Every new year is another opportunity to do something differently.

I’m not a hugely devoted resolution maker, but I do believe in goal setting. The start of a new year just reminds me that it’s a really perfect time to take a beat and think about what I want to do for myself, my family, my business, and the community.

I’ll note though, the one element that most often gets pushed to the side throughout the year is me. I rarely neglect my family, I am committed to making my business succeed, I am devoted to the time I give to my community, and almost always I’m the one who gets the shaft when it comes to time and effort.

I’m done throwing shade on myself and you should be too!

6 Things Every Mom Should Do in 2016

1. Focus on you.
I know, it’s hard. The baby’s sick, and the toddler is tired, and the husband got a new job so he’s exhausted and cranky and hungry the exact moment he walks in the door. And your boss is all over your back, and your mother-in-law is moving in, and your everyone needs your every single thing that you have in you. I know. Been there. Will be there again.

It’s called “motherhood” and we all know the struggle of the struggle. But, struggle makes you strong. And, strong makes you capable. And, being capable means that you can insist. I insist you insist.  You owe it to your sick baby, and your tired toddler, and your hungry husband, and his needy mama, and to you. Remember, you get to be about you, too!

2. Say no. And also, yes.
I want to help my friends. I want to do what I can for those in need. I want to serve the community. I want to save the day, because I’m super. But, only I’m not. And, deep down, I know that. And, I need to make sure everyone else knows that too. But, saying no is one of those things I’ve always found difficult. Except for when it comes to my children. Somehow, they are well aware of my ability to say no. Because they get to experience it way more often than anyone else on the planet.

Explore the awesome of yes where they are concerned. If you free up some time by saying no to other people, saying yes to those teeny people who matter might not even be all that hard.

3. Choose joy.
It’s not one of those things that just happens. You have to make it happen. So, challenge the principal to a dance-off in the hallway at school. Er, no, I mean, work hard at being joyful. Surround yourself with positive people, start experiences with an open mind, and give yourself permission to be happy.

4. Press pause.
The term “on-the-go mom” has always been so silly to me. Is there a such thing as a mom who doesn’t really go at all? My body is in constant motion, just like my brain. But, we need moments to pause and reflect, to recharge and refocus, to empty our brains of the chaos so that it can start making human choices again.

You know, like the kinds of human choices that don’t make you that lady in a board meeting with an Iron Man sticker on her butt.

Plus, it gives you time to appreciate the beautiful things around you. When I’m speeding through life there are just so many things I overlook, and even more that I forget. Things that I gloss over and don’t have time to really tuck away in my brain for later, when I’m laying around my nursing home in need of something joyful to clutch on to.

5. Dream a little.
I don’t know about you, but my dreams are either nonexistent or entirely functional. A new fridge, a new dishwasher, a new stove top—can you tell I need new kitchen appliances?!

Take time to dream about things that you want, and not just ones that you need. Then, maybe during one of those pauses you have planned, you can think about making some of them come true.

6. Be brave.
I’m not saying you need to slay a dragon or finally serve that chick from the PTA the backhand she ordered, but kick the fear that’s holding you back from your awesome all the way to the curb! It feels so good when you step out of your sweats-zone (which is my version of the comfort zone) and do something that makes you feel powerful.

Plus, it’s a wonderful lesson for your kids! You’re not JUST Mommy! You’re a business owner, and a community leader, and a friend, and a wife, and a lot of other super important things they don’t get to see if you don’t let them!