Okay guys and gals, the year is rapidly coming to a close and I bet you have some unchecked items on your goal/ resolution/ to-do list.  Am I right?  If not, and you have everything on your list completely done, you are awesome and I want to be you when I grow up.

But, if you’re like the vast majority of us, you’re looking at the calendar and tossing your hands up in the air, thinking that the year is over and you’re never going to get it done.  Not true, my friends!  Just because it’s December doesn’t mean the year is over!  It’s almost over, which is very different.  It’s like when Wesley was mostly dead… not the same as dead (shameless “Princess Bride” reference).

So what’s a girl to do if there are still things she wants to accomplish before the year is out?

Your goals matter, too.  First and foremost, recognize that just because you’re a mom, that does not mean you abdicate all of your wants and desires to those of your family.  You are a strong, independent woman, and you have your own goals.  Own them and go after them!

Skip some of the holiday hulabaloo.  Yes, I know the holidays are magical and your kids will only be 6 at Christmas once, but remember that making every holiday the best one ever is not your sole purpose in life.  I’m not saying that you need to turn into the Grinch and ignore the holidays totally… just take it down a notch and remember that be perfectly fine even if you don’t do a new Pinterest-worthy craft every day from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Prioritize.  This kind of goes with the above point, but you may also have to prioritize your own goals.  I hate to say it, but if you had a giant mission list for the year and you haven’t even started on it, you’re probably not going to get it all done in the next 25 days.  Pick what’s most important and focus on that.

Screw the calendar.  Yes, it’s tradition to make new resolutions and goals at the start of the new year, but that doesn’t mean that you’re a complete failure if it takes you a little longer than 365 days.  Give yourself a break and don’t fret over an arbitrary date on the calendar.

Related posts you may like:

Why I Choose Happiness Over Perfection

How to Say No Without Offending (Most) People

How Having Your Own Life Benefits Your Kids

Taking Care of Yourself When You’re Overscheduled

The Power of Words: How to Take Control of Your Inner Voice