Enter The New Year With Words, Not Goals
As the new year approaches, it's natural to feel the pull of goal-setting culture. We're surrounded by messages telling us to "do more," "achieve big things," or "transform our lives." But as moms, our lives are already so full — of love, of challenges, of endless to-do lists. This year, I invite you to shift your focus from goals to words and see how that simple mindset change can bring more ease and joy into your life.
What’s the Difference Between Goals and Words?
Goals are often tied to a specific outcome. They’re measurable and have a clear finish line: donate 10 bags of clothes/toys, run a 5K, or organize the entire house. While there’s nothing wrong with goals, they can sometimes feel rigid or even overwhelming, especially in the unpredictable rhythm of life with a baby or toddler.
Words, on the other hand, are about the journey. A chosen word (or words) serves as a gentle guide, reminding you how you want to feel and show up each day. Instead of striving for an end result, words anchor you to the present moment and inspire your choices with kindness, grace, and self-awareness.
For example:
Instead of “I’ll exercise five days a week,” try using the word “Strength.”
Instead of “I need to lose weight,” try using the word “Nourish.”
Instead of “I’ll keep the house spotless,” try carrying the word “Calm.”
This similar concept ties into preparing for birth. When you go into birth with a plan, you might feel heartache navigating your story when birth shifts in a new direction. When you go into birth with preferences, you give yourself the grace you deserve to navigate this new experience.
Why Words Work for Moms
Life with little ones is beautifully unpredictable. Some days, everything clicks, and other days, you’re in straight survival mode. Words give you the flexibility to adjust to life’s curveballs without the guilt that comes from feeling like you’ve "failed" at a goal.
When you choose a word, you’re also modeling an important lesson for your child: that life isn’t about perfection or checking boxes but about living with intention and care. And as you approach your days with your chosen word in mind, you’ll likely find more space for connection, creativity, and the things that truly matter to you.
You can help your little yogis work towards words as well. If they are entering toddlerhood, some words you can practice are: gentle, patience, or kind. Here’s an example that you can use with your kids at home: “I can tell you’re working really hard to practice patience. It’s tough to wait when we really want something. Let’s keep this word in our heart as we wait for our dinner to cook.”
How to Choose Words for the New Year
Ready to embrace a guiding word? Here are some steps to get started:
Reflect on Your Values: Take a few quiet moments to think about what matters most to you. Is it being present with your family? Taking care of your mental and physical health? Slowing down to try to reduce your overwhelm? Let these values inspire your word.
Keep It Simple: Your word doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better. Choose one or two words that resonate deeply with you.
Write It Down: Put your word somewhere you’ll see it daily — on your bathroom mirror, in a journal, or as a note on your phone. This will help you stay grounded in your "why."
Revisit and Revise: Your word might shift as the year unfolds, and that’s okay. Check in with yourself regularly and make adjustments as needed. If the only time you are actively working towards that word is when you walk past the sticky note, you’re still doing the work of keeping that word in your sphere.
My Words for the New Year
As a mom, my guiding words for the new year are rooted in creating space for connection and self-care. This year, I’m focusing on:
Growth: I look forward to seeing the new ways our yoga community can continue to grow in our new space. I look forward to seeing what new classes, workshops, and community events we will get to experience together.
Grace: Motherhood is filled with challenges, and I want to approach them with understanding — for both my child and myself. You’re not alone when riding the waves of life. I’ll be there right beside you.
Join Me
If you’re ready to step into the new year with a guiding word, I’d love to support you. Whether through a Baby & Me yoga class that fosters connection or a Postpartum Yoga session that helps you reconnect with your body, we can create space for mindfulness and movement together.
Here’s to a new year filled with intention, presence, and joy. You’ve got this, mama. 💕
