My sister and I have weekly phone calls to discuss our Mindful Makeover for Mom projects. During one chat last month, it was clear that my motivation was low.

I was feeling the effects of two children and a busy schedule.

Frustration, tiredness, and any other excuse one could imagine was present.

Martha gave me an assignment, to read our book, Mindful Makeover for Moms, and come up with my own top ten list on building motivation.

To be honest, it took me several days to get started. After all, I wrote that book and spent hours proofing and editing. What on earth could I learn from something I knew so well? When I started reading my first thought was, Wow! This book has some great tips, it is really good!

Fast forward a few weeks and I am still busy and tired. However, I have shifted my attitude and am working on the different areas where I want to see progress. I am working on Mindful Makeover projects 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes. I am exercising 5-6 days a week. I am counting calories most days. But most importantly I have had an attitude adjustment and have changed the self-talk patterns in my head. I am satisfied with the amounts of time I can devote to these items because most of my free time is spent caring for my family.

I know there are lots of busied, frenzied, overwhelmed Moms out there, who have something they want to do, but can’t find the motivation to get started. You might really not have time and need to make some adjustments in your schedule, or it could be a case like mine where an attitude adjustment is needed.

Here is my top 10 list from the book. I have been incorporating most of these into my day. Start small, just pick one or two that apply to you. Remind yourself of these items and perhaps you too can find some motivation.

1. Change the self-talk patterns in my head.
2. Make sure my goals are something I really desire to do. Complete buy in.
3. Create quiet moments.
4. Ask myself, why do I eat?
5. The collective power of small steps.
6. Learn something new.
7. Step away from the tv/phone/internet.
8. Go off duty
9. Love, forgive, and celebrate yourself.
10. Hold myself accountable (make a plan and share it with someone).

As you start the New Year remember that you are a work in progress. Sometimes we need to completely change everything, but other times we need to take it slow, evaluate and make changes that we can maintain and that lead to a healthier life. We all need reminders about how to get back on track.

To help you get started check out our book and workbook, Mindful Makeover for Moms, available on our website and on Amazon.

Live Well,

Laura