Ever had a goal that felt too big to start—or maybe you’re juggling so many that you don’t even know where to begin? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you.
JoAnn Crohn, host of the Happy Mom Summit, sits down with Lori Oberbroeckling, to talk about something every busy mom deals with: how to take action when motivation is at zero and life is maxed out (a.k.a how to start crushing your goals!)
Whether your goal is to start a side hustle, run a 10k, write a book, or just feel a little more like “you” again, Lori shares simple, actionable strategies you can use today—even if you only have 30 minutes and zero motivation.
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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: 3 Simple Steps to Start Crushing Your Goals
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #238 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!I
Today’s episode is a little different, and I think you’re going to love it.
I was honored to be a featured speaker at the Happy Mom Summit, hosted by my amazing friend Joanne Crone from No Guilt Mom. During the summit, we had a powerful conversation about something so many of us face: how to take action on your goals when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or just totally unmotivated.
Maybe you’ve got a million things on your plate and even more dreams on your mind—but starting feels impossible. Or maybe you’re staring down a list of goals that excite you, but also completely paralyze you.
In this episode, I’m sharing three simple strategies to help you go from stuck to started—no hustle, no perfection required. Whether you’re trying to write a book, run a race, or simply carve out time for you, this one’s going to give you the mindset shift and momentum you need.
Let’s jump in!
🎯 The 2 Types of Busy Moms When It Comes to Goal-Setting
Lori explains that most moms fall into one of two camps:
Camp 1: You don’t have any goals because life is so full of work, caretaking, and mental load that even dreaming feels impossible.
Camp 2: You have so many goals that you feel paralyzed and overwhelmed, unsure of where to even begin.
Either way? You’re stuck. But there’s a way out.
🚀 3 Steps to Take Action (Even When You’re Not Motivated)
1. Start at the End
Don’t begin with step one—start with the finish line. What would the completed version of your goal look like? Then work backward from there to figure out what steps would need to happen to get there.
Instead of obsessing over writing the perfect first paragraph of your book or researching endlessly, step back and say: What would “done” look like?
Working backward removes the fear of the unknown and gives you clarity.
2. Track Your Progress
Tracking = motivation. Lori’s a huge fan of simple trackers—think word counts, mileage, or even a streak calendar. When you can see your progress, you’ll feel more accomplished and be more likely to keep going.
Dopamine hit? Yes, please.
Even a “crappy first draft” counts. Progress is progress.
3. Shrink the Step
The bigger the task feels, the more likely you are to avoid it. So make it tiny. Don’t run 3 miles—just put your shoes on and walk around the block. Don’t write a chapter—jot down one idea.
Tiny steps are the secret to building momentum. Action breeds motivation. And before you know it, you’re actually doing the thing.
👩👧👦 How to Reach Personal Goals and Still Be a Present Mom
You don’t have to choose between your family and your dreams. Lori suggests using weekly planning to integrate your goals into your life:
- See what’s realistic
- Plan where you need support
- Get your family involved (hint: they want to support you—and they’ll feel proud to be part of it)
This is a family team effort.
And remember: Every time you do something for you, notice how you show up afterward—for your kids, your work, your partner. It matters.
🛑 What About Setbacks?
Setbacks happen. Goals aren’t a straight line. When you hit a bump, give yourself grace. Ask:
- Was this step too big?
- Can I break it down even smaller?
- Can I make it more fun or less rigid?
Celebrate the tiny wins. Tweak your plan. Keep going.
💬 Final Thought
If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just can’t seem to get going, know this: You don’t need more motivation—you just need momentum.
Start small. Track progress. Involve your people. And most importantly, give yourself the grace to do it imperfectly.
⛺ Time for More Support
Okay friend, real talk — if summer already feels like a chaotic mess of snacks, sunscreen, and zero time for YOU… you’ve got to come to Supermom Summer Camp.
It’s a totally free, totally virtual event happening June 16–20, with 40+ amazing speakers, real-life mom tips, and super fun camp vibes. Fun badges? Yes! Bunkmate besties? Yes! Campfires and s’mores? Yes! Bugs and camp latrines? Nope!
If you’ve been craving a reset that’s actually doable? This is it.
Join us at supermomsummercamp.com!
About Our Friend: JoAnn Crohn
JoAnn Crohn, M. Ed is a parenting educator and life coach who helps moms feel confident in raising empowered kids while pursuing their own goals.
She’s an accomplished writer, author, podcast host of the award winning No Guilt Mom Podcast, and speaker, appearing in national media and founder of the company, No Guilt Mom. Her specialty is helping moms go from martyr to model – being the role model in her family vs. sacrificing their own needs. Her coaching program Balance has helped hundreds of women find what lights them up, form a deeper relationship with their families and release their own mental load.
JoAnn is a former elementary school teacher with a Master’s degree in Education as well as a National Board Certified Teacher. She’s a mom to 2 kids – ages 15 and 10. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Josh for 17 years and they live in Gilbert, AZ.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
