The start of a new year often brings excitement for fresh starts and new goals. But let’s be honest—how many times have we set big New Year’s resolutions, only to feel defeated a few weeks later? Whether it’s vowing to lose 20 pounds or trying to organize your entire house in one weekend, resolutions often feel like a lot of pressure. I don’t know about you, but a few years ago I stopped setting resolutions. Instead I made goals and intentions.

This year, I encourage you to try something different. Instead of focusing on resolutions, let’s shift our mindset to setting intentions. Intentions are about how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve. They focus on small, sustainable actions that align with your values and they’re much easier to stick to over the long term. 

 What’s the Difference Between Resolutions and Intentions?

The difference between resolutions and intentions lies in their focus. Resolutions are often outcome-driven—things like “organize the entire house” or “cut my screen time in half.” These goals are specific and measurable, but they can often feel overwhelming or out of reach, especially when juggling the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

On the other hand, intentions are more about how you want to feel or grow over time. They focus on the process, not the finish line.

For example, instead of setting a resolution like, “Save 3 hours a day for myself,” which is a specific, end-point goal that can feel impossible, you might set an intention like, “I want to feel more organized and intentional with my time.”

This intention is easier to work towards over time. It doesn’t require a drastic, immediate change, but it encourages you to create habits that allow you to feel more balanced and free up time for yourself. A few small steps you can take to achieve this intention might include:

• Meal prepping on Sundays to save time during the week.
• Using a planner to structure your day, making sure you have time for both work and family.

This process-focused approach doesn’t have the same pressure as a resolution, and it allows you to gradually make progress without feeling like you’re failing if things don’t go exactly as planned.

1. Keep It Simple: Focus on a Few Key Areas

Instead of overwhelming yourself with many goals, focus on 2-3 areas that matter most. These could be things like self-care, family time or business goals. Focusing on fewer areas helps you avoid burnout and brings more fulfillment. For example, if self-care is important, focus on small ways to improve it, like spending 10 minutes a day unwinding. If family time is a priority, your intention might be to create more opportunities for quality moments together and create routines that allow you more time. Simplifying your focus will help you avoid feeling scattered and allow you to truly invest your time and energy into the things that matter most.

2. Break Your Intentions Into Small, Actionable Steps

Big goals can feel daunting, but when you break them down into smaller steps, they become much more achievable. Think about it: instead of saying “get organized this year,” break it down into small actions, like “spend 10 minutes each day decluttering a small space” or “organize one drawer per week.” These mini steps make it easier to stay on track and keep your momentum going.

Focusing on progress, not perfection, is key here. Being consistent with small actions will lead to big changes over time. Every step counts and there’s no rush to “finish” your intention.

3. Create a Routine That Supports Your Intentions

The key to sticking with your intentions is making them part of your daily routine. When intentions become habits, they naturally become a part of your life. For example, if your intention is to make more time for family, schedule family meals, walks or game nights into your routine. These moments will become natural parts of your day, helping you connect with your family without feeling overwhelmed.

Having a morning or evening routine also helps set the tone for your day. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time, prayer or exercise, creating habits that support your intentions can make all the difference. You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine—just add a small habit that aligns with your goals. 

4. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes we make when setting goals is being too hard on ourselves. Life is unpredictable—especially as a busy mom. Some days, the business will need more of your attention and other days, your family needs you more. And that’s okay!

The key is to be flexible and kind to yourself. Adjust your expectations based on the season of life you’re in. If you didn’t make time for self-care one day, it’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again. Progress is the goal, not perfection. Again small steps make a huge difference. 

5. Reflect and Adjust Regularly

Setting intentions isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Set aside time to check in with yourself regularly. Reflect on how you’re feeling and whether your actions are aligning with your intentions. If something isn’t working, adjust. It’s important to be honest with yourself and willing to make changes along the way.

I like to do a monthly reflection. I ask myself: “How am I feeling about my progress? Are my intentions still serving me? Do I need to shift focus?” Reflection helps me stay on track and adjust my plans when necessary. I also will partner with Jimmy on this too. 

6. Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small

As moms, we often forget to celebrate our wins—big or small. But each step you take towards your intention is worth celebrating. Whether it’s taking 10 minutes for yourself, eating a healthier meal, or spending a few extra minutes with your kids, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.

Celebrating small victories keeps you motivated and helps you stay positive. It’s easy to focus on what’s left to do, but recognizing your wins makes the journey more rewarding. So go ahead give yourself that high five or a pat on your back. In fact, say to yourself good job, yes I took steps forward. 

Remember…

Setting intentions is about focusing on the journey and the small steps that lead to meaningful change. It’s not about perfection, but about creating sustainable actions that align with your values. Intentions help you grow in the ways that matter most, without overwhelming you.

This year, let’s focus on intentions instead of resolutions. Set small, intentional goals and celebrate your progress along the way.