TL;DR:
- The end of a month and beginning of a new one is a natural time to reflect and kick-start our momentum.
- Learn three ways to begin and end each month strong: (1) Schedule 2-3 ME times. (2) Update your highlight reel. (3) Audit the past month and set intentions for the new month.
The end of a month can bring about so many emotions. It’s not only the end of something, but it’s also the start of something new. Without even any effort on our part, each month we get to practice something that took me a long time into adulthood to cherish.
With every ending automatically comes a new beginning.
On the last day of the month at 11:59, it is still that month. But the moment the clock strikes 12:00, a new month is upon us. And all of this happens without us having to do anything! We simply get to BE and experience this change.
In this time of something ending and something beginning, a beautiful thing happens. We have a genuine and natural time for self-reflection. Each month we are provided with an opportunity to use our self-reflections from one month to kick-start our momentum into the following month.
In this month’s THINK BETTER blog, I’m sharing my top THREE ways that I simultaneously end and begin each month strong.
We have a genuine and natural time for self-reflection. Each month we are provided with an opportunity to use our self-reflections from one month to kick-start our momentum into the following month. Click To TweetBuilding Momentum: Schedule 2-3 ME Days During the Month
These days have been game-changing for me. Every week, I used to set the intention that I would have more time for myself during the week. I’d read more, go for a walk, even just watch TV, and guess what? None of it ever happened! What took over was what I then called the ‘craziness of life.’ And every week I found myself with less and less time for me.
This is until I learned that if I wanted me time, I needed to schedule me time. And so now, that is what I schedule first. Towards the end of each month, I survey the next month. I see what commitments we’ve said yes to, what appointments I have, and just get an overall feel for the month. I then look at my weekends (or weekdays) and schedule time for me. I put a heart on the schedule and that is my code that these days are for me.
Now, this doesn’t mean I isolate myself for the entire day (although sometimes that might be the goal). What it means is that I’m committing to myself for the day. It’s my reminder that I get to choose how to spend that day. And most importantly, it ensures that I have 2-3 days per month that are scheduled for me!
Building Momentum: Update My HIGHLIGHT REEL
Ever get to the end of a month and think, ‘what did I actually accomplish this month?’ Sometimes we completely skip this reflective step altogether because we are so focused on the never-ending to-do list in front of us. I used to feel this tug of war between not being productive each month and being overwhelmed by my to-do list all the time. Until I learned the power of celebration. And each month, I use my highlight reel to celebrate.
I take a sheet of paper (yes, just a white sheet of paper) and write the month at the top. Then at the end of the month, I use my calendars, and even sometimes my social media posts, to write down all that happened that month. Some examples may include:
- Submitted a blog post
- Submitted an application for a conference
- Launched a program
- Signed a 1:1 client
- Was a guest on a podcast
This simple sheet of paper, with the addition of your highlights, is a powerful reminder of your own personal power. Another unintended bonus of this system is that it trains you to break down your actions into celebratory steps of success. No longer do you need to wait for approval to speak at a conference (although that would be a fantastic addition to your list too). Instead, now you get to celebrate every single step you are taking each month to create a life of purpose and passion for YOU!
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Building Momentum: Audit My Month and Set INTENTIONS for the Next
Simply put…review your month! Take 5-10 minutes and review your schedule. Reflect on where your time was spent. If you want to take it further, do a time sample each month and really see where your time is spent. What categories are taking up the most of your time? Then use this information (or as I like to call it, data), to set your intentions for next month.
Maybe, this month you spent more time ordering out dinner instead of cooking at home. Boom…there’s your intention for next month. Maybe, this month you stayed up later and were more tired. New intention right there. Keep it simple. Let the reflection guide your refinement each month!
It Gets to Be Simple and Easy
Ending and finishing each month strong doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or difficult. As with everything, I’m always going to make the case to keep it simple and easy! These three steps have intensified my excitement for each and every month, and I’d love for you to try them out and see what a difference they make for YOU!
About Lindsay Titus
Lindsay Titus is a K-12 Behavior Specialist with a license in behavior analyst. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Lindsay coaches and trains educators on the study of behavior and how to implement evidence-based behavior principles in simple and easy ways! With experience as a classroom special education teacher, and behavior specialist in public schools, residential placement, and private settings, Lindsay enjoys working with all educators looking to reignite their passion for education, connect with all students, and conquer challenging behavior in any classroom setting.
