arms. Because THIS is the year that will be different, right? THIS is the year you’ll finally do those things you’ve been putting off. After all, you’ve been waiting for the shiny new year to start those big dreams.

But here’s the problem with New Year’s Resolution: most of the time, they pass by unreached. Because most people make them such a big event, that they end up putting too much pressure on themselves, or make the goal too difficult or too overwhelming to actually stick to. Or they come up with a resolution that’s just so farfetched no one could possibly achieve it.

Or, if you’re a mom, the minute you actually start to work on achieving that NYR you hear the inevitable “Mommmmmmm” coming from the other room and it doesn’t stop so your project goes untouched for the next 11 months.

And you tell yourself that’s okay because you’re currently in a “busy season,” so you’ll put your dreams and goals on hold until things “quiet down a bit” and you’re able to devote more time to them. Because you’re a mom and your family needs you right now.

But moms, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last 9 years, it’s that there will always be a busy season.

• “They’re babies, they need me” – babies grow into busy toddlers
• “Well I can do it once we’re out of the toddler phase and in school.” – they’ll need help with homework and playdates and after school activities
• “Well maybe this summer.” – they’ll have sports, and you’ll be driving them to and from all their activities
• “Well maybe when they’re in high school.” – you’ll be following them everywhere making sure they’re wearing a seatbelt and not kissing girls and where they say they are
• “Well maybe once they’re in college.” – So you’re going to wait 18 years to put yourself higher on your list? 18 years to go after what you want in life?

The seasons never slow down. They just look differently once you’re in it each and every time. You can’t sit and let your life pass by because you’re so busy with everyone else’s life. You CAN balance it all. Maybe not perfectly. Maybe not easily. But you can.

So whether you’ve set your sights on a big resolution this year, or you’re just hoping for a better year in general, here are 3 New Year’s Resolutions that every mom should make.

3 New Year’s Resolutions That Every Mom Should Make

Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Moms

Let 2021 be the year you finally put an end to the comparison game. I think we are all too guilty of seeing other moms on social media and we fall into the trap: Instagram is a highlight reel, and people usually only share the pretty little perfect family portraits in their clean homes where laundry is always magically clean and put away.

It’s not real. And even if it was real, it doesn’t matter. I’m sure that picture perfect mom is struggling in some aspect of her life. She may even be scrolling mindlessly comparing herself to other moms, too.

So make a vow that this year, you’ll quit it. Cold turkey. No more comparing yourself; whether it’s how you look, how you dress, how you cook, how you clean, your house, your parenting.. whatever it is, stop comparing yourself to other moms. Your kiddos only want one mama and it’s YOU.

Give Yourself Grace

There is no such thing as the perfect mom. Believe me. It’s taken 9 years on the hamster wheel for me to figure that one out. No matter how hard we may try, we’ll never be perfect. But that’s okay. The mere fact that we want to be perfect shows that we love our children more than anything and want to do everything in our power that we absolutely can for them.

Let go of this idea you have of what the perfect mom looks like. She doesn’t exist. Let go of this idea of what the perfect house looks like. Even if you achieve your vision of perfect, there will always be more. Something else that catches your eye that you think you need to have in order to “have it all.”

Let go with perfection and adopt the idea of “good enough.” Once you do, you will be happier and feel more free. I guarantee it.

Write Your Name Higher On Your List

Let 2021 be the year where you finally stop putting yourself last. I get it. Trust me. These kids need us. Our family needs us. Our jobs need us. There are bills to be paid and groceries to be bought and meals to be cooked. Homework and projects and dance and sports, and someone needs to take the dog on a walk.

There will always be a busy season. Stop using that as your excuse to not do a dang thing for yourself. Commit to moving your name up higher on your list and MAKING THE TIME for something that’s important to you.

There’s this saying, “do something today your future self with thank you for.” It’s corny. But do it. Start working on something today that the YOU a year from now will look back and be so happy that you did.

No matter if you’re a new mama, a seasoned mom, a stepmom, a godmama, furmom, or a someday-mom, these are 3 New Year’s Resolutions that every mom should make, and I’m sending you all my best juju that you can keep them in the new year.