Happy New Year!!!

Embracing the New Year: Going Back to School with Purpose and Discipline

As the school year kicks back into gear, there’s something uniquely refreshing about starting anew. The excitement in the air, paired with the promise of fresh opportunities, invigorates both students and mothers alike, but, if your like me, I have a tendency to run around all September flying by the seat of my pants, inspired and motivated, until I find myself at the end of November burnt out, and anxiously awaiting Christmas Break. I get alot done, in a short amount of time, but find myself at the end in a frenzy....It doesn't have to be that way!!!

Setting Goals: Dream Big but Smart

The first step in any successful journey is establishing clear, actionable goals. For mothers and their children, this means strategic planning:

S.M.A.R.T. Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of saying, “I want my child to get better grades,” set a goal such as, “My child will complete all homework assignments by 7 PM every day.”

Short-term vs. Long-term: Break goals into smaller short-term objectives that pave the way for your child’s long-term vision. This approach promotes motivation and allows for tracking progress without overwhelming them.

Write Them Down: Encourage your child to write their goals down and keep them visible to remind them of their aspirations.

Discipline: The Key to Success

Discipline is crucial for achieving goals.

Create a Routine: Work together to establish a daily schedule that includes specific times for studying, breaks, and leisure activities. A structured routine builds consistency, fostering focus on tasks.

Limit Distractions: Help your child identify distractions and find ways to minimize interruptions. This could involve creating a designated study space free from noise and clutter.

Practice Self-Control: Encourage self-control by setting incremental challenges. Support your child in resisting temptations, whether it’s limiting screen time or staying focused during study hours.

Fitness: Fueling the Mind and Body

Physical fitness plays a significant role in academic performance. Regular exercise boosts both physical health and cognitive function. Consider these tips for integrating fitness:

Make it Fun: Find activities that the whole family enjoys! Whether it’s family walks, bike rides, or games in the park, engaging in physical activity together can create a love for fitness.

Set Fitness Goals: Just like academic goals, set family fitness targets. This could be a fun challenge like completing a fun run or trying a new activity together on weekends.

Balance: Ensure that fitness routines complement your family’s academic responsibilities. Creating a dynamic calendar that includes both study time and physical activity can help maintain balance.


Good Habits

Good habits are the foundation of success.

Start Small: As James Clear emphasizes in his book "Atomic Habits"; focus on tiny changes that lead to significant results. For example, aim to read for just 10 minutes daily. As this becomes habit, gradually increase the time.

  1. Prioritize Sleep: Encourage healthy sleep habits, Psalm 127:2 reminds us that “He grants sleep to those He loves.” Proper rest is essential for overall well-being.


  3. Healthy Eating: Nourishing your body with nutritious foods impacts energy and cognitive function. Encourage healthy eating habits and involve your child in meal planning

  4. Reflect and Adjust: As the seasons change, encourage regular reflection on goals and habits. Evaluate what’s effective or needs adjustment


Biblical Inspiration for Mothers

In addition to practical strategies, mothers should more importantly turn to the Bible for inspiration and guidance. Verses like Proverbs 22:6 remind us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This commitment to guiding our children lays a solid foundation for their future.

Another comforting reminder comes from Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse is a great way to teach resilience and confidence in your child as they tackle new academic challenges.

The start of a new school year offers a fresh slate, brimming with potential for both students and mothers. By setting thoughtful goals, discipline, focusing on fitness, and establishing good habits you can create a strong foundation for success.The journey ahead is an adventure—let’s make it a memorable one!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Last Day of Being 39

It’s hard to believe, but today is the last day of being 39, and I find myself looking back on this past decade with so much gratitude. My 30s have been a whirlwind of change, growth, and discovery, and now, as I prepare to step into 40, I feel more excited than ever for what’s to come. One of the biggest things this year has been starting this “Get 5” business. After all of the dreaming, planning, and working through the challenges, it’s finally happening. This journey has pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so much about patience, perseverance, and trusting the process. I’m stoked about what The Lord has allowed us to build so far, and I can’t wait to see where this new venture takes us.  I feel overwhelmingly blessed to share this journey with the people I love most—my incredible husband, James, and our three amazing daughters. James has been my rock through all the ups and downs, always supporting me, encouraging me, and believing in me when I’ve doubted myself. And our
Read more

Carpe Diem

As the week winds down and Friday arrives, I can’t help but reflect on all the blessings the Lord has given me. Each moment, whether big or small, holds significance. Today, I was reminded of something powerful:there is nothing too small to pray for.  It’s easy to think that only the big challenges deserve prayer, but God cares about every detail of our lives. When we bring even the smallest concerns to Him, we open the door for His grace to work in unexpected ways. It can be easy to take things for granted—the busy days blend together, and we forget to pause and appreciate the goodness around us. But today, I’m taking a moment to soak it all in: the simple joys, the answered prayers, the quiet moments of peace. Gratitude, it changes everything! It shifts our perspective from what we don’t have to what we’ve been blessed with. As the week comes to an end, it's not just about coasting into the weekend. Finishing the week with discipline is a choice—one that builds the foundation for
Read more

Nercited

Have you ever felt nervous and excited all at once? It’s that flutter in your stomach, the buzzing in your mind when something new is just around the corner. I like to call it feeling “nercited.” It’s that perfect mix of nerves and excitement that hits right before stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. We all face these moments—starting a new job, moving to a different city, or even starting a new fitness class. It’s so easy to stick to what we know, where it’s safe and predictable. But there’s a certain kind of magic in the unknown, where growth happens, where we become more than we ever thought possible. That’s where courage comes in. Courage isn’t about not feeling fear; it’s about feeling the fear and still choosing to move forward. We Need to develop a constant push to be better and to take action, even when we’d rather stay in our comfort zone. There are days when it feels like a battle against your own willpower. But the payoff? It’s incredible. You get to the
Read more