How to Do a Monthly Reset: Plan, Reflect & Refresh Your Goals

This blog is all about creating a simple and effective monthly reset routine to help you stay on track with your goals and reflect on your progress.

You promised yourself that this would be your year! Now, it’s time to actually stick to that long list of goals you wrote down somewhere. The best way to make sure you’re on track, need to make adjustments, or just reflect on where you’re going (or where you’ve been)? Monthly resets!

I’ll be honest—I love watching all those YouTube videos and reading posts about monthly resets. The structure is so satisfying to me! But when it comes to actually doing it myself, I get overwhelmed and start overthinking the process. I used to believe it had to be this complicated, structured task with fancy planners and digital tools. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be a chore. You don’t have to overcomplicate it! If you love digital tools and planners, go for it. But if you’re just getting started (or you like to keep things simple), a piece of paper, your Notes app, or even a voice memo can work just as well. The key is making time to reflect and ask yourself the right questions.

In this post, I’ll share my recommendations, what I’ve learned from doing monthly resets, how I approach them, and how they’ve helped me. If you’re into this kind of thing or just looking for inspiration, keep reading!

1. Set the Mood

If possible, create an ambiance that helps you focus and reflect. This is different for everyone, but here’s what works for me:

  • Find a cozy spot—your bed, desk, living room, or even the kitchen island.
  • Prepare your favorite drink. Coffee, tea, or if it’s the evening, maybe a glass of wine.
  • Put on some calming background music. I love a good YouTube lo-fi playlist with a chill aesthetic.
  • Light a candle, use some aromatherapy, or even spritz on your favorite perfume.
  • If you want to stay productive, set a timer. If you have the time to fully immerse yourself, go with the flow!

A quick warning—once you get into the zone, hours can fly by. So if you’re short on time, be mindful of that!

2. Reflect & Plan

Start by reflecting on the past month. Ask yourself these key questions (you can find more prompts on Pinterest if you need extra inspiration):

  • Wins & Challenges: What went well? What was tough?
  • Feelings: What do I need more of? What do I need less of?
  • Goals & Focus for Next Month: What do I want to achieve?

Once you’ve identified your main goals, break them down:

  • List your goals.
  • Identify the small, supportive actions needed to achieve them.
  • Break them into weekly and daily goals.
  • If they involve habits, add them to your task manager (I use Todoist).
  • Create a vision board if that helps keep you motivated!

3. My Tools & Process

I keep my system pretty simple:

  • Google Calendar: For scheduling events and time-blocking related tasks.
  • Notion: For weekly check-ins and monthly reflections.
  • Todoist: For assigning tasks and habits, scheduling them, and tracking progress.

I’ve been getting curious about Hobonichis (Japanese planners), but that’s a whole other rabbit hole!

Why Monthly Resets Help

This habit has been a game-changer for my productivity and mental clarity. It gives me a sense of security and control—or at least awareness—of where I’m going and how I’m progressing toward my goals. I used to hate looking back at the year feeling like time slipped away without accountability. Now, I love sitting down, reflecting, and checking in with myself.

I hope these tips and insights help you too! 🙂

This blog was created to inspire and guide you in building a mindful and structured monthly reset habit for a more intentional life.

you may also like