A New Month, New Beginnings!
A brand new month can be filled with opportunities for growth and positive changes. With six decades of life behind me, I've learned to treasure the start of each month as a golden chance to tweak habits and embrace new ones. Let's look into the art of planning for an intentionally richer and more satisfying life.
The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Getting Ready for a Fresh Start
Before planning for a month, we need to look at where we want to go. That is our goal or destination that we will arrive at over the next year. This is our yearly goals (3 or 4).
In my last blog, I explained a great way to uncover what you want 'more of' in your life. Check out Unlock Intentional Living: Your Not-To-Do List is Key! for a useful tool for creating intentional goal-setting for the year.
Another great way to map out your yearly goals is to do a brain dump.
Brain Dump: Unload Your Mind
So grab a pen and paper. Any piece of blank letter-sized paper will do. It is a dump, so put down anything that you want to do more of or think you should do more of on the paper. Write down all the thoughts swirling in your mind: events, to-dos, and any lingering musings. It's like decluttering your mental attic. This will be the material from which you'll fashion your yearly goals.
By the way, I believe in hopes and dreams. So what if you can't become the world's foremost flamenco guitar player? But does this mean you can't take guitar lessons to your satisfaction?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of yearly goal setting and breaking those overarching goals into monthly, weekly and daily steps; let's look at a process for filling in your planner.
A process for filling in your monthly planner.
Having a planning routine will ensure a productive month.
Monthly Planning: What to Consider When You Fill in Your Planner
1. Fill in Your Monthly Planner:
- First put in important dates like birthdays, holidays, personal events, meetings, bill due dates, and any significant projects.
- Add recurring weekly and monthly tasks. Think about grocery shopping, take-out nights, cleaning days, laundry, recurring meetings etc.
2. Schedule Your Monthly To-Do Items:
-Allocate time on your calendar to complete to-do items you identified in your brain dump. Some may take several days, so block off enough time in your calendar.
3. Break Down Your Monthly Goals into Weekly Goals + Add Them to Your Planner:
-Look at your monthly goals and split them into smaller, realistic weekly goals. This approach gives you a clear idea of what to accomplish each week to reach your monthly goals.
4. Fill in Your Weekly/Daily Planner Once your monthly calendar is set, transfer key details to your weekly or daily planner. Set a consistent time to do this. I fill in my weekly planner every Sunday afternoon. On Sunday I would also fill in my daily planner in pencil because it may need to be changed.
There. Now that's off of my mind. Let's get into the nitty-gritty!
Intentional Living Yearly Planner Blueprint: How to Make the Most of Your Yearly Planner
The key is not to prioritize your schedule but to schedule your priorities. - Steven Covey
In the wise words of Steven Covey, the key isn't to prioritize your schedule but to schedule your priorities.
Setting Yearly Goals in Your Intentional Planner
Begin by examining your "My Intentions List" or performing a Brain Dump. From this, certain themes will naturally emerge, forming the basis for your goals. Some items might not align with your main yearly goals but can be added to a monthly to-do list.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Identify Themes: Recognize recurring themes from your Intentions List or Brain Dump.
2. Formulate Goals: Shape these themes into achievable goals.
3. Categorize: Use the provided form with 8 possible categories or add your own.
4. Prioritize: Establish the order of importance for each goal, aligning with your values and aspirations.
For example, let's explore hypothetical yearly goals in three categories:
Hypothetical Yearly Goals
Wealth Goals:
Consult with my financial planner for investment adjustments.
Increase our emergency fund by 20%.
Health and Personal Development Goals:
Schedule a comprehensive health checkup.
Dedicate time daily for yoga, meditation, and writing.
Enhance balance through regular exercise.
Read several personal or professional development books monthly.
Complete an online course by year-end
Home Downsizing Goals (Other):
Declutter room-by-room for a calmer environment
Organize my house for safety and efficiency.
Plan house modifications for aging in place
Plan for professional help in the home if we can't maintain it ourselves.
Use the following sheet to fill in the specific goals you want to achieve each month. They should align with your overarching Yearly goals.
Now with your yearly goals in place, let's move on to crafting monthly goals.
Creating Simple Monthly Goals:
1. Choose Focus Areas: Select 3 or 4 categories to concentrate on each month.
2. Break Down Goals: Under each category, create three achievable goals.
3. Example Monthly Goals: Provide clear examples for better understanding.
EXAMPLES OF TOP 3 MONTHLY GOALS:
Emergency Fund Boost:
Monthly Goal: Increase the emergency fund by a specific percentage.
Action Steps:
Identify non-essential expenses.
Create a daily savings plan.
Transfer designated amounts regularly.
Personal Development - Online Course Completion:
Monthly Goal: Enroll in an online course and aim to complete it by the end of the month.
Action Steps:
Research and choose a relevant online course.
Create a study plan.
Allocate time for course sessions.
Declutter and Organize Home to Age-in-Place:
Monthly Goal: Create an organizing plan to allow me to stay in my home longer.
Action Steps:
Identify key areas for decluttering.
Assess the current state of each area.
Determine what to do with unwanted items.
NEXT, LET'S BREAK DOWN THESE MONTHLY GOALS INTO WEEKLY OBJECTIVES:
Examples of the Top 3 Weekly Goals:
Divide your monthly goals into specific weekly tasks, making progress more manageable.
Week 1:
Wealth:
Identify non-essential expenses and create a list.
Begin the daily savings plan by setting a specific savings goal for the week.
Personal Development - Online Course:
Research and choose the online course.
Create a study plan outlining weekly objectives and study times.
Declutter and Organize Home - Bedroom:
Start decluttering my bedroom, following the plan.
Assess the bedroom and list items to keep, donate, or discard.
Week 2:
Wealth:
Continue daily savings and reassess the progress toward the weekly savings goal.
Evaluate the list of non-essential expenses and identify additional areas for cutbacks.
Personal Development - Online Course:
Begin the enrolled online course and complete the first module or set of lessons.
Adjust the study plan if necessary based on the course requirements.
Declutter and Organize Home - Bedroom Closet:
Declutter the master closet according to the plan.
Allocate space for items to be kept, donated, or discarded.
Week 3:
Wealth:
Review and adjust the daily savings plan for the remainder of the month.
Evaluate the progress toward the monthly emergency fund goal.
Personal Development - Online Course Completion:
Continue progressing through the online course as per the study plan.
Seek additional resources or support if needed to enhance understanding.
Declutter and Organize Home - My Bathroom:
Declutter the master bathroom.
Dispose of expired medical supplies at the local pharmacy.
Week 4:
Wealth:
Finalize the emergency fund boost, ensuring the target percentage is reached.
Celebrate and acknowledge the progress made in enhancing financial security.
Personal Development - Online Course Completion:
Attend, Complete Assignments, and Study the online course.
Reflect on the learning experience and note key takeaways.
Declutter and Organize Home - Storage Areas:
Identify storage areas for decluttering, such as linen or hall closets or storage rooms.
Develop a plan for organizing these storage spaces over the coming weeks.
Examples of the Top 3 Daily Goals:
Referencing the weekly goals, plan three daily tasks contributing to your weekly objectives.
Monday
-use a travel mug to save money
-set study time for my online course.
Tuesday
- make lunch to take to work
-review key points of the online course
-clear bedroom surfaces and only put back essentials.
Wednesday:
-brainstorm other daily cost savings
-take part in the online course chat group.
-take out all shoes from the closet - discard worn-out shoes.
Thursday:
-cancel the online subscription to Netflix.
-summarize this week's course notes and study for tomorrow's quiz.
-declutter the sock and underwear drawers - discard worn-out items.
Friday:
-add up how much money I've saved.
-finish course assignments.
-clean out and put back essentials in bedroom side table.
Saturday:
-use the TTC rather than Uber.
-complete any outstanding course tasks.
-reduce bedroom decorations to favourites.
Sunday:
-plan meals for the week to reduce food bills.
-plan next week's course sessions.
-clear t-shirt drawer. Put back only those loved and in good condition.
Success Strategies with Your Intentional Living Yearly Planner Blueprint: Practical Steps for Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Planning
- Monthly Review: Reflect on progress and challenges, and set three important tasks for the next month.
- Weekly Planning: Identify three key tasks for the week, and consider finding a support system.
- Daily Reflection: Before bed, assess achievements and set three crucial tasks for the next day. In the morning, focus on self-review and adjustments.
You can chart your life's course.
As you plan your year, heed Goethe's words: "The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving."
Live intentionally. Shape your journey. Consider your goals as directional road signs.
Stick to your path aligned with your dreams.
You are taking deliberate steps towards a life that is solely yours. It's your life, your goals. Ensure they lead you in the direction that truly matters to you.
Ready to transform your life with organized, clutter-free living? Seize the moment and take intentional steps today. Call us to start the journey. Let's create a space that aligns with your goals and brings you peace. Don't wait – call now, and let's make it happen together!