Have you ever woken up feeling stuck in the daily grind, wondering if this is “all there is?” Juggling family schedules, endless chores, and a constant stream of responsibilities can leave any homemaker feeling like they’ve lost sight of themself.
As homemakers we sometimes forget to set goals or feel as if our goals and aspirations have to be put on hold for our family. I am here to tell you that you can have goals and you can achieve them as a caregiver without sacrificing your family’s happiness. Come along with me with in this post and let’s set some goals.
Today, we’re tackling the question: “What do you want to achieve in life?” It’s all bout setting goals. This is part of the “Who Do You Think You Are?” series focused on self-discovery. If you haven’t read the previous posts, you can find them here.
The Juggling Act
Let’s first acknowledge that being a homemaker is a demanding job. We manage families, tackle endless chores, and shoulder a constant stream of responsibilities. It’s easy to feel like our own goals and aspirations get pushed aside. But remember, self-care isn’t just bubble baths. It’s about carving out time and energy for personal growth.
Setting Goals for Growth
Let’s shift our focus from what you “should” do to what you “want” to do. What do YOU truly want to achieve? Do you have aspirations of being a baker, a business owner, or just to be healthy & fit?
SMART goals are a great tool to turn aspirations into action. We all know what they are but just in case: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Okay, now that we have that out of the way try this:
Goal Setting Exercise:
Life Vision: Take a moment to brainstorm your ideal future. What kind of person do you want to be in 5 or 10 years? Do you want to be known for your creativity, your resilience, your benevolence?
Identify Areas for Growth: Consider different life areas – personal development (e.g., learning a new language), professional development (e.g., starting a home business), creative growth (e.g., writing a blog, taking an art class), health and wellness (e.g., improving your fitness level).
Set Specific Goals: Now, break down your vision into actionable goals for each area using the SMART framework. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language (Specific), you could aim to complete a beginner’s course in Spanish by the end of the year (Measurable, Achievable, Time-bound). Consider how this goal would be Relevant (helps you connect with your heritage) and how achieving it would make you feel (fulfilling!).
THRIVE Goal Setting
You might also want to use the THRIVE Goal Setting approach. Yes, I made this up, I think…. Using the thrive goal setting strategy is more geared toward homemakers. It helps us set goals but also think about how it would benefit our well-being. Here’s what it means to use the thrive goal setting approach:
Time-Bound: Set realistic deadlines to avoid discouragement.
Healthy: Consider how your goal supports your overall well-being.
Relevant: Make sure your goals align with your current life stage.
Inspiring: Choose goals that ignite your passion and motivate you.
Valuable: Think about the positive impact achieving your goal will have.
Sticking to Your Goals
Let’s be honest, there will be challenges. You might feel overwhelmed, doubt yourself, or simply not have enough time. But remember, even small steps forward are progress!
Time Management Tips: Track your activities for a few days to see where your time is actually going. Schedule dedicated goal-oriented time slots in your calendar. Delegate tasks to other family members whenever possible. Batch similar chores together to streamline your day.
Building Support: Find a friend who shares your goals, or join an online community for like-minded homemakers. Having a support system can make a big difference.
Celebrate Milestones: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Did you complete a module of your language course? Did you finally launch your Etsy shop? You deserve a pat on the back!
The Power of Growth
Goal setting isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about personal fulfillment, increased confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. You’re not just surviving, you’re thriving! Remember, the journey of self-discovery is a continuous process. Stay tuned for the next post in the series where we’ll explore ways to overcome limiting beliefs and embrace your full potential!
