Goal Planning Guide for Different Seasons of Motherhood [Episode 299]

Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision

When it comes to goal setting, moms need different strategies in different seasons of motherhood. In this week’s video, I’ll be sharing what works in setting goals for the pregnancy and baby phase, when you have children under six, when you have school-aged kids and a full schedule, and when your children leave home.

There are also principles that apply to all of us, no matter what stage we are in.

Tips for Goal Planning in Every Season of Motherhood:

1. Survival Seasons (pregnancy, postpartum, baby stage): Create goals around who you want to BE. There is plenty you are learning how to do in this phase of motherhood.

2. When You Have Children 6 and Under: This is an exploring phase to figure out what type of motherhood you want to create and what you like to do. Do projects, try new things, and start something that scares you. Keep two lists - things you can do when your kids are sleeping and things you can do when they are awake.

3. When You Have School-Aged Children: When schedules are full, and you feel like there isn’t room to add more, ask yourself, “Where do I want to see progress in my life this year?” and be intentional about improving and going deeper on what you’ve already committed to. This progress will create excitement and energy.

4. Empty Nesters: This phase can feel a lot like becoming a new mom - disorienting if you don’t know how to fill your days. This is a good time to set goals to explore and figure out what matters to you or do things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t gotten to you.

It’s important to remember that as a mom, goals can include things you do with your kids, too.

For a long time, I thought that for a goal to count, it had to be something I did away from my kids during alone time. So not true!

I love to have a whole list of things I can work on when my kids are with me. Some things are more mindless activities that I can do next to them while they play, like wood carving or crocheting. Others are things we can work on together, like growing a garden.

As you are figuring out your goals this year, make sure at least one thing can be done with your children. It’s good for everyone to see mom working on goals!

If you’re ready to achieve your goals, tune in, grab a pen, take some notes, and get excited about the progress you’ll make in 2024!