Do you have a game plan to tackle each month or do you float through disorganized chaos hoping for the best? Well, I have a little trick to help you remove the latter from your life: Lists to make at the beginning of every month.
From goal-setting to bucket lists, these monthly checklists will guide you to stay in control of your life and make memories along the way. So basically, a roadmap to a kicka$$ month!
Scroll down for a couple of FREEBIES waiting for you!
Grab a cup of brew (btw, this one is my fav) and get cozy as we dive into 8 lists to make at the beginning of every month for maximized productivity and fulfillment.
This post might contain affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you purchase an item through them.
8 Must-Make Lists To Kickstart Your Month
1. Master To-Do Lists
It might be the most basic; however, we cannot deny its importance. Therefore, I had to include it.
A master to-do list includes anything and everything, such as:
- Work tasks
- Appointments
- Household chores
- Personal errands
- Upcoming events
- Financial duties
- And more.
In a previous post, How To Plan Your Week To Be Productive + Free Template, I mentioned how a to-do list can function as a rough draft for refined future planning. It highlights the significance of a master to-do list.
2. Monthly Goals List
Setting monthly goals is by far my favorite part of planning a new month. It gives meaning to the hustle.
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive (SMART) goals for the month ahead that align with your overall goal.
A monthly goal checklist will keep you focused and motivated. Here are some quick examples:
- Read __ number of books
- Go to the gym __ times a week
- Get up at __ o’clock
- Reach __ number of pageviews on your blog (I have this goal every month)
3. Content Ideas
A content ideas list is quite niche-specific and might not apply to you. However, for a blogger like myself, it is crucial to have ideas in my back pocket.
Scribble a couple of ideas on a list at the beginning of every month. It doesn’t need to be perfect and you don’t even need to use it. It will function as a helpful guideline when you get stuck.
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4. List Of Achievements/Milestones
We tend to be blind to our own progress.
Sometimes you might feel like you haven’t accomplished anything when in reality you’ve made progress, as little as it might be.
I started doing this a couple of months ago and it definitely made a difference in how I treat myself. I am not as hard on myself as I used to be, because I see little progress and milestones reached every month.
Be your biggest cheerleader and celebrate the wins, even if they’re small.
5. Monthly Bucket List
Now that we have all the ‘productive’ lists out of the way. It’s time to move on to the fun lists!
Who doesn’t love a good bucket list? Make a list of everything you want to do this month. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. Here are a couple of examples:
- Visit a new restaurant
- Watch the sunrise/sunset
- Visit a farmers’ market
- Try a new hobby (here are 40+ hobbies you can try)
- Host a game night
It’s a fun and light-hearted list to make that’ll benefit your well-being.
6. Wishlist
A wishlist contains desired items and experiences. It is not limited to material possessions.
Everyone has a list of things they want or need, I know I most definitely do! Write your list for the month. Keep it achievable within the time frame. You can always keep a master wishlist on the side that contains bigger things like a house or a car.
Your monthly wishlist could look like this:
- Home Decor Items
- New clothes for the upcoming season – here’s a “FUN“ story: I need to restock my winter clothing because I left everything in the USA. Okay, maybe not so fun…
- An online course
- New skincare products – I love the Hyaluronic Acid Serum from The Ordinary and Bio-Oil. Total game changers!
7. Self-Care List
Make a list of self-care activities you want to incorporate into the upcoming month.
Self-care is essential for your overall well-being. You need to spend time on you, for you. Besides you spend all your time with yourself.
Create a fun and easy list at the beginning of the month. Luckily for you, I have an absolutely FREE self-care checklist here. You can read the whole blog post here.
8. Shows To Watch + Books To Read
Well, this is a very straightforward list to make at the beginning of the month.
I am not big on either, however it is on my bucket list to get into reading. Series though… I am a binger, so I’d rather avoid starting a series.
Make a list of movies, series, podcasts, albums, books, or any other entertainment you want to incorporate into your leisure time.
Conclusion On Lists To Make
In conclusion, creating lists at the beginning of each month can be beneficial to your productivity, personal growth, and well-being.
From a goal to a self-care list, these checklists can structure your month and divert you away from chaos.
Why not give it a try? Conquer this month with your roadmap to fulfillment and success.
However, remember to keep your lists flexible. Life happens. It’s a journey and you shouldn’t be disheartened if things don’t pan out as you wish.
Follow along for more tips and guides to become your best selves. Let’s turn your dreams into a reality!
Have a great day or night wherever you are in the world.
Love, Steph ♥
