New Year, New Habits – Embracing Powerful Routines
Introduction
Happy New Year to the phenomenal women of Infamous Mothers! As we usher in this new year, it's a time to embrace renewal and transformation. This year, our focus is on cultivating new habits and establishing routines that not only empower us but also reflect the incredible journey we are on. It's about making intentional changes that lead to a more empowered, fulfilled life.
New Year, New Habits
Embracing Your Inner Strength
Let's dive deep into the power of habits. As mothers, leaders, and agents of change, our daily habits form the backbone of our success and well-being. This year, we challenge ourselves to adopt habits that mirror our inner strength and resilience. Whether it's dedicating time to self-care, pursuing a long-held passion, or simply ensuring we have a healthy meal amidst our busy schedules, these habits are the foundation of our personal growth.
The Journey of Incremental Change
Change is a journey, not a destination. It's about taking small, consistent steps towards our goals. Start by introducing one new habit and allow yourself the space to adjust and embrace it fully. It could be as simple as starting the day with a positive affirmation or setting a weekly goal. I can’t stress this enough.
So many of the women I coach have shared that they have failed to reach their goals in the past because they try to do too much too soon. For example, they kick off their “new year, new me” by trying to change the way they eat, sleep, and move all in one week. I feel them because I have a history of doing the same. While the effort is noble, it’s not sustainable. In a 2020 post titled “What Makes Change Difficult?”, the first point it makes is this: Changing too many things at once can sabotage our success because it splits our focus, and confuses and overwhelms our brains. Small and consistent is the way to go.
Remember, every big accomplishment starts with a made-up mind and incremental steps.
Crafting New Routines
The Power of a Morning Ritual
Our day's beginning sets the stage for what's to come. A mindful morning routine is like setting the right tone for a beautiful symphony. It's not just about the actions we take, but the intention behind them. Your morning ritual may involve a brisk walk, listening to an empowering podcast, or taking a few moments to plan your day. Whatever it is, let it fill you with hope and enthusiasm for the day ahead.
This year, I’m looking to build a community the 3 AM Flames— an elite group of moms around the globe who wake up several hours before their family and the world, for that matter. These moms are ambitious, passionate, and full of fire. They are full of purpose and looking to be transformed. Here’s the irony, while I am looking to start a morning routine at 3 AM, I have a history of failing to wake up before 7. I tried joining the 5 AM Club. But it is both too early and not early enough. It’s too early because I go to bed too late to wake up before the sun. It’s too late because I’ve come to terms with the fact that whatever I want to do for myself— run on the treadmill, pray, write, etc.— I need to do it before everyone else in my home starts their day. If I don’t, I’ll neglect myself and put a lot of my needs and wants on the back burner.
But equally important, I am looking for the quiet that exists somewhere between midnight and sunup. I have a big family, and I’m building a growing company. My days are filled with noise, chaos, and drama. I am constantly solving problems. That’s what it means to be a mom and CEO— chief problem solver. And while I can predict many of them, many of them I never see coming. For this reason, work that needs my undivided attention— writing projects, for example— is scheduled before the madness begins.
Now, if you are anything like me, the thought of starting your day at 3 AM may trigger anxiety and fear. It may seem impossible or, again, if you’re anything like me, isolating. Consider this, though. Some of the most successful people in the world are waking up as early as 3 AM. For example, according to a 2023 Entrepreneur.com post, “Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson starts every day at 3:30 a.m., Apple, Tim Cook, rises at 3:45 a.m., Ellevest CEO and co-founder Sallie Krawcheck gets up at 4 a.m. In addition to Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Indra Nooyi, have been known to rise before sunrise.” Even if you are the only one waking up at what feels like an ungodly and overly ambitious hour in your home or friend group, know that are in good company. You’re waking up with The Rock and Oprah!
Unwinding and Reflecting: The Evening Routine
As the day winds down, so should we. An evening routine is crucial for decompressing and reflecting. It's about creating a peaceful transition from the day's hustle to restful rejuvenation. This could involve a skincare routine that makes you feel pampered, journaling to process the day's events, or a quiet meditation to center your thoughts.
I’m a workaholic. There, I’ve admitted it. Often, it is very difficult for me to wind down at night. That’s because I’m usually working. Just when I should be going to bed, I start thinking about all of the stuff I need to get done— the ideas that won’t let me rest need to be fleshed out just a little more; the research that can wait suddenly becomes urgent, and all the problems in my business that were day yesterday and will be there for weeks to come begs for me to solve them right at that moment. My therapist says it’s my OCD. Whatever it is, I’ve noticed that on the evenings that I trade in my laptop and work for a bubble bath, massage, and a good book, I sleep better and longer.
The point is this: Consider making going to bed an intentional act. Don’t just take it for granted. Plan for it. Cherish it so that we are placing as much care on rest rest and recovery as we are on work.
Creating Memorable Family Routines
In the whirlwind of our individual routines, let's not forget the power of family rituals. These are the moments that bind us and create a sense of belonging and love. It might be a weekend family hike, a nightly storytelling session with the kids, or a monthly 'no-technology' day. These routines are precious; they keep us grounded and connected to our loved ones.
For my family, conversations around the dinner table are normal routine for us. Years ago, I read somewhere that eating together as a unit can improve the overall quality of a family. A recent article published by Parents.com echoes that message. According to it, when families eat together lives are changed, minds are saved, and people are empowered. Some of the benefits of eating together include improved self-esteem, stronger mental health, and healthier eating habits. With this in mind, I have always kept a dinner table big enough to seat my entire family. I believe that doing so has played a tremendous role in the closeness and unity of my immediate family.
Overcoming Challenges
Staying Consistent
One of the biggest challenges with new habits and routines is maintaining consistency. Life happens, and sometimes our routines get disrupted. The key is to be gentle with ourselves and understand that it's okay to have off days. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as we can, without guilt.
Seeking Support
Remember, we're in this together. Lean on your Infamous Mothers community for support, inspiration, and accountability. Share your journey, your successes, and even your struggles. There's strength in our shared experiences and wisdom.
Conclusion
As women of Infamous Mothers, we are a force to be reckoned with. This year, let's channel our strength into creating habits and routines that uplift us. Let's make them a celebration of our journey – a testament to our resilience and our relentless spirit.
Here's to a year of intentional living, unwavering strength, and boundless joy. New year, new habits, new you!
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
If you want to join us in Covet season, are ready to delve deeper into the enriching content of this series, we have more FREE content to offer:
Subscribe to our blog: Gain access to valuable content that can spark your personal transformation (complete the Weekly Wench form below).
Join our Wanted newsletter: Stay in the loop with the latest resources.
Join our growing Instagram community to connect with kindred spirits. We're here to empower you throughout Covet Season, guiding you to turn your dreams into a vibrant reality.
Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers