Setting Intentions for the New Year: A Guide for Busy Moms

As the new year begins, many of us feel the urge to press the reset button and start fresh. Setting intentions for the new year will guide you on a path of focus and positive behaviours.

For busy moms, this time offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the past year, set empowering intentions, and create a roadmap for personal growth.

Intentions go beyond traditional goal setting; they focus on how we want to feel and the values we want to embody.

Let’s dive into how you can set meaningful intentions that resonate with your life and aspirations.

Before setting new intentions, take a moment to reflect on the previous year. What were your highlights? What challenges did you face? Consider the lessons learned and how they shaped your perspective.

Journaling can be a helpful tool during this process. Write down your thoughts and feelings about 2024, focusing on what worked well and what you would like to change moving forward.

Here are some reflective prompts to guide you:

• What accomplishments am I proud of?
• What challenges helped me grow?
• How did I practice self-care?
• What relationships flourished, and which ones need nurturing?

This reflection will allow you to gain clarity on your experiences and set the stage for your intentions.

Next, identify the core values that are most important to you. These values will serve as the foundation for your intentions.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What brings me joy and fulfillment?
• What do I want to prioritize this year?
• How do I want to show up for myself and my family?

To help clarify your values, consider creating a “values list” that includes words or phrases that resonate with you, such as "health," "connection," "growth," "adventure," or "creativity."

Once you have your list, narrow it down to your top three to five values. This exercise will help you align your intentions with what truly matters to you, creating a powerful motivation to achieve them.

Now that you have reflected and identified your values, it’s time to set your intentions. Rather than focusing solely on specific goals (like losing weight or achieving a promotion), think about how you want to feel throughout the year.

Here are some examples of intentions you might consider:

• "I intend to cultivate a sense of balance in my life."
• "I will prioritize self-care and make time for myself."
• "I aim to foster connections with my family and friends."
• "I choose to embrace flexibility and adaptability in my daily routine."
• When formulating your intentions, use positive language and frame them in the present tense to reinforce your commitment. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," say, "I nurture my body with healthy choices."

Write your intentions down and keep them somewhere visible, such as on your fridge, in your planner, or on a vision board. This will serve as a daily reminder of your commitment and encourage you to stay focused.

While intentions focus on the bigger picture, having a practical action plan will help you bring them to life. Break down each intention into smaller, actionable steps that you can incorporate into your daily routine. For example, if your intention is to prioritize self-care, consider the following actionable steps:

• Schedule 15 minutes of "me time" each day to read, meditate, or enjoy a cup of tea.
• Plan a monthly outing with friends or a monthly date night with your partner to nurture relationships.
• Start a new hobby, such as golfing, painting or gardening, that brings you joy and allows for creativity.
• Set aside time each week for a family activity that promotes connection and joy.

Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of your action steps and monitor your progress throughout the month.

As a busy mom, life can be unpredictable, and things may not always go as planned. Remember that it’s okay to adjust your intentions as your circumstances change. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities that may arise.

Be kind to yourself during this journey. If you find that you’re not making progress as quickly as you hoped, reflect on what may be holding you back and adjust your approach. Celebrate your small wins along the way, and remember that this journey is about progress, not perfection.

Setting intentions for the new year is a powerful way to create focus and direction in your life. By reflecting on the past year, identifying your core values, and crafting empowering intentions, you can embrace the fresh start that January brings.

Remember, this journey is about cultivating self-love and appreciation, allowing you to shine brighter from within. Is this resonating with you? YES, then you will love our FREE Confidence Boost Guide! Download your FREE Guide here.

Here’s to a fulfilling year ahead, filled with growth, connection, and joy!

Enjoy Your Journey and Go Shine Bright!