Happy Monday!
That’s right. Happy.
Welcome to Fresh Start Monday where instead of dreading it, we look forward to Monday. It’s a whole new week with a clean slate. A chance to start over, get back on track or try something new.
We’re moms. We get busy. We get frustrated. We get stuck in rut. Sometimes we need a fresh start.
So today let’s talk about four general actions you can take to set yourself up for success this week.
1. Write it down. What do you want to change? What do you want to start? Write it down by hand on piece of paper. There’s something about putting it down in ink that makes it seem real. If I just think about my to-do list in my head, I get a few things done. But if I write it down and cross off items as I complete them, I almost always finish everything. It works with goals too.
2. Be positive. If you think you’re going to fail, you will. If you have a set-back and beat yourself up over it, you’ll quit. I do this a lot when I make a mistake with my kids. “Ugh! You yelled at them again. You’re the worst mom in the world.”
Am I really THE WORST mom in the world? Of course not. I’m not Mother of the Year, but all I have to do is watch the news for a few minutes to hear a story about a truly terrible mom. When I’m frustrated with myself I always default to negative self-talk though. I have to stop myself, and remember to give myself a break.
Be kind to yourself. What would you say to your kids? “Good try! Try again! You can do it!” Why not be your own best cheerleader too?
3. Get some Rest. When I’m tired, stressed or overloaded it’s hard to stay focused on my goal, and it’s easier to give up. So go bed earlier, take a hot bath, find 10 minutes to relax and read a book. It’s hard when the kids are pulling you in 10 different directions, but try squeeze in some time for yourself. I know it puts me in a better sate of mind. You’ll have more energy to put toward accomplishing your goal if you’re mentally and physically rested.
4. Make small changes. Take small steps. Maybe your fresh start is to organize your entire house. Don’t plan on doing it all in one day. You’ll never succeed. Break it into manageable tasks that you can complete. For example, start with just one drawer, then move on to a closet. The satisfaction of accomplishing small goals with encourage you to keep going.
I hate to exercise. Even a 30 minute workout is torture for me. So I tell myself, “Let’s just get through the first 10 minutes.” Ten minutes seem more manageable than 30. Then I concentrate on the next 10, and then the last 10. And it’s over before I know it!
Now go make it a great Monday and a great week! I know you can!
Join the conversation: What do you do to help yourself accomplish a goal? Tell us in comments. Maybe it will help someone else!
Thank you Colleen I appreciate your new twist on Mondays! Great idea as usual.
I agree that writing it down makes a HUGE difference. I live by my written list. Even if I had a smart phone, I wouldn’t put it in there, I would transfer the energy and intent from my mind through my hand to the page. An idea I love that I don’t do enough is write the goal on a sticky note and put it somewhere you see every day to remind you what you’re working toward.
I need to start concentrating on my exercise time in 10 minute increments like that. Brilliant idea.