How I Plan My Month: Tips for a Productive July
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July is here, and with it comes a fresh start and a chance to set new goals. As a busy mom and teacher who just moved over 400 miles away, planning my month is crucial for staying organized and productive. Here’s a peek into my monthly planning process and some tips to help you make the most of July.
Reflect on the Past Month
Before diving into planning for July, I take some time to reflect on June. What goals did I achieve? What challenges did I face? Reflecting helps me understand what worked well and what didn’t, allowing me to make necessary adjustments for the upcoming month. For me, I felt like I was scrambling towards the end of June. Trying to get through those last few days of work, planning for family graduations, packing and loading a moving truck and an unexpected family funeral kept me insanely busy. I finally get to sit down and take it all in as a I prepare for the new month.
Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is essential. For July, I plan to focus on three main areas: personal, professional, and family. Here are some examples:
Personal:
Dedicate 30 minutes to exercise each day
Finish reading at least two books on my active reading list
Update address and phone numbers
Professional:
Complete onboarding for job with the new school district
Prepare lesson plans for first quarter
Update work wardrobe
Family:
Get my son ready for the new school year
Plan a few fun outings with my child
Plan out family meals for the next few weeks + grocery lists
Break Down Goals into Tasks
Once I have my goals, I break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and easier to tackle. For example, if my goal is to plan two outings, I’ll list tasks such as researching activities, setting dates, and preparing supplies.
Use a Planner
A good planner is my best friend. I use both digital and paper planners to keep track of everything. My favorite set up is the Passion Planner (both their weekly AND daily planners) which allows me to see my month at a glance and schedule daily tasks. But there are plenty of planners out there and bullet journaling is also very popular.
Here’s a sample planner/journal set up:
Monthly Calendar: I’d write down important dates, deadlines, and events.
Weekly Spread: Break down my monthly goals into weekly tasks.
Daily Pages: I’d plan my day hour by hour, prioritizing the most important tasks.
Prioritize Self-Care
As a mom, it’s easy to put my needs last, but self-care is crucial for maintaining productivity. This month I’m trying to schedule “me time” into my planner, whether it’s a 10-minute meditation session, reading a book, or enjoying a relaxing bath. I also enjoy journaling and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Stay Flexible
Life is unpredictable, especially with kids. I try to stay flexible and adapt when things don’t go as planned. If I miss a task, I reschedule it for another day instead of stressing out. Flexibility helps me stay sane and keeps my planning realistic. Moving over 400 miles away has added another layer of challenges. I’m trying to make sure that I include unpacking and settling into our new home in my monthly plan. Breaking down these tasks into manageable chunks helps me stay organized and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Review and Adjust
At the end of each week, I review my progress. Did I complete my tasks? Do I need to adjust my goals? Regular reviews help me stay on track and make necessary adjustments. It’s a great way to celebrate small victories and learn from any setbacks.
Final Thoughts
Planning your month can be a game-changer in achieving your goals and staying organized. By reflecting, setting clear goals, breaking them down, using a planner, prioritizing self-care, staying flexible, regularly reviewing your progress, and incorporating time for unpacking and settling in, you can make July a productive and fulfilling month.
How do you plan your month? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!