Why Overwhelmed Moms Need a Courage Goal (Not Another To-Do List)

2026-01-08

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If you’re an overwhelmed mom who feels like life looks “fine” on paper—but somehow feels flat, exhausting, or like something is missing—you’re not broken. And you don’t need another to-do list to fix it.
So many moms come into the new year thinking this will be the time they finally get disciplined enough, organized enough, or productive enough to feel better. But if traditional goal setting has only left you feeling more mom guilt and burnout, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast, I’m sharing a different approach: a courage goal. Not a productivity goal. Not a fixing goal. A courage goal—something you do simply because it brings you joy, curiosity, and a sense of being you again.
I’m sharing my own courage goal (joining improv at 44—terrifying and life-giving) and why choosing joy without justification might be the most powerful form of self care for moms.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why most goals for overwhelmed moms fall into “fixing, managing, or optimizing”—and why that keeps burnout in place
How mom guilt shows up when joy doesn’t feel “productive enough”
What a courage goal really is (and why it doesn’t require confidence or follow-through perfection)
The difference between outcome-based goals and values-based goals
Why doing something just for fun can actually give you energy instead of draining it
How choosing one small, courageous step can help you feel like yourself again—not just a mom, partner, or worker
This episode is especially for you if you’ve ever told yourself:
“I’ll do that someday when life calms down.”
“I don’t have the energy for something new.”
“I should probably declutter instead.”
You don’t need to earn your joy. And you don’t need permission to want more.
Your gentle next step
I want you to choose one courage goal this year. Just one.
Something that feels a little scary, a little exciting, and doesn’t need to help anyone else to be worth doing.
You don’t have to decide today. Just start noticing what pulls at you.
Want support choosing (and actually following through)?
Inside the No Guilt Mom Circle, we do monthly workshops, values-based goal setting, and community support so you’re not doing this alone. You’ll be surrounded by moms who get it—and who have your back.
👉 Join us here in the No Guilt Mom Circle:https://www.balanceformoms.com/ngm-circle