January went by so fast, but at the same time it was so slow. But now that the dust of the New Year has settled, what are you doing to keep the momentum of all your big plans? My answer is simple: make every new month as important and urgent as the New Year. Basically, I’m going to be having new month plans. Amen?
I did this for January and February, and my productivity levels have been quite impressive, even if I say so myself. But in order to give each month the same energy as the new year, here are a few things to consider:
Don’t skip the plan
This sounds like a No-Brainer but is in fact skipped by so many. I, for one, know I am going to have a productive month whenever I start with a plan. I plan every part of my month possible. I plan all my content for the month, draw up new spreadsheets or update old ones, and even plan my outfits for the month using a capsule wardrobe.
Planning is a lot easier with tools like calendars, planners and journals.
You can see all appointments and events you have for the month and move things around if it feels overwhelming.
Remember to target
Setting goals/targets is definitely the next thing to do. You want to reevaluate the past month to know what you did well and what needs more work. Also, this is when I write down what I want to have gotten done at the end of the month. Or to write down any milestones I would like to hit in various areas of life. Be it financial, academic, emotional, health wise and others. You can divide your goals into short term ones (for the month), or long term goals (for the rest of the year). Planners and vision boards also help you to set goals and have them visible at all times.
Budget. Budget. Budget
I know thinking of money and managing it just brings a headache from nowhere. But, you know what they say that what isn’t measured isn’t managed. Luckily for me, money is legit one of my favorite topics. I like to review finances at the end of the month and draw up a new budget at the start of a new month. I found that when I plan my money, I can figure out what I am spending on and so I am able to save and invest more.
Of course, de-clutter!
But for real though, change those sheets! They don’t look or smell very nice! Try clearing out your desk, cleaning out your closet and taking out old things from your fridge and freezer. I promise, you’ll feel much lighter and your head much clearer. It’s like magic.
Clear your inbox too
I definitely feel like a hypocrite typing this out. Lol. I currently have 9572 photos and videos on my phone. But in my defense, there were a lot more than this. I try to find time to delete and categorize my folders. I also clear my emails and start fresh for the new month. Actually, you should try this every week.
Set your screen time
Apple sends these weekly screen time reminders that tell you how much time you have been staring at your phone. My all time high has been 15 hours and 12 minutes daily. That was when I realized I spent too much time on my phone being unproductive. After I got this average, I set my phone to be on downtime throughout the day and I limited my usage.
Read a book, or something…
I used to read one book per week, and that’s great. But, if you don’t have the time to go through four books in a month, you can start with one or two in a month and go from there.
So there you have it, productivity hacks for those who love the new year vibes. If you have any tips or recommendations, I’d love to hear. Please leave a comment. 🙂