By: Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA
Breaking Free from Resolution Burnout
Let’s be real, moms. How many New Year’s resolutions have we started with fire and enthusiasm, only to watch them fizzle out by February? This year, I’m approaching goal-setting differently—with intention, practicality, and a whole lot of grace.
The Real-World Approach to Personal Goals
As a mom, I know our lives are a constant balancing act. Between managing households, careers, and endless family needs, setting personal goals can feel like just another item on an already overwhelming to-do list. But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Sustainable Goal-Setting: More Than Just a Wishlist
Sustainable goals aren’t about grand, sweeping changes. They’re about small, consistent choices that add up to real transformation. For me in 2025, that means setting a clear boundary: declining unhealthy foods and alcohol in social settings. It might sound simple, but for a busy mom, it’s an act of self-care.
The secret to staying on track? Break your goals into bite-sized, manageable steps. Instead of an overwhelming “get healthy” resolution, I focus on specific, actionable commitments. This means:
- Preparing healthy alternatives for social gatherings.
- Practicing confident, kind ways to decline foods that don’t serve my health.
- Recognizing social pressure without giving in to it.
Accountability isn’t about perfection—it’s about community. I’ve been transparent about my health commitments, which has not only helped me stay on track but has also inspired conversations about wellness among my friends and family.
Beyond Personal Goals: Inspiring Wellness
What I’ve realized is that my commitment to health isn’t just about me. It’s about creating a culture of wellness in my home. By modeling intentional choices, I’m showing my family that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Moms, we’re often our own harshest critics. When we slip up—and we will—it’s crucial to approach ourselves with compassion. A missed workout, an indulgent meal, a moment of weakness—these aren’t failures. They’re part of the journey. The key is to be flexible and kind to yourself while maintaining your core commitment.
Practical tips for staying motivated include:
- Scheduling regular check-ins with yourself
- Celebrating small wins
- Remembering your ultimate why
My boundary-setting isn’t about restriction—it’s about liberation. Liberation from social pressures, from unhealthy habits, from the constant cycle of guilt and temporary fixes. It’s about creating a life that feels authentic, energizing, and true to my values.
The most profound change happens not through massive, dramatic shifts, but through consistent, intentional daily choices. Each time I politely decline a drink or choose a healthier option, I’m not just making a dietary choice. I’m making a statement about self-respect, discipline, and the power of staying true to my values.
To every mom reading this: Your goals matter. Your health matters. Your dreams matter. This year, let’s approach our resolutions not as a battlefield, but as a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Sustainable goals aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress and showing up for yourself, day after day, with compassion, intention, and unwavering hope.
As we step into 2025, I invite you to join me in this journey. Not through massive, overwhelming changes, but through small, meaningful choices that honor your health, your time, and your worth. Let’s work to create a life that feels good from the inside out—one intentional decision at a time.
Here’s to a year of intentional living, boundless grace, and transformative wellness.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
