Tired Mom, Big Dreams: 5 Signs You're Ready To Focus On You Again

Sleep training isn’t just about your child finally resting. It’s also about you. As a tired mom with big dreams, here’s how to know when you’re ready to shift some focus back to yourself and step into life beyond motherhood.

Guest contribution by Nadine Stille

Tired Mom, Big Dreams - 5 Signs You're Ready To Focus On You Again - Parent Coach Nadine Stille guest blogging for sleep trainer Heather Erickson

If you’re a tired mom contemplating or in the middle of sleep training, I see you.The late-night wake-ups, the endless rocking, the wish to just have 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep - it’s all left a mark. You’ve been giving your all to help your child find better sleep, and in return have better sleep yourself. You deserve so much credit.

Here’s the beautiful truth: sleep training isn’t just about your little one finally resting. It’s also about you. 

When your child starts sleeping more consistently, space opens up for rest, for energy, and yes, for big dreams of your own.

So how do you know you’re ready to start shifting some of that focus back onto yourself? Here are five sure signs you’d like to dream beyond motherhood and give yourself permission to want more.

Tired Mom, Big Dreams: 5 Signs You're Ready To Focus On You Again

1. You’re Craving More Than Just Survival Mode

In the thick of sleepless nights, survival is the goal. But as your routines begin to stabilize, you, just like many other moms, may notice that survival isn’t enough anymore.

If you’re feeling that draw - like you want to do more than just get through the day - that’s a sign. It means you’re ready to step into your next chapter as an ambitious mom with energy to create more joy, purpose, and direction.

2. You’re Feeling the Pull Back to You

Passions, interests, and pieces of your identity that were put on hold are starting to resurface. Maybe it’s a career dream, maybe it’s a creative spark, or maybe it’s simply wanting to feel like yourself again.

That inner nudge is powerful. It’s your reminder that there’s a whole world of more possibilities waiting for you beyond motherhood and it’s there for you to explore when you feel the pull.

3. You Have Mental Space for New Ideas

With your child’s sleep more consistent, your mind isn’t constantly running on empty. Instead of just thinking about naps, wake windows and sleep for everyone in the family, as an ambitious mom you’re catching yourself brainstorming, daydreaming, or imagining “what’s next.”

This curiosity is often the first real step toward your big dreams.

4. You’re Longing for Deeper Connection

When you’re ready to focus on yourself again, you often start craving connection outside the day-to-day of motherhood. That could mean adult conversations, surrounding yourself with people who align with your passions and values, or spending time with people who inspire and support your big dreams and goals.

This desire for connection signals that you’re ready to grow into an even fuller version of yourself as both a mom and an individual beyond motherhood.

5. You’re Ready for Small, Brave Steps Forward

Focusing on you again doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. It starts small: one naptime spent on journaling. One evening used for that course you’ve been eyeing. One conversation with a friend about an idea you can’t shake.

Each small, brave step adds up. And the more you invest in yourself, the more energy, confidence, and joy you bring back to your family, too.

Focussing on yourself brings joy back to your family

You’ve Got This, Mama

If you’re feeling any of these signs, take it as a gentle nudge: it’s time to start focusing on you again. Your child is learning to sleep. And you? You’re learning to dream again.

You don’t have to do it alone. I created a free guide just for you: 👉 Grab your ‘5 Step Roadmap For Moms Who Want More To Create The Life They Truly Want’

Inside, you’ll find simple, practical steps to help you start moving toward the version of life that excites you. Plus, when you grab your copy, you’ll join my newsletter community where I share: ✨ More practical resources ✨ Event updates ✨ And lots of inspiration to remind you - you can totally do this.

Because tired mom or not, your big dreams are waiting. And they’re absolutely within reach.

Guest contribution by Nadine Stille: 

Nadine Stille helps ambitious parents blend real-life family chaos with their big dreams - whether it’s a bold career pivot or reclaiming time for what lights them up. 

With over 15 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Nadine brings both strategic know-how and deep empathy to her coaching practice. She’s trained and certified in multiple coaching modalities and supports clients around the globe in taking meaningful steps - big or small - toward the life they truly want. 

Her approach combines real talk, gentle accountability, and a focus on rest, joy, and what truly energizes you. 

When she’s not coaching or chasing after her two little ones, you’ll likely find her with a novel in one hand and cake in the other.