by Precious Alex-Toji | Jun 27, 2022 | Personal Growth
The start of every month can be likened to a fresh start. And as with all fresh opportunities, there are things to do at the start of every month that should help increase your productivity.
Keeping an organized monthly schedule is the key to building a productive month. A popular maxim says “failing to plan is planning to fail”. You might not necessarily have a failed month but having a planned month keeps you organized.
Organizing your month helps you set priorities right. For example, if you have planned to go to the market on the 3rd of April, the only reason you would be doing otherwise is because of an emergency.
I kind of love the idea of a monthly plan just because of the organization. I mean, when I make my weekly meal plan, I know what to eat and when to eat. So why shouldn’t I do that for my monthly plan?
So, let’s jump right into 6 things to do at the start of every month.
1. Set a Monthly Goal
One of the things to do at the start of every month is to set your monthly goals. Goals are a set of things you want to achieve. Setting monthly goals can help you achieve maximum productivity as an individual.
Your goals could be financial, social, or academic goals. Whatever goal you aim to achieve, make sure it is something realistic and achievable.
I once had a goal to write 20 articles in a month. When I look back, I just laugh because I was going to stretch my limit. While writing 20 articles in a month is achievable, I had to add school tasks, other freelance gigs, and self-development courses. It just wasn’t realistic at that point.
So, when setting your goals for the month, consider other factors that can hinder you and see how you can work through them. Then break down how you wish to achieve that into weekly goals.
For example, if I decide to write 10 articles this month, my weekly goal will be to write 3 articles and my daily goal will be to write at least 700 words per day.
2. Create a Monthly Budget
I have been a victim of unbudgeted spending every time I receive my salary and this has made me go broke faster than you can say “sapa”.
One thing I began doing at the beginning of this year was to create a budget to guide just how I intend to spend my money. It hasn’t stopped me from going broke; it has just stopped me from going broke faster.
Creating a monthly budget is one of the things to do at the start of every month. If you have a stable source of income, it is best to prepare a spending plan, an investment plan, and a savings plan, if you can afford all three.
The good thing about creating a budget is that it gives you an idea of how much to spend and helps you know when you are over-spending. If your budget for expenses is N50,000, the moment you spend above that, you know you are over-spending.
3. Make a Food Plan
Anyone who knows me knows that food is my favourite thing about being human. Honestly, I really feel for plants because how can I be a plant and not be able to eat pounded yam?
A monthly food plan is a great way to get the month rolling. You know as a student, I am constantly worrying about what to eat when I get home, a situation I could have prevented if I had created a plan from the beginning.
Making a food plan saves you from constant thinking like me. It also gives you the scope of how much food you consume, if you need to add more spice to your food selection, or even just how nutritious your meals are.
Once, I cooked beans (with varieties of course) for three straight days and it took the intervention of my mates to call me to order. How would I know when my favourite meal is beans!
4. Plan Out Your Outdoor Activities
For those of us who work remotely, it can be so tempting to stay indoors and not even notice. I mean, since the school closed, my routine has been waking up, writing, learning how to code, talking to a few people, using Twitter, praying, and sleeping.
Is it good? No
Will I stop? I’m working on that
A good thing to do at the start of every month is to make plans for recreational activities. C’mon! The outside world is fun. You can’t spend all your time working or staying indoors.
To spice it up, you can even make plans with friends so you don’t go back to your shell when you should be out sightseeing.
There are so many things you can do. Attend a wedding (an owambe is my favourite part of Saturdays), watch a football match, visit a famous site and the likes.
As simple as these activities seem, they are a good way to spice up your month.
5. Pick Up a 30-Days Challenge
To have a productive month, one of the things to do at the start of every month is to pick up a 30-days challenge.
A 30-days monthly challenge is a set of actionable steps taken to help you achieve a goal. You have 30 days in a month (sorry, February), and using those days to meet up with one challenge, one step at a time, is a pretty good idea.
Choosing what challenge to face should not be a hard thing. To begin with, you can decide to pick any part of your life you wish to improve on and work on it.
For example, if your challenge is to improve your body shape, you can pick an exercise challenge to focus on for the month. Like how I started working out on my abs for three months straight because I was beginning to eat too much.
If you’re still lacking ideas on what challenge to pick for a new month, check out Pinterest for more templates.
5. Do a Reflection on the Previous Month
It’s so easy to get caught up in the new month frenzy, we tend to forget that the past month was just yesterday.
A good thing to do at the start of every month is to take a look at the past month and take stock of everything that happened.
- What did you achieve?
- What did you not achieve?
- What mistakes did you make?
- What lessons did you learn?
- How do you intend to improve?
You can use these questions to take a reflection on how the past month went. The answers you get can then be used to shape your goals for the next month.
Conclusion
Having a 30-day plan for the new month has numerous advantages. Aside from keeping you focused, it helps you stay organized and productive when you follow through.
While writing this piece, I made up my mind to work on number 6 for April. What tip hit you hard? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
What should I do to start the month strong?
To start the month strong, make sure you set goals that are realistic and achievable by writing down exactly how you wish to work on them.
What should I add to my monthly to-do list?
When making your monthly to-do list, make a list of things you couldn’t do the last month and add it to the current month’s list.
What should I do monthly?
Every month, it is necessary that you set out time to clean the house thoroughly.
by Aisha Zakari | Nov 22, 2021 | Personal Growth
The goal of participating in this challenge is to better yourself, self-improve your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I know along the line, some may stop but I promise you, you’ve got nothing to lose but more to gain. This challenge is aimed towards finding inner peace, discovering oneself, challenging oneself, and as a result be a better person. Give this challenge a go as it takes just 30 days to see the impact in your life. You can write it down in a jotter, place them somewhere close to your bedside, design a board, or set an alarm to remind you. Now, transform your life with this December challenge in 2021.
Let’s go!
December 2021 Challenge
Day 1: Set a Goal for This Challenge
Hello! I don’t know what your goal for this challenge is but now is the time to decide on one or two.
What is your goal? Work on this and come to a decision because this will motivate you towards bringing your best to the table.
Do you want clear skin? Do you want abs and biceps?
Are you intending to start a workout routine?
Or do you want to work towards a new degree?
Set that goal now!
Day 2: Set Up a Morning and Evening Routine
What’s a December challenge in 2021 without a routine? Having a routine will help you in working towards that goal and also it becomes a habit in the long run.
Have tea at 9 am.
Read a book at 10 pm.
It could even be something with more activity but always come up with something you want to make sure you do every morning and night every day.
Day 3: Meditate for at Least 30 Minutes
Meditation is the sole act of focusing the mind on a particular thought, object, or activity to train attention and awareness, to achieve a mentally clear and emotional, calm, and stable state.
You should incorporate this as a part of your morning routine as it helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
See the importance of medication.
Day 4: Make a List of What You’re Most Grateful for in This December Challenge 2021
This is quite easy and not much of a hassle. There are many things in life to be grateful for and being alive is the most important. Make a list of things you are most grateful for and reflect on them every now and then. This ultimately motivates you to not give up on that goal you’ve set for yourself.
If you’re having trouble proceeding with this challenge or making this list, then check out the 50 important questions you should ask yourself.
Day 5: Go Healthy for This Month
Do away with soft drinks this December.
Give up on junk foods and other foods that are bad for you.
Go without alcoholic drinks.
Also, you can go without starchy foods for a month. I mean, this is a self-improvement and personal development December challenge in 2021, so I had to include health in it.
Challenge yourself to take out junk, sugar, and alcohol from your diet for this month. Let’s go!
Day 6: Read a Book or at Least 50 Pages
There are books for this challenge, for growth, inspiration, motivation, and many more. They are indeed the best when it comes to attaining self-improvement and personal development in one’s life.
An interesting one I’ll never forget and would like to recommend is Attitude is Everything by Keith Harrell.
You should definitely purchase one online or get a hard copy.
You can read books that help you become smarter or books that help you find inner peace, your choice. Whatever you do, just make sure you read a book.
Day 7: Challenge Yourself to Do Something Creative
When it comes to self-improvement, your mind should be open to creativity and brainstorming –be it painting, drawing, just anything. Do something that gets your mind to think out of the box.
Try to make it fun though.
Normal is boring.
Day 8: Ask Yourself the “What do I want in life?” Question in December Challenge 2021
This question when answered by you either motivates or encourages you. It does no harm at all. Determine what your career goals should be, what your passion and hobbies are, what gets you going, and what fulfils you.
Write them down and let them be your ultimate guide to self-attainment.
Day 9: Decide on a New Goal
I know, that was fast. It’s a week already but a week of purpose. Now, set up a thing or things you want to get done for the coming week.
Week 1 was about setting a goal or goals which you must have in mind now. Now, this week must carry a new goal. Decide what you want. Good luck with that.
Day 10: Create a Vision/Dream Board
A vision/dream board is a collage of images, pictures, words, and affirmations of one’s dream and desires, designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.
This board gives you the ‘my vision/dream will be a reality’ feeling as you see it every day and it kick-starts your day with positivity. Make sure to add images, throw in quotes, cut out pictures, and make the board attractive and realistic to look at every day.
Day 11: Walk Down a Self-Discovery Lane
“The challenge is in the person in front of the mirror” they always say.
Look at yourself, know yourself, and discover who/what you are. For me, it took a long while to realize what my talents are but right now, I’m doing just that and I’m getting a handle on things by making things better. It’s been fun, worthwhile, and worth it.
Discover yourself and that will be the greatest thing you’ve accomplished and that will be the guide you need to take the next step towards growth, self-improvement, and personal development.
Day 12: Listen to Educative Talk Shows and Podcasts
Music is one way to relax. That I know but sometimes, switch things up a bit. Listen to educational shows and podcasts that are inspirational and motivational.
They uplift and encourage you to do something. Give this a try.
Day 13: Try Yoga in This December 2021 Challenge
Like meditation, yoga is the next thing you need for mental health and alertness. There are different yoga programs you could look up online.
Check one out and indulge yourself in it. It’s either going to be yoga for you or meditation.
Day 14: Spend Time Outside
Do you know that 10 minutes walk you see people do in the movies? Yes. That is the boost for your mind, mood, body, and soul. It instantly uplifts you when nature hits you or you see beautiful sceneries around you.
Indulge in this when you can and I promise, it will definitely brighten you up or maybe meet the love of your life outside. Who knows?
Day 15: Try Something New
Like I said, instead of music, try an educational podcast. Trying something new is the trick you need sometimes to discover yourself in one way or another. Try something new once in a while helps you discover yourself more, what you like and do not like, what makes you happy, and what irks you.
There just might be a hobby out there for you that you haven’t realized. You just have to figure it out. If it’s something productive and of great service and benefits to people, then just set up a business or give help to people. Be kind.
Day 16: Make a Decision
Now that you’ve discovered yourself, what are those bad habits you want to get rid of, and what are those you want to improve on? What makes you a better person and what doesn’t?
Work on this and make a decision as this is a challenge for self-improvement and personal development. You really should work on those characters.
Day 17: Ask Yourself Where You Want to Be in 5 or 10 Years?
I want to be married.
I want to be a renowned writer/author.
I want to be a model.
Take a big look at this and picture it. Start planning how you are going to get there, what you should do to be there, and what sacrifices must be made. Take baby steps towards them.
Day 18: Challenge Yourself to Do Things Alone, Just You
Self! Alone! Solo! Just you, YOLO!
Walk on this self-improvement path by challenging yourself to do things alone. Go out alone, do things you do with friends alone, go on a date with yourself. This makes you a happier person as you tend to get comfortable with being by yourself all alone. Single life rocks.
Day 19: Keep a Journal
Okay! This isn’t old school or anything odd, I keep one myself. Keeping a journal is extremely important, most especially with regards to mental health. Write about anything and everything, every feeling, and accomplishment. Keep check about yourself and your life.
This makes things clear to you. Also, you gain control of your emotions and you begin to discover yourself. It takes time but baby steps, yeah.
Day 20: What Do You Want to Achieve in Life?
I want a car.
I want a medal.
I want to be famous.
Have a bucket list? Write them down and work towards checking them off slowly but surely.
Day 21: Try Something Out of Your Comfort Zone
“If you’re in your comfort zone, you’re not growing” the saying goes.
This is self-explanatory. So, do at least one thing challenging and less comforting every day.
Day 22: Travel to a New Place as a December Challenge 2021
This is one of the best ideas when it comes to self-improvement and personal development. This gives you the opportunity to do not only new things but also see new places, check out new areas, find yourself and of course, try out new food. In the long run, this will give you inner peace and inspiration towards the way you see and appreciate life.
It may interest you to see these Northern Nigerian foods everyone must try at least once.
Day 23: Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes
If you want to attain self-improvement and personal development, exercising should be your go-to. It boosts your mood, gets your heart pumping too (I hear it’s a good thing).
For me, I go to the gym sometimes on Saturdays, and that’s a good start.
Day 24: Write Down Your Dreams and Aspirations
Do you have a list of dreams and aspirations? Write them all down, there’s never a dream that’s too big. Write down what you want in life and out of life, figure it out and at the end, work towards achieving it.
Make a list of what you want to do towards aspiring to that dream; do you want to start photo freelancing to get a model agent or do you want to post about food online to eventually be a food blogger?
Take realistic steps, and work towards them.
Day 25: Get to Spend Some Time with God
Get spiritual yo! Take a time to pray to your Lord, Jesus, or Allah. Say your thanks and tell Him what and how grateful you are. Say what you want Him to help you with and believe.
In our everyday lives, things get tough but let’s never forget our Creator.
Day 26: Positive Talking
This is something I did at home once I think and really, it did what I wanted it to. I wrote in a paper and placed it on the mirror:
“You’re great. You’re beautiful”
It was something small but with a huge magnitude. Saying it during those days made an impact in my life and I love every moment. Write the words you want to say to yourself every day and say them every day.
Go in front of the mirror and say positive words to yourself. This helps to build confidence and boosts your self-esteem. In the long run, it helps with self-improvement and personal development.
Day 27: Practice Positive Statements
These are words of affirmations to oneself, words of encouragement, and determination. Try to make this a daily habit.
If you can’t find words or come up with for yourself, look them up online. There are a bunch of words of affirmation towards achieving self-improvement and personal development.
Day 28: Avoid Social Media for a Day
Uninstall an app if you really can’t stay without your phone. That’s a challenge for self-improvement and personal development if you can’t stay without it.
This is a hard challenge, I know but really, take a check out of social media for a day.
Day 29: Pamper Yourself
YOLO!
Treat yourself to something nice and exotic. Maybe a bubble bath, go to the beach, a spa, make a vacation plan as you write down your goals for the coming month and year.
Day 30: Set a Goal for the Rest of the Year in December Challenge 2021
Have goals and a plan for the rest of the year. Career goals, finance goals, life goals, marriage goals, couple goals, fitness goals, more challenging goals. Everything goals.
Conclusion
There’s no particular order to take this December 2021 challenge as the numbers could be done for any day.
Congratulations! As you’ve partaken on this journey to self-improvement and personal development. I’m sure that was challenging for you, but that’s the goal there. I hope you’ve made a list for the months to come.
Kindly drop a comment in the comments section below if I missed anything. Also, do let me know which one are you doing. I am eager to know!
