Don’t we all love new beginnings? I look at it as a chance to wipe the slate clean.

It’s always so exciting to see the start of a new month.

My most exciting part is getting to review the previous month and forecast for the next one.

It’s very critical to set your tools and systems right as you begin every month and this post is serving you the goodies.

I look at it like hitting the reset button and preparing for new opportunities.

Even writing this gets me so excited already.

Additionally, you get to reflect on the previous month critically and analyze what needs to be dealt away with and those that can be retained.

I would like to encourage you to welcome every new month with open arms and this is how you can do it.

 

Analyze the previous month

 

I have a secret for you, something that will bring the analysis into perspective: Reflection brings context.

When I first thought about this concept, I was mind-blown and it really settled in me why I constantly need to reflect.

Most times when you are busy chasing your monthly goals, it’s very possible to have blind spots.

You can get so sucked in the deliverables that you forget to give attention to the details of that month.

Looking through the past month is like rewinding a tape and watching it in slow motion.

You get to see the things you rushed through, and the ones you missed.

 

Here is a video format of this post😉

 

 

 

Take time off

 

Even if it is half a day, it’s very important to have time off as you begin the new month.

It gives you more time to reflect.

Time off is an opportunity for you to be refreshed and get back in mental shape in readiness for the new month.

I have something I call ‘Tools Down Tuesday’. As the name suggests, I lay everything down on Tuesday afternoons for at least one hour.

On some good days, it goes beyond that.

If you dear learners are in the creative space, I strongly encourage you to have a ritual of your own where you have time to reflect, brainstorm, and even create.

This actually works!

Most of my YouTube video content ideas are birthed in those moments.

Be creative with your time off. I avoid listening to music during that time because I’ll end up paying so much attention to the lyrics.

Take a walk if you can and maybe listen to low-volume music instrumentals.

You will be amazed at the ton of ideas that you end up with.

 

Draft a rough idea for the next month

 

It’s only in a journal that you write with finality- as in there is no editing. You get it raw and uncut.

That’s the beauty of journaling, but that’s not the point.

Drafting ideas down is part of creating and brainstorming at the same time.

Do you know how painters kind of trace the outline of a drawing before they fill in the paint? That’s what drafting is to the project.

When you draft you don’t lose your trail of thoughts.

Your best ideas come at that time when you are not worrying about grammatical errors.

You are basically just downloading from your mind to the sketchbook or notepad and whatever else you use.

A rough idea for the coming month could look like having a goal or two for each week and maybe an overall guiding word for the month.

 

 

 

Put the ideas into perspective

 

This is where the real work is dear learner. You want to be as detailed as you can.

At this stage, you consider the major deliverables that were not achieved the previous month and you bring them into the new month.

You want to put in clear action points for the month so that it’s easy to refer to as you go about conquering your goals for the month.

If you can have deadlines and allocate time for major activities this will go a long way.

Paint a very clear picture of the month right from the word go.

Figuring out all this will help you gather your tools and resources for the month.

 

 

Inform your accountability partner

 

Your accountability partner plays a huge role in how successful your month turns out.

These people will ask you the right questions and challenge you.

Once you are done with your planning for the month, set time aside and have a call, preferably a video call with your accountability partner.

In my opinion, it’s good to have someone you are also keeping accountable so that it keeps you both on your toes.

Allow room for questions and feedback.

Knowing that someone else knows your plans grounds you and gives you a razor-focus on your goals.

You get the feeling of ‘I can’t stoop low and not live up to my word’ because someone else is involved.

 

Hit GO!

 

If you’ve checked these stages, then you dear learner should set all systems to ‘go’!

You are ready for a successful month.

These plans are all good but actual action needs to happen for success to be your portion. Yes?

 

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If you are reading this at the start of a new month, I wish you a successful one!

 

Go you!

 

Xx;)