I may not believe in New Year’s resolutions, but I’ve become really good at setting personal goals for myself.
It’s just the follow-through that I haven’t yet managed to master…
When I turned 35, I shared 10 things I wanted to do before my 36th birthday. When I turned 37, I shared another list, this time 10 things I plan to do to remain youthful. My lists always seem reasonable: have fun, take time for myself, try something new – it’s not like I’m planning to change the world or anything. Yet every year when I revisit my list of goals, I’m left with feelings of regret. Feelings of failure.
This morning I received a comment on a recent blog post from a new reader (also a career mom of three), who asked if I manage to accomplish my annual birthday goals, and if so, what’s my secret to doing so. She then mentioned that when she fails to achieve her goals, she uses the same excuse: it’s because of her kids.
And there it was. An excuse I’ve used many times, and one that I think most moms use far too often.
Sorry I’m late: kids.
I don’t work out, no time: kids.
I’ve always wanted to try that, but you know: kids.
There are so many things I want to do – so many goals I want to achieve that have nothing to do with my kids, yet it seems as though my kids are always my excuse for not achieving those goals. And that’s where I’m failing myself.
Having kids shouldn’t be an excuse for not doing things, it should be an excuse for doing more – achieving more.
Because when you set goals for yourself – and actually accomplish them, it’s a great lesson for kids. It teaches them how to master the follow-through, and shows them that you can do anything if you set your mind to it – even as a busy mom.
Children shouldn’t be obstacles on your road to success, they should be motivation. Yes they can be little time suckers, but if you’re creative, they can also be conduits for success.
I challenge you to set goals, and make them happen – not despite having kids, but because you have kids.
I’m going to start by carving out time to devote to working out, because if I can find time to watch my favourite series on Netflix, I can find time to sweat it out and work on developing a healthier body. What’s your next move? Let’s make each other accountable for our goals and achieve them together – because: kids.
