I like to recognize the first of the month with a simple, holistic review of the month that is closing and a look ahead towards the month that is starting. For me, keeping the monthly review simple and reflective is really important. So, rather than taking time to review every item in my action lists and project planning files, I ask two simple questions and then set an intention.
Question 1: what were three areas of success last month?
For this exercise, a success can be something very specific (I completed Project X by the deadline) or a recognition of sustained effort or change of outlook (I stayed calm during stressful situations; I took my vitamins nearly every day). Consider all the different areas of your life, such as: work, family, health, spirit, relationships, and fun.
Taking a moment to reflect on what is going well in your life helps set you up for a stronger month ahead. For most of us, it’s easier to list the things that aren’t going well, the things we wish we had done but didn’t, or the things we have yet to do. Taking a moment to holistically look at your life reorients you to your personal capability and power.
Question 2: what will next month bring?
Looking over the upcoming month’s calendar and thinking about it in relation to the areas of success you’ve just identified can help you imagine future successes as well as potential challenges ahead.
For instance, one of my successes this past month was to re-energize my Bikram yoga practice by attending classes more frequently after travel and illness during the previous month had slowed me down. Looking ahead to November, I have travel plans and project deadlines that could potentially interfere with my regular yoga practice. So I’m going to make sure to add in some extra classes early in the month to build momentum and maybe stockpile some vitality to help me through the end of the month.
Set a theme or intention for the month.
I like to pick one word as the month’s theme: something I want to keep in mind and aim towards throughout the month.
You can write the word on an index card, set it as your cell phone wallpaper, draw or paint a sign for your office — whatever will help you see it frequently and keep engaged with the attitude, idea, or goal it expresses.
My theme for November is completion. I started a lot of things last month; now I’m ready to wrap them up. I know from experience that acknowledging small completions along the way to finishing big projects helps me stay motivated. So keeping the idea of completion in front of me this month will help me take the appropriate actions — and take the time to recognize them as well.
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