It’s that time again—New Year’s resolutions are everywhere! Whether you love them or roll your eyes at the thought, there’s no denying that the fresh start of a new year feels special. Personally, I always get excited about setting goals, but if I’m honest, I’ve struggled with actually sticking to them. Every year I set the same resolutions, only to lose track halfway through. But this year, I’m approaching things differently. Let’s chat about how we can set meaningful intentions without feeling overwhelmed, inspired by what I’ve learned as an early childhood teacher (because trust me, we’re pros at setting realistic goals in a world of ever-changing little humans!).

Resolutions: Habits vs. To-Do’s

Not all resolutions are created equal. Some are habits, like creating a better self-care routine, exercising regularly, or reading more books. Others are to-do’s, like finally organizing the kids’ old clothes, planning a family trip, or completing a long-overdue home project. Knowing the difference can help you approach them with the right mindset.
Habits: These take time and consistency, much like teaching toddlers how to share—progress comes with patience and repetition. Developing habits like drinking more water or setting a regular bedtime routine for yourself requires daily commitment and gentle reminders.
To-Do’s: Check them off once and celebrate! These are straightforward and often involve a single action, like scheduling a long-overdue doctor’s appointment or decluttering the playroom. Once they’re done, they’re off your list for good.

Be Real About Time

Time can feel like it’s slipping away, especially in busy seasons. As a mama and early childhood teacher, I know how fast the months fly by. It’s easy to set big goals in January and forget them by February. Here’s a trick: Set check-in points, just like we assess milestones for little ones. Break your year into quarters, and reflect on what’s working and what needs adjusting. Create reminders on your phone or mark check-in dates on your calendar. This way, even if life gets busy, your goals stay on your radar.
Teacher Insight: In early learning, we celebrate small wins—like when a child learns to put their shoes on independently. Apply this to your goals. Celebrate even the tiniest progress! Consistency beats perfection every time.

Ask the Right Questions

Before committing to a resolution, dig a little deeper. Goals are more than just items on a checklist—they should add meaning to your life. Ask yourself:

• What makes this goal meaningful to me?
• How do I want to feel by achieving it?
• What small steps will move me forward?
• What obstacles might come up, and how can I prepare for them?

These are questions we use with little learners when building new skills, and they work just as well for us grown-ups! Knowing your “why” keeps you motivated when the initial excitement fades.

Break it down

Trying to tackle everything at once is like expecting a toddler to sit still through a three-course dinner—it’s just not going to happen! Choose one small step at a time. If you want to get more active, don’t jump straight into a 10K run. Start with a 15-minute walk around the block and build from there.

Tip: Write down your main goal, then list three smaller actions you can take to get closer to it. This makes big dreams feel achievable and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Flexible

Life has taught me that flexibility is everything. As an educator, I’ve had to switch plans on the fly more times than I can count. If your original resolution isn’t working, adjust it! The goal is progress, not perfection. Example: If meal prepping every Sunday feels impossible, try prepping just two weeknight dinners. Small changes count! Adjusting your approach doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re learning what works best for you.

Ready to Regain Control?

If you’re craving a deeper reset, check out my Regain Control Email Series for practical steps to help you feel more in charge of your life—without adding extra pressure. Life can feel chaotic, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This series is designed to help you reclaim balance with simple, actionable steps that fit your busy life. We’ll cover how to create routines that work, set boundaries that stick, and rediscover the best version of yourself—even when life gets messy. Think of it as your personal guide to feeling more in control, with a supportive friend cheering you on every step of the way. You’ll gain tools, encouragement, and a clear path forward—all while keeping things manageable and stress-free.

Join the series and take the first step toward a more balanced, intentional life today.

Let’s Do This—Together!

This year, I’m focusing on progress, not perfection—and I’m inviting you to join me. Grab a cozy cup of tea, reflect on your dreams, and take that first step. You’ve got this!

New Year. New Me? Maybe. Same Dreams? Definitely. Fresh Start? Absolutely!

truthful tea talks

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