Finding Harmony: The Power of Monthly Goal Setting: Why It's Essential and My Personal Struggles

#03 At the start of the month of June I want us to take a month and reflect on how the month of May went for us. Then do some assessments.

May 31, 2024

Hi Beloveth,

Setting goals is an integral part of personal growth and development. While many people focus on New Year's resolutions or long-term ambitions, the practice of monthly goal setting is equally, if not more, important.

Monthly goals offer a manageable timeframe to achieve specific objectives, allowing for consistent progress and adaptation. They provide a structured yet flexible approach to self-improvement, helping us stay motivated and on track.

However, like many, I've faced challenges in sticking to my goals set in the month May, and the impact has been significant.

scissors and two paper clips beside opened spiral notebook — Photo by Alexa Williams on Unsplash

Being Strategic

For the past two months I have shared with you the things I chose to continue, stop, or start and this month I’m going to update you on were I am.

Before we go there let’s talk about my monthly goals. Over the past few years I have written down some annual goals and in the beginning I would generally work towards the goal with no strategy.

But then a few years in I realized I need to be more intentional so I grabbed my bullet journal and began to write down three to five goals each month that is specific to my annual goals.

The reality is that monthly goal setting enables us to break down larger aspirations into bite-sized, actionable steps.

This approach not only makes our goals more attainable but also allows us to celebrate small wins along the way, boosting our morale and encouraging further effort.

For example, if your ultimate goal is to read more books and improve your writing skills, setting a monthly goal to read one book and journal daily can gradually build those habits. This method offers the opportunity to reassess and adjust our goals regularly, ensuring they remain relevant and achievable.

The Benefit and The Struggle

Despite understanding the benefits, I've struggled with my own monthly goals. Last month, I aimed to read before bed and continue to journal daily, believing these habits would enhance my mental well-being and creativity.

Unfortunately, I failed to stick to these goals. Life's demands and distractions often got in the way, and soon, I found myself slipping back into old routines. Additionally, I neglected to set any new goals for the month, which left me feeling unanchored and less productive.

The absence of clear objectives made it easy to procrastinate and lose focus, impacting my overall sense of accomplishment and growth.

I’m wondering if you can relate?

You see, reflecting on these experiences recently, reminds me of what I’ve been speaking about in all the other entries. That consistency and adaptability are key.

They are crucial qualities that can greatly impact our success in all things and our overall well-being. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Consistency:
- Consistency helps in building habits and routines that can lead to long-term progress and achievement.
- It fosters trust and reliability in relationships, whether personal or professional.
- Consistent actions and behaviors demonstrate commitment and dedication to goals and values.
- It can enhance productivity and efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing decision-making fatigue.
Adaptability:
- Being adaptable allows us to navigate through challenges and changes with resilience.
- It enables us to embrace new opportunities and learn from different experiences.
- Those who are adaptable are more likely to thrive in diverse environments and handle unexpected situations effectively.

So with this in mind I decided to keep taking action. Here’s how!

The Atomic Habit Mindset

In "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, the focus is on the importance of small, consistent actions that contribute to significant personal development in the long run. Clear highlights, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” (Clear, 2018). This statement captures the core idea of monthly goal setting, illustrating it as more than a mere list but as a methodical way to foster enduring habits and behaviors.

Monthly goal setting provides a framework that bridges the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be.

By breaking down larger ambitions into manageable, bite-sized tasks, you create a sustainable path toward personal development.

Clear underscores this by explaining how tiny changes can compound into remarkable results, a concept he illustrates with the analogy of an airplane changing its course by just a few degrees and ending up in a completely different destination.

Furthermore, Clear's emphasis on identity-based habits rather than outcome-based goals reinforces the idea that who you become in the process is more crucial than the tasks themselves.
Monthly goal setting, therefore, is not merely about achieving targets but about consistently aligning your actions with the person you want to be.

It’s a methodology that fosters growth, resilience, and continuous improvement, ensuring that personal development is both achievable and sustainable.

brown wooden blocks on white surface — Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The Reset

In other words, rather than beating myself up and becoming discouraged about what I didn’t accomplish in the month of May, I am choosing to reset for the month of June.

My reset includes revisiting and revising my goals.

It’s essential that we do this regularly, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. By embracing this truth I’m more confident in getting back up and moving forward.

Remember, monthly goal setting isn't just about ticking off tasks; it's about creating a sustainable path to personal development.

While I may have faltered, I'm committed to getting back on track, setting realistic goals, and embracing the process. After all, each month brings a new opportunity to strive for betterment, and with the right mindset, we can all turn our aspirations into achievements.

Practical Reset (Heart | Mind | Body)

Mind

I’ve decided to dedicated just two to three days a week to write down my thoughts, as I practice getting back into motion.

Soul

In addition to journaling, I will reset the habit of setting aside time each day to read the Word, and reignited my spiritual flame.

Heart

Lastly, I am making a conscious effort to improve my body care by addressing my bedtime routine. As we discussed in the last “Finding Rhythm” entry. That the habit of endless phone scrolling before bed was taking a toll on my sleep quality and overall well-being. I am choosing to stick with this because I know how important it is for me.

This journey of resetting my mindset is empowering. I hope it encourages you my friend to get back up and keep trying.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, I encourage you to embark on your own journey of reset. You might be surprised at the profound impact it can have on your life.

So friend, take a moment to share with me what are of your life needs a reset.

Dear Beloveth Magazine

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