Monthly Goal Setting – What To Do Instead of New Year’s Resolutions

Now that it’s almost the end of January, how is everyone doing with their New Year’s resolutions? Maybe you worked out every day for a week, but then let that slide? Are you feeling overwhelmed by a resolution that seems too daunting? Maybe you’re doing great with your resolutions so far? Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions this year, try setting do-able monthly goals that are important to you and that you will be able to accomplish.

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Monthly goal setting - what to do instead of New Year's resolutions

Whatever your case might be, I’m going to argue AGAINST setting new year’s resolutions. That’s right, don’t make any resolutions. Instead, make attainable, do-able monthly goals that you can accomplish month by month.

I started this at the end of 2018, and so far I’ve been successful with setting goals and reaching them. This is especially useful if you’re like me and you love making small lists and then checking things off.

Planner for monthly goal setting

How to set monthly goals

Get a planner

First (and my favorite part), you’re going to need a planner or notebook to write down your goals and make a plan for reaching them. I recommend a planner because you can schedule out days or chunks of time to accomplish your goals. There are lots of options for this and I have a post on how to make your own planner with freebies!

Decide your goals

Then, you need to decide what you want your goals to be for the month. I recommend setting 2-5 goals so you don’t get overwhelmed. For January I set goals of working out 5 days a week (even if it’s just a quick workout) and I wrote areas of the house that I wanted to clean up. There was a specific corner that was getting out of control and our utensils drawer desperately needed some organizing. I also have had a goal set for a while to bring my lunch to work every day. That’s it. That’s what I want to accomplish this month.

"Make the world a pretty place" goal planner

Next month, I’ll continue with my goal of working out 5 days a week and bringing lunch to work. I also want to organize the pantry and the closet. I know I’ll get this done because I have the whole month to do it. I’ve also been enjoying working out and I like the idea of having 2 days off a week from it.

Write your goals

I’ve written these down in my planner and I’m ready to get them done! I find that it’s easier than just making a resolution of working out more or deciding to tidy up the apartment. My goals are specific and have a time frame.

Monthly goal setting - what to do instead of New Year's resolutions

Try this instead of resolutions and see how it goes. I think you’ll be surprised how accomplished and productive you feel!

Make sure to share this post to anyone who is struggling with new years resolutions. Thanks!

21 thoughts on “Monthly Goal Setting – What To Do Instead of New Year’s Resolutions

  1. I do write my monthly goals in my planner. It works well. I did make a few New Year’s resolutions as well that go hand in hand with those monthly goals. So far, it’s going great!

  2. This is interesting. I’ll try this! Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!

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    Tiffany

  3. I really wish I was better at using my planner! I kind of just jot down notes, but every step forward helps!

    Kristen | kristenabroad.com

  4. Great ideas, I do set some goals but more short term, as in what am I getting done this weekend. I think a monthly planner is a great idea. Thank you for sharing.

  5. Awesome idea! I love this. Now I’m excited to go out and get me a planner and start my monthly goal setting. I’m definitely one of those check it off my list girls! Thanks so much for the advice! ❤️

  6. You’re so right – you can feel so much more productive by setting achievable goals. I need to go snag me a 2019 planner!

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