I love a new month and all of the possibility that it brings. Making sure that my month is set up for success is huge in accommodating my work, family and home tasks as well as making sure that I’m on track for the goals that I’ve set for myself for the year. So bring on November and the start of all things festive and cozy.
At the end of each month I go through and look back over my calendar from the previous month to see where I was successful and where I struggled. I then develop my strategy for the new month and look for as many areas that I can be successful and what potential roadblocks I can move before they even become an issue. Read on for my best monthly planning tips.
HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR BEST MONTH
- Find some quiet time without distractions to work out your month – taking the time to plan out your month well allows for you to give yourself the best shot at being as successful and productive as you can be. Writing and scheduling things out (even things that seem like no-brainers) is helpful in determining what time you have leftover for other tasks as they come up.
- Take some time to review your previous month – look for wins and areas of struggle. Were you hoping (planning?) to get up early every morning and work out? How did that go? Is there a better time in your day for some of the things that you want to do but can’t figure out how to fit them in? What can – or should – you let go of?
- Make note of all of the “must do” items for the month – birthdays, sporting events, school obligations, appointments, bills or other deadlines. These need to go in your planner first.
- Think about recurring items, note these and make sure these have time to get done – think working out, work obligations, time for yourself etc…
- Take some time to meal plan – you don’t have to figure it all out if that isn’t your style (it sure isn’t mine, no matter how hard I try), but take note of the days that will be late nights (meetings, practices or mom-taxi time) that make figuring out dinner a pain. If you can schedule some of those meals ahead of time, you will thank yourself later!
- Look at your finances, what big expenses are coming up? A birthday to plan for? Perhaps a vacation or extra sports expenses? Taking these things into consideration at the beginning of the month helps ensure you’ve got the funds to finish out the month as well.
- Are there any house projects that you need to consider? Spring cleaning or prepping the pipes for the colder temps? What about furnace filter replacements and other little tasks that often get pushed aside. Thinking about these items and making time for them helps your house run smoothly. While you’re at it – check on your vehicles as well. Oil changes and other routine maintenance (those pesky registrations tend to creep up on me).
- Your personal growth, self care and wellness. Things like working out, hair cuts, reading, learning and other things that help you become your best you – see #9 as well.
- Review your goals for the year and really think about your big goals – the big scary ones that you dream about. What are you doing to make those reality? What little steps do you need to be taking every day to get yourself closer? I don’t know what your big dreams are – but write them down and start making progress. Time passes by so don’t just wait for these dreams, you need to do the work.
- Plan for some fun – just for you – and for the entire family and friends. Make an effort to reach out to friends and family. This time is so important so that you don’t get worn down.
Another great tip to try during your month is to take a moment at the end of each week (I prefer Sunday afternoon/evening) to look over the past week and look ahead to your coming week, much like you do for your monthly planning. What were your wins, which areas might need a little more attention? Move tasks forward that you didn’t quite get to and cross off the things that you accomplished. (above page is from the Full Focus Planner)
What do you do to ensure that your month is set up for success and that you aren’t letting things fall through the cracks? Are you a paper planner person or a digital planner expert? I’ve tried digital (and did love it for a bit) but I’m a paper all the way here as I work so much better writing things out. There are so many options out there but my current love is the Hobonichi Cousin and a close second is the Full Focus Planner.
xo,
c
