Machu Picchu, the Northern Lights, the Great Wall of China—these are just a few of the amazing places on my bucket list, along with my desire to learn Spanish. If you’re like me, you likely have a list filled with similar adventures and aspirations.
Yesterday, I found myself humming the Paw Patrol theme song halfway through folding socks. That’s when it hit me: my brain was on autopilot, lost in the chaos of work, errands, and trying to remember what day it was. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had those moments too—where life blurs into a series of tasks, leaving little room for what really matters–your goals.
Bucket List vs. Goal List
A bucket list is vastly different from a goal list. Bucket lists are great, and as busy moms, they keep us hopeful that we are more than our daily routine. Bucket lists are written in moments of inspiration but rarely followed through with intention. Why? Because they’re not set as actual goals. They remain vague ideas rather than actionable steps. And most people never get around to fulfilling them.
Writing down your goals is like hitting the “refresh” button on your brain—kind of like that magical moment when the kids finally go to bed, the house is quiet, and for once, you can hear your own thoughts. Suddenly, you’re no longer drowning in snack requests or lost socks. Instead, you’ve got a clear path ahead. It resets your focus and helps you see things more clearly. It turns vague wishes into tangible targets and gives your brain a nudge to start noticing opportunities instead of obstacles.
It’s time to go beyond your bucket list and start setting concrete plans that shape your daily life. While visiting Machu Picchu is an incredible ambition I have for myself, establishing a goal to save money, plan an itinerary, and find the right time to make that trip happen is essential. Having a clear plan for managing your week while working towards a dream trip can make all the difference in reducing overwhelm and achieving balance.
Science Says So…
When you physically write something down, your brain processes it differently than when you simply think about it.
There’s this fascinating study in Psychological Science that dives into something called the “generation effect.” Basically, it means we’re way better at remembering stuff we come up with ourselves—like jotting down our own ideas—than just sitting there passively soaking up information like a sponge. Writing, it turns out, is like giving your brain a personalized pep talk.
When you write down your goals, you’re not just making a to-do list; you’re basically hacking your brain. It’s like telling your subconscious, “Hey, this is important. Don’t forget it, okay?” And your brain goes, “Got it!” You’re essentially hardwiring your intentions into your mental circuits without even realizing it. Pretty cool, right?
Break Your Goals into Categories
Moms juggle everything—meal planning, work deadlines, and the never-ending “what’s for dinner?” debate. Honestly, it feels like running a small corporation (where’s the paycheck?).
This Year I Will. a 52-Week Journal to Achieve Your Goals is another great resource. It is designed to provide the tools and support you need to stick to your plans for the new year and realize your dreams, no matter how big or how small. If you are the kind of gal that like vision boarding, the Goal Getter S.M.A.R.T.S. System: Vision Board Goal-Setting Workbook and Journal for Women is a great beginners guide.
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Personal Growth
Example: Read one personal development book per month to feel more inspired and connected with your goals outside of parenting.
Health & Fitness
Example: Take a 20-minute walk after school drop-off three times a week to boost your energy and mental clarity.
Family & Relationships
Example: Schedule a weekly “family game night” to create more intentional bonding moments with your kids.
Financial
Example: Set up automatic transfers of $25 per week into a savings account for a future family vacation.
Career
Example: Spend 30 minutes each evening updating your LinkedIn profile or learning a new skill online to stay competitive in your field.
Hobbies & Fun
Example: Dedicate one Saturday a month to a creative hobby like painting, gardening, or baking to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Your Goal-Setting Worksheet
Ready to take action? We’ve created a free, printable worksheet to help you reflect on your goals, categorize them, and break them down into actionable steps. Think of it as your cheat sheet to reclaiming your time and sanity.
Download The Ninja Mom Blog_Goal Setting Worksheets Here!
Remember, goal setting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Start small, stay flexible, and don’t forget to celebrate the little wins (like making it through a day without stepping on a LEGO).
Image: Canva.com
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