Tired of “habit stacks” and “motivational morning routines” that just don't stick?

It’s not you, it’s the strategy.

In this episode, Shawna and Cara explore Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" to help you discover more about what makes you… get and stay motivated.

Whether you're an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel.

This is for any mom who has ever felt like the problem can’t be "lazziness" or lack of discipline.

There has to be something else behind why she just couldn't follow generic advice into transformative life changing new habits.

In this episode we explore what might be possible if we learn how to work with our personality not against it to finally build habits that last.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• An introduction to Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel, which are based on how you respond to inner and outer expectations.
  

• Why generic habit advice often fails and how understanding your unique wiring is the key to success.
  

• The power of leveraging your natural tendency as a strength rather than trying to change who you are at your core.
  

• Personal examples of how Shawna (a Rebel wanna be real life Obliger) and Cara (an Upholder) navigate motivation differently.
  

• An invitation to stop the cycle of self-judgment and instead use self-awareness to build a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

  
  

Instead of asking "Why can't I stick to this?", what if you gently asked, "What kind of support or structure do I naturally need to succeed?"

Remember, you are not a project to be fixed; you are a person to be understood.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

To learn more about Gretchen Rubin and her work and take the Four Tendencies quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/

We tried a "14 Days of Joy" challenge... And we kind of failed. Join us for a hilarious and honest chat about why it's so hard for moms to prioritize their own happiness.

From choosing chores over reading to turning "me time" into family time, we explore the mental hurdles we all face.

This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt guilty for not being “better” at self-care.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• What’s with the battle between choosing personal joy versus a productive "mom task"?
  

• Why is it "me time" so easily morphs into a "family activity"?
  

• Do we really have "no time" or did we spend it scrolling on autopilot?
  

• Why is modeling self-care for our kids is so important?
  

• Our spontaneous new plan: the "Mom Time Audit" challenge!

When was the last time you did something purely for your own joy, without it needing to be productive or for someone else?

Remember, adding joy to your life doesn't have to be another thing you get perfect. You are mom enough, and you're not alone in this.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

Does taking a nap or booking a massage feel less like self-care and more like a selfish indulgence now that you have kids?

In this episode, Shawna and Cara dive deep into the pervasive guilt that plagues moms when they try to take time for themselves.

From potty-training burnout to the work-from-home juggle, they share personal stories that will make you say, "I thought I was the only one."

This episode is for any mom who is tired of running on empty and ready to believe that caring for herself is a crucial part of caring for her family.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• Modeling is everything: Your children learn to care for themselves by watching you care for yourself. Making your well-being a priority is a gift to them.
  

• It's a two-part problem: Mom guilt often comes from our internal struggle to let go, which is made worse by external factors like a partner's lack of communication while we're away.
  

• Self-care is life support: True self-care isn't a selfish luxury; it's the essential practice that keeps you sane, grounded, and present for your family.
  

• Don't wait for permission: You don't need the perfect moment to take care of yourself. Just start somewhere, even if it's as small as finishing a hot cup of coffee.

What is one small, simple thing I can do just for me this week, without apology or explanation?

Remember, you are not weak for wanting more than just survival, you're human.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.