When our son was born, an unexpected sensation surged within me—an intensified ambition, a renewed drive. His innocent eyes seemed to silently urge me on, telling me that the world was brimming with opportunities just waiting to be seized. Motherhood hasn’t just given me a precious new life to cherish; it’s given my dreams a fresh perspective. The fall season is here, and as we step into this new quarter, here are five approaches I’m adopting to set meaningful goals:

Rediscover the Motivation Behind Each Goal:

  • Deeper ‘Whys’: My ambitions aren’t solely about personal achievements anymore; they’re also about sculpting a narrative of perseverance, determination, and success for my son.
  • Gaze Ahead: I often catch myself daydreaming about the tales I’d share with my child—stories of the barriers I faced and how I surmounted them.

Establishing Practical Limits:

  • Harmony in Priorities: While my aspirations have found new wings, motherhood also calls for time and presence. Hence, I’m learning to focus on depth over breadth in my goals.
  • Prioritizing Self: I’ve realized the importance of self-care. Being at my best isn’t just for me anymore; it’s for the little life that looks up to me.

Savoring Every Accomplishment:

  • Valuing Progress: Every achievement, whether it’s completing a work project or getting to enjoy a quiet moment with a book, is worth celebrating.
  • Capturing Moments: I make sure to keep up my journal practice. It’s not always easy, and I don’t put pressure on myself to keep a schedule. But I do try my best to make time for it.

Building a Strong Support Framework:

  • Embracing Community: I’ve found solace and guidance in family and fellow parents. Their support and understanding have been invaluable. I am also being mindful of my friendships. I don’t believe friendships, especially those with friends who are not parents, should suffer. I will write more about this in a later post.
  • Knowing When to Share Responsibilities: Delegating, both at home and work, ensures I’m channeling my energy where it truly counts. That’s why we decided to get a nanny. I am grateful that I get to work from home, but it can be hard. Having someone I trust help to watch him means I can focus on work.

Re-envisioning What Success Looks Like:

  • Redefining Metrics: Success, to me now, is a beautiful blend of professional milestones and treasured moments with my child. While I still grind, I am more mindful now of how I spend my energy.
  • Being Adaptable: One of the most significant lessons motherhood has taught me is adaptability. I’ve learned that it’s alright to realign my goals, keeping in mind the dynamic dance of motherhood.

Becoming a mother has cast my ambitions in a new, radiant light. Every goal, every endeavor, and every milestone now has an added layer of significance. As I journey through this quarter, my son is my guiding star, reminding me of the limitless potential our combined journey holds. Here’s to cherishing each moment and chasing dreams with renewed vigor!