How to Achieve Your Personal Goals as a Parent Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Let’s be real, balance is kind of a myth. If balance means perfectly juggling parenting, work, personal goals, and self-care while keeping your house spotless and remembering to drink enough water, then yeah, balance is total BS.
But before you throw in the towel, there’s good news: balance isn’t about doing everything at once, it’s about shifting priorities without losing your mind. Instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, let’s talk about how reframing balance can help you stay sane and actually make progress on your goals.
First, reframe your perspective. Balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly at the same time. Instead, think of it as a fluid process that shifts depending on your priorities. Some days, your personal goals may take center stage; other days, parenting requires more attention. Accepting that balance is an ongoing adjustment rather than a fixed state can relieve the pressure of trying to "do it all."
Set realistic goals. One of the most common reasons parents feel defeated is setting expectations that are too rigid. When defining your personal goals, be flexible and try to:
Categorize your goals. Work, personal, and relationship goals are easier to “achieve” when they are spead out. For example, maybe you have a really big work project coming up. Prioritize that goal and then have smaller, secondary goals like, go for a short walk every other day, or read two books to my kiddo at bedtime.
Break them into smaller, achievable steps- continuing with the above point, if you had a big professional goal last week that you focused on, perhaps make the following week’s main goal a “self care week” or “spend more quality time with the family” and allow work goals to be smaller.
Be flexible with timelines, allowing for the unpredictability of parenthood.
ALWAYS remember- progress rather than perfection.
Next, involve your family in your plans. Rather than viewing personal goals and parenting as separate, look for ways to integrate them. If you're working toward a fitness goal, involve your children in physical activities. If you're studying or working on a project, create a shared workspace where your kids can do their own activities alongside you. This fosters a sense of teamwork and shows your children the value of perseverance and passion.
Release the guilt. I know, I know. That is way easier said than done. It’s easy to put your needs last, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and resentment. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your children, it means you’re ensuring you have the energy and emotional well-being to be the best parent possible. I know this sounds cliche, but you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Schedule "you time" just as you would an important appointment. I write down my workout times and yoga classes into my Google calendar so everyone in my family sees that this is my “ME” time.
Use moments of downtime (like nap time or school hours) for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. I would arrive at my kid’s school about 20 minutes early to enjoy a snack and one of my favorite podcasts or TV shows. It’s amazing what 20 minutes can do for your mental space!
Seek support from your partner, family, or friends to carve out dedicated time for personal growth. If you don’t have dedicated support in place, please consider joining a church group or a local Stroller Strides or Mom’s Group. One Love Nanny can help with solidifying an extra set of experienced hands when things get a bit busier. There is so much free support available to new parents!
Build YOUR support system. Continuing from the point above, having a strong support network makes a world of difference. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, whether it's your partner, friends, or a community of like-minded parents. Seek mentorship from those who have successfully balanced parenting and personal ambitions. Local networking groups can usually be found on Facebook and while it may take some time to find your people, they are out there! Our One Love Doula Services or One Love Nanny Teams would love to help you find your folks. Contact us, today.
Remember your "Why". When challenges arise, remind yourself why your goals matter. Whether it's pursuing a career, a passion project, or a new skill, your personal growth benefits not only you but also your children. When they see you striving toward your dreams, they learn the value of persistence, resilience, and self-care. Finding balance as a parent doesn’t mean sacrificing your dreams or feeling defeated when challenges arise. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, involving your family, and embracing imperfection, you can create a fulfilling life that honors both your personal aspirations and your role as a parent. Remember, you are setting an example for your children on how to chase dreams while nurturing the ones you love.
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