New Year, New Focus: Forget Resolutions, Embrace Intentionality!

Happy New Year, dear friends! 🎉 As we kick off another fabulous year, I want you to take a moment to reflect on what this fresh start means for you. Many of us greet the new year with the same age-old tradition: New Year’s resolutions. You know the drill—lose weight, save money, get organized. But let’s not kid ourselves; these often lofty goals can feel more like a setup for failure than a genuine path to success.

Instead of adding more pressure to your already full plate as a stay-at-home parent, how about we explore the power of intentionality? This year, let’s shift our focus from grand resolutions to small, deliberate actions that lead to genuine change. The secret lies in the little things that create a ripple effect toward reaching our goals!

The Downside of Resolutions

Resolutions tend to focus on the end result instead of the necessary steps to get there. They’re often vague and can set us up for disappointment when we don’t see immediate results. Here are a few classic examples of resolutions that might sound familiar:

- **Resolution**: “I will lose 20 pounds this year.”

- **Resolution**: “I will save $5,000 by December.”

- **Resolution**: “I will get my house organized.”

These resolutions can be daunting. They create pressure and may lead to feelings of guilt when we don’t meet our expectations. If you’re like most of us, you start strong in January, only to find those resolutions collecting dust by February.

The Power of Intentionality

Intentionality flips the script. It focuses on consistent actions that align with your goals, making them much more manageable and achievable. Instead of fixating solely on outcomes, you’ll celebrate the daily efforts that add up over time. Let’s reframe those resolutions into actionable intentions:

- **Intention**: “I will prioritize healthy meals by cooking at least three meals at home each week.” 🌱

- **Intention**: “I will set aside $50 each month for my emergency fund, starting with this month’s budget.” 💰

- **Intention**: “I will declutter one small area of my home each week until I feel organized.” 🏡

By focusing on these tangible actions, you’re creating a sustainable pathway toward your larger goals while simultaneously nurturing a positive mindset.

Making Intentions Fun!

Intentionality doesn’t have to feel tedious! Here are some fun ways to incorporate these small actions into your life:

1. **Meal Prep Party** 🍽️

Turn the task of cooking into a mini celebration! Invite other stay-at-home parents over for a meal prep party. Share recipes, chop veggies together, and bond over creating healthy meals for the week ahead. You get to cross off your intention AND make new friends!

2. **Savings Challenge** 💪

Create a monthly savings challenge where you and your partner or friends can come together for accountability. Challenge each other to save a specific amount while using fun methods like “no-spend Sundays” to build your savings without feeling deprived.

3. **Declutter Dance** 💃

Turn decluttering into a dance party! Put on your favorite playlist and start in one small area of your home. You’ll make progress and enjoy some tunes while you tackle the clutter. Trust me, it’s hard to frown while dancing with a box of old shoes!

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

As we embark on this new year, remember that growth isn’t linear, and progress deserves to be celebrated—no matter how small. When you focus on being intentional, each little step counts and contributes to your overall vision.

So here’s to a year filled with intentional actions, joyful moments, and celebrating the little wins along the way. Forget the resolutions that bring pressure and guilt. Instead, embrace small, deliberate choices that genuinely enhance your life and your side hustle journey.

Wishing you all a fabulous, intentional New Year ahead! Let's make 2025 the year we THRIVE and the best one yet! 🥳✨

Cheers,

Jessica Murphy

Your Side Hustle Coach and Advocate for Stay-at-Home Parents