Transitioning to S.M.A.R.T Living: A New Mom's Journey

Sevetra Peoples
Sep 30
3 min read

Updated: Oct 1

On January 5, 2024, I stepped into a new chapter — motherhood. Like so many new moms, I thought I could “do it all.” I cut my maternity leave short because I was leading in a high-pressure role, at the top of my career, and felt the weight of everyone depending on me to be creative and deliver. By Fall 2024, the cracks began to show. I was exhausted, burned out, and running on empty.

By February 2025, I made one of the hardest — yet most freeing — decisions of my life: I left my job to become a full-time solopreneur and consultant. It wasn’t a leap made on a whim. It was a transition I had been quietly preparing for, rooted in my desire to embrace S.M.A.R.T. living — living with intention, balance, and purpose for my health, my family, and my future.

Understanding S.M.A.R.T Living

S.M.A.R.T living is about setting clear goals and creating a structured plan to achieve them. It is not just about productivity; it is about finding balance in life.

Specific

The first step is to be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, "I want to be a better mom," I focused on specific actions. For example, I decided to spend at least 30 minutes each day playing with my baby. This gave me a clear target to aim for.

Measurable

Next, I made my goals measurable. I tracked my daily playtime with my baby. I used a simple chart to mark off each day I met my goal. This visual representation motivated me to keep going.

Achievable

It is essential to set achievable goals. I realized that I could not do everything at once. I started with small, manageable tasks. For instance, I aimed to cook one healthy meal a week instead of trying to overhaul my entire diet.

Relevant

My goals needed to be relevant to my life as a new mom. I focused on activities that brought joy to both me and my baby. This included reading together, going for walks, and exploring new parks.

Time-bound

Finally, I set a time frame for my goals. I decided to review my progress every month. This helped me stay accountable and adjust my goals as needed.

Creating a S.M.A.R.T Routine

With the S.M.A.R.T framework in mind, I created a daily routine that worked for me. Here’s how I structured my day:

Morning

Wake Up Early: I started waking up an hour before my baby. This gave me time to enjoy a cup of coffee and plan my day.
Morning Exercise: I incorporated a short workout. Even a 15-minute walk made a difference in my energy levels.

Afternoon

Quality Time: I dedicated afternoons to playtime. We explored different toys and activities. This not only helped my baby develop but also strengthened our bond.
Meal Prep: I set aside time to prepare healthy meals. I found that cooking in batches saved time during the week.

Evening

Wind Down: I established a calming bedtime routine. This included reading a story and cuddling before sleep. It helped both of us relax.

Tips for New Moms

If you are a new mom looking to transition to S.M.A.R.T living, here are some tips to get started:

Start Small: Begin with one or two specific goals. Gradually add more as you become comfortable.
Be Flexible: Life with a baby can be unpredictable. Be open to adjusting your goals and routine as needed.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. It is okay to have tough days. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Celebrate Your Journey: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Each step forward is a victory.

Embracing the Journey Ahead

Transitioning to S.M.A.R.T living has been a transformative experience for me as a new mom. It has allowed me to find balance, joy, and fulfillment in my daily life.

As I continue this journey, I am excited to see how S.M.A.R.T living will evolve. I encourage other new moms to explore this approach. It may just be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling motherhood experience.

Embrace the journey of motherhood with S.M.A.R.T living. You deserve to thrive, not just survive.