Are Your Current Systems Working?

If you're like me, you probably have lofty goals and dreams of being a fun, easy going, patient mom who wakes up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Maybe you have goals of having an organized, tidy home or eating healthy, home cooked meals more often. Or maybe you have a goal of just making it through a day without losing your cool. Whatever your mom goals may be, the chances of them being reached are much greater when smart systems, or habits are strategically implemented.

1. Eat the Frog

No, I’m not suggesting a new diet trend—this one’s all about productivity. The phrase "eat the frog" comes from a quote usually attributed to Mark Twain. The original quote says, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” Translation? Get your most dreaded task done first. That thing you keep avoiding? Tackle it head-on first thing in the morning so you can enjoy the rest of your day without it hanging over your head. You'll feel relieved that it's done and maybe even energized to continue being productive.

2. Close the Circle

The Close the Circle method is here to save us from ourselves. It’s about fully finishing each task before moving on to the next.

For example: After a meal, wash the dishes and wipe down surfaces. Doing a craft project? When you're done, put your supplies away. Sort and put away all the mail when you first get it from the mailbox.

When we choose to leave tasks unfinished, they add up, which can add to our anxiety. I know when I look around my house and I see multiple unfinished chores or projects, I start to feel overwhelmed and like things are out of control. After getting the laundry out of the dryer, it's so easy to say, "I'll get to it later." Or when I come home from a trip, the last thing I want to do is start unpacking and washing clothes, but I'm always so happy when I do it first thing. As moms, we make our family's needs the top priority, but it's also helpful to think about your future self and consider her needs.

This method takes self discipline in the moment but will lead to more peace and less stress overall. By handling these small tasks before they morph into a full-blown disaster zone, you will save your future self from frustration and overwhelm.

3. Keep Your Home Minimal

The minimal trend has gained serious popularity for good reason. People, moms specifically, are finding that having less items in their home greatly reduces stress. I’m not saying you have to toss all your belongings and live like a monk, but let’s be real—clutter = chaos. Be intentional about what you keep. If it’s not useful or doesn’t spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo), it’s just taking up space. Less stuff means less to clean, less stress, and more room for the things you actually love.

4. Do a Nightly Home Reset

Think of this as tucking your home in for the night. Before you crash into bed, take five to ten minutes to put things back in place. Fluff the pillows, sweep up crumbs, and straighten up the common areas. It’s like hitting the reset button so that you wake up to a space that doesn’t immediately make you want to turn around and leave.

Cultivating Peace Through Habits

By adding these habits to your routine, you’re not just creating a peaceful space—you’re setting yourself up for daily success. These four habits are also successful systems for reaching your goals. A little productivity, a bit of tidying, and a whole lot of intentionality can turn your home into the sanctuary you deserve. So, go on, give it a shot—your future self (and your sanity) will thank you!

Save this for later

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enjoy inspiration delivered to your email inbox!

Follow Sanity in the Season on Facebook for daily posts!