Taking Control Through Habits

I used to think I knew what “tired” and “busy” meant, but this past year gave those words a whole new level of meaning. It’s wild how life can throw a million things at you—yet somehow, you adapt and discover a capacity you never knew you had. When I look back on periods where I accomplished big goals, I realize that a lot of my success came down to habits. Some were formed out of sheer necessity; others were the result of learning from mentors and tweaking their advice to fit my style.

For example, when I was growing my real estate business, I’d try out strategies from seasoned pros. I didn’t follow them perfectly, but I took their core ideas and molded them into daily habits that worked for my schedule, my energy levels, and my personality. On the flip side, when my twins were newborns, I created systems for survival—feeding schedules, a routine for washing bottles, and dividing nighttime duties with my husband. At the time, it all felt like chaos, but looking back, I see it was a set of (unintentional) habits that kept us afloat.

Now, as I launch into 2025 with multiple businesses, loads of changes from the end of 2024, and a new baby arriving in March, I’m thinking a lot about what I can control. After spending 35 out of the past 39 months either pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s easy to feel like my time, body, and even my energy aren’t totally mine. And in many ways, they’re not—throw in some toddlers and unexpected business fires, and there’s plenty I don’t have a say in.

But I do get to decide which habits I build. Rather than waiting for a “better time,” I’m choosing to create simple, practical habits right now—even if they don’t look flashy or thrilling. On November 11, 2024, I started posting a reel every day. At first, it felt super awkward, and I struggled to find my groove. But after a bit, it became natural—something I do regardless of my schedule. From there, I decided to stack another habit: reading the Bible before bed, right after I post my reel. It’s amazing how much easier it is to add a new habit when you piggyback on an existing one.

These small wins might not sound huge, but they’re empowering. In a season where so much of my life is up in the air, I’m seeing real progress in areas I can control. And honestly, that feels good. If you’re juggling big responsibilities—whether it’s kids, a business, or just life in general—maybe it’s time to focus on forming simple, doable habits. You might be surprised at how quickly they become second nature and how much motivation it sparks when you realize you’re actually moving forward, one small step at a time.