31 Monthly Goal Ideas (Detailed List With Actionable Steps)
If you’re someone who’s always looking to improve and better your life, setting monthly goals is a great way to do so. But what kind of monthly goals should you set?
In this blog post, I’ll share 31 different monthly goal ideas that will help change your life for the better. Whether it’s developing a new skill, breaking a bad habit, or improving your physical and mental health together, there’s bound to be a goal here that resonates with you. So read on and get inspired!
Why are monthly goals important?
Monthly goals are important because they provide structure and motivation to pursue bigger life ambitions. Having a set of monthly goals helps us focus our energy on achievable tasks that can lead us toward greater success.
By setting monthly goals and measurable objectives, we can track progress and stay on the right track as well as allow ourselves some flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances. Additionally, by breaking big projects into shorter-term goals, we can reduce overwhelm and stress while still making continuous progress with our plans.
Ultimately, monthly goals helps us stay organized, motivated, and inspired to reach our long-term aspirations.
When we consistently achieve goals, it leads to great improvements in our lives. Additionally, we build some valuable and long-lasting habits that benefit us in the long term.
Not only will you develop the skill of setting goals and building habits, but your confidence will also grow.
When you accomplish monthly goals, you’ll experience a sense of pride that can motivate you to keep pushing forward and improve yourself on a daily basis.
As the days, weeks, and months go by, and you improve yourself every week and month by small steps, these small steps add up and make a big difference in your life. Seeing how you grow and get better in your life is the most satisfying thing to see in the world.
How to set achievable monthly goals?
Having a reward system and tracking your monthly goals is critical for success. Without any rewards or feedback, you won’t be able to stick long enough to the monthly goal and can’t see the results.
Break down your bigger monthly goals into smaller steps so they appear more manageable. Celebrate each accomplishment to keep yourself inspired and motivated to reach your larger aspirations.
Make your goal measurable. You must have an answer to the question: “How do I know, if I have achieved my monthly goal?“
By answering this question for your goal, you know exactly what you must do to achieve your monthly goal.
“Eating healthier” isn’t a good monthly goal. It’s too vague. It’s a most a worthy cause that is doomed to fail. When do you know you did eat healthier? When have you achieved your goal?
It has to be more specific, like: “I check the nutrition label first before I buy groceries”, or “I learn each week a new healthy meal to improve nutrition“.
With clear, concrete, defined goals, you know what you have to do and when you have achieved your set monthly goals.
Ideas for monthly goals
Here are 31 different monthly goal setting ideas that will help change your life for the better. I tried every one of them, and I can say with confidence that each one of them has greatly improved my life.
Some of them will not resonate with you, but that is okay. I also tried new things, but I didn’t like them. So I stopped.
However, it’s important that you stick at least three times to a new monthly goal idea. It’s possible you don’t like a new habit or monthly goal the first time. This may be because it’s new or for other reasons. But this can change as you get more familiar with the monthly goal and you start to like it. So stick with your monthly goals at least three times!
So, here are 31 monthly goal examples:
1. Don’t check your phone in the morning
Not checking your phone in the morning is a good monthly goal that can have numerous positive benefits. Studies have found that people who refrain from using their phones first thing in the morning experience increased mental clarity and focused throughout the day.
This is because you don’t focus on unpleasant new emails, or you don’t have to see your friends in the Caribbean on holiday, which makes you feel bad.
Being bombarded with new notifications and alerts that require your immediate attention can be draining. Therefore, it’s important to start the day with a clear mind and set intentions in your own way.
2. Stay off social media
Staying off social media can reduce anxiety and stress. Studies have found that people who limit the amount of time they spend on social media report feeling more in control of their lives and less overwhelmed by their day-to-day activities.
It can also help you focus more on yourself and your own needs rather than worrying about what other people are doing and wanting to keep up with them.
3. Make your bed every day
Making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment and can help you start your day off on a positive note. Making your bed is your first success in the morning, and it’s done in 10 seconds. It’s only a small one, but better than no success.
Additionally, it’s much more pleasant to fall into your bed in the evening when everything is neatly arranged.
4. Update or make a budget
The next monthly goal is having a budget. A budget enables you to allocate your finances more effectively and can give you greater control of your money. Developing a budget allows you to track your expenses and make sure you are staying within the limits of what you can reasonably afford.
It is tedious work to set up your first budget. But it is probably the most important one regarding your financial future. For example, when I first set up a budget, I spent my money a lot more consciously. I saved over $500 (!) per month after I set up my budget.
A budget can give you some astonish inside, like, for example, how much money you spend every month when buying your coffee every day at Starbucks. The first time you see this huge number, you quickly go and buy a cheap thermal mug and make your coffee at home.
5. Meditate for 10 minutes every day
Studies have shown that just 10 minutes of daily meditation can provide numerous health benefits. In one study, researchers examined the effects of a 10-minute daily meditation practice on individuals who had never meditated before. At the end of the eight-week trial period, those who practiced meditation reported improved physical and psychological well-being compared to those in the control group.
There are probably thousands of studies supporting this. However, many don’t know how to start their first session.
I recommend you go with an App that guides you through your first hours of meditation. For example, I used Lojong when I first started my meditation journey. I can highly recommend it.
6. Eat more fiber (try chickpeas)
Eating more fiber is one of the best ways to improve health and well-being. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by the body, so it helps promote digestion, increase energy levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and even help manage weight.
Chickpeas are a great source of dietary fiber and can provide several other nutrients as well, such as iron and vitamin B6. Implementing more fiber in your diet is a good monthly goal to have.
You should aim for around 20 to 50 grams of fiber each day. This is the best range. Additionally, Chickpeas count as one of the healthiest foods in our world (tied with Quinoa).
7. Start journaling
The benefits of journaling are astonishing. It helps you to express yourself, document your thoughts and feelings, as well as help with problem-solving. Writing down what is on your mind can be a great benefit.
Journaling improves your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It can help you gain insights into the positive and negative aspects of your life so that you can make adjustments accordingly.
Overall, journaling is an incredibly effective tool for personal development, and it’s an incredible monthly goal to chase.
8. Commit to self-reflection
Next on my list with the 31 monthly goal examples is about self-reflection. Self-reflection is an incredibly powerful practice that helps you better understand yourself and how you respond to situations. It can help you improve your relationships, become more productive, and clarify what matters most to you.
Self-reflection is a process of looking inward and critically examining yourself and your life to understand better why things are the way they are and find out how you can improve.
It’s important to take some time each week or month to pause and reflect on your life, work, relationships, and goals. This practice is essential for personal growth as it allows you to gain clarity and insight into your behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
9. Plan your day and week ahead
Planning your day and week makes you more conscious of how you spend time that day or week. It helps you to prioritize your work and make sure that your most important tasks get done.
It also helps you maximize your productivity and efficiency to get the most out of each day, week, and ultimately your monthly goals. Additionally, planning ahead provides a sense of structure and control in a world full of chaos.
Start by blocking off time for specific tasks and activities, such as work, exercise, and leisure. This will help ensure that you are more organized and productive in your day-to-day life.
For the greatest effect, plan every minute of your day. You can rewrite your daily schedule as many times as you wish. The goal is not to fit your schedule but to spend your time wisely and consciously.
You can, for example, use Google Calendar to plan your day ahead. Or make your daily schedule with pen and paper.
10. Practice gratitude
There are thousands of studies that show the benefits of practicing gratitude. It helps you to be more mindful, has a better attitude towards life, and overall lead a happier and healthier life.
Practicing gratitude involves recognizing the things in your life that you are grateful for and reflecting on them. This can mean anything from being thankful for your family or friends to appreciating a beautiful sunset or the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
You can start, for example, every day by writing three things you are grateful for in your gratitude journal below. This is a great start for a morning routine.
Or my better half and I send each other a text message every morning with three things we are grateful for.
Or you could place a bowl in the entrance area of your home, and every time you come home, you write on a piece of paper what you are grateful for and put it in the bowl. This is a fun experiment to do. It’s satisfying to see how the bowl gets filled with things you appreciate in life.
11. Try joga
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to improve mental and physical health. It is a holistic well-being approach incorporating mindful movement, breathing, and meditation to create greater inner peace and balance. Yoga helps to relax the body and mind, reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote mindfulness.
Studies have shown that yoga can offer a wide range of health benefits, from reducing anxiety and depression to improving sleep and digestion. It is also a great way to build strength, and flexibility and increase your energy levels.
If you don’t know how to start, just browse Youtube! There are tons of free yoga sessions you can try. You don’t even need a yoga mat for your first session (though I recommend it). But try Yoga first and then buy a mat.
12. Make your coffee at home and don’t buy it at Starbucks
You can easily save more than 100 dollars each month when you stop buying expensive coffees at Starbucks or your local coffee shop. But you don’t have to cancel your morning coffee. Instead, buy a thermal mug, make your coffee at home, and take the coffee with you in your newly acquired thermal mug. You amortized your thermal coffee mug within five days!
According to a 2019 survey by Acorns, Americans spend an average of $3,000 a year on coffee. By making your own coffee at home, you can save a significant amount of money each month.
This one was a huuuge money saver for my girlfriend.
13. Drink 8 Glasses of water a day
Our bodies are mainly composed of water, so it’s important to stay hydrated to remain healthy and energized throughout the day. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is an easy way to ensure that you are getting enough water.
It can also help with weight loss, as drinking water makes you feel full and can help you to avoid unhealthy snacks.
So drink up! Your body will thank you for it!
14. Try affirmations
Next on my list of monthly goals are affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that help you to reframe your thinking and create an empowering mindset. By repeating affirmations regularly, you can reprogram your subconscious mind and start to see a positive shift in the way you think.
Try reciting affirmations in the mirror every morning, or choose a few that resonate with you and write them down in your journal. Affirmations can be easily implemented in your morning routine.
A good affirmation includes an action verb and is written in the present tense as if it has already happened. An example of an affirmation is, “I am full of confidence and self-belief”.
These simple practices can lead to a more positive outlook and a healthier life.
Examples of daily affirmations are:
- I am worthy of love and respect.
- I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.
- I am enough just as I am.
So, why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose!
15. Surprise your partner with something he/she loves
Making an act of kindness to your partner is a great way to show them how much you love and care about them. It doesn’t have to be something big or expensive.
Additionally, according to studies, the psychological effect of doing acts of kindness is beneficial for self-worth and purpose.
When we give to those around us, not only do we enrich their lives but ours too. This act of giving then also strengthens our sense of purpose as well as brings more joy into daily life, which ultimately leads to greater long-term satisfaction for ourselves! And, of course, a happy and long-lasting relationship!
16. Track what you eat for a month
Most people are not conscious about what they eat on a daily basis. One of the best ways to become aware of your eating habits and identify areas where you can improve is to track what you eat for a month.
This is not only beneficial if you want to lose weight. Tracking your foods gives you a deeper sense of awareness and self care, about your eating habits, and you can easily identify which foods are making you feel energized or sluggish.
Plus, it’s easier to make healthy changes when you have a better understanding of your eating habits.
17. Donate to a worthy cause
Donating to a worthy cause is an easy way to make a positive difference in the world. It doesn’t need to be a big donation, even small donations can make a difference.
Whether it’s donating to an animal rescue organization or supporting a local charity, giving back to the community and helping those in need is a great way to feel more fulfilled.
Plus, it can also be a great way to meet new people and build meaningful relationships with those with similar interests. It may be a bit daunting because it can be outside your comfort zone.
But why not try it? You may be surprised at how rewarding it can be!
18. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand
This one may be awkward, I know, but stick with me. I picked up this idea from Jim Kwik, a brain and memory expert.
We do many things unconsciously thought out our day. And this is can be beneficial because we save time and energy. But it can also be a bad thing if we become too comfortable and stuck in bad habits in our daily routine, which can lead to stagnation.
The idea behind this is that it initially feels awkward when we brush our teeth with our non-dominant hand. And because it feels awkward, we are doing it more consciously.
You can try this with a lot of things, with small things. Grab your cup of coffee with your non-dominant hand. Wash with your non-dominant hand. And so on.
You become a lot more aware by doing this. Just try it for a few things. It’s a fun monthly goal!
19. Make time for a weekly date night with your significant other
Date night is a great way to cultivate your relationship. It’s important to make time for just the two of you and focus on each other without any distractions.
You can get creative in setting up your date nights. You don’t have to go out or spend a lot of money. Even something as simple as having a picnic in your own backyard can be enjoyable.
It’s also important to take turns planning the date night so that each person can show their thoughtfulness and plan something they know the other one will enjoy.
20. Learn how to play a new instrument or improve your skills on one you already play
Playing an instrument is a great way to express yourself creatively and reduce stress. It’s also a great opportunity for self-growth and self-improvement too.
Learning new things, especially a new instrument, is highly beneficial for our brains. According to studies, learning a musical instrument can help improve your memory, boost creativity, and connect different brain parts.
Plus, playing an instrument is just really fun! And sharing your talent with the world is an even greater reward.
21. Limit screen time to 12 hours a week
We all know how easy it can get to spend hours scrolling through our phones and computers. Unfortunately, this also distracts us from spending quality time with our family, friends, and ourselves.
Therefore, it’s important to limit our screen time. Try limiting your screen time to no more than 12 hours a week.
The most important part here is that you fight through boredom. Avoid opening your phone or laptop when you have nothing specific to do. Instead, try picking up a new hobby or exploring the outdoors. This way, you will be able to break away from the digital world and re-focus on the things that really matter.
You can’t imagine how life-changing it was when I stopped playing video games altogether. Best decision of my life!
22. Watch a documentary
It doesn’t always have to be Game of Thrones that we are watching. Watching a documentary is a great way to broaden our horizons and keep learning.
Documentaries can cover almost any topic, from history, politics, and science to sports, health, and art. They can be educational and inspiring, as well as entertaining.
Make it a point to watch at least one documentary each week. It will help you become more open-minded, pick up new facts and perspectives, and grow as a person.
Pick a topic you already know and want to deepen your knowledge. Or try something completely new to expand your horizon.
23. Learn to read faster
Learning to read faster is not only profitable when reading books. There are words everywhere in our daily lives, from emails to newspapers. Being able to read faster will help us save time and increase our productivity and efficiency.
Imagine you could read 50% faster. How many minutes or hours do you spend reading and answering emails or reading newspapers?
This can be easily one hour you save each day by reading faster. Now, multiply this by 30 for a month or by 365 for an entire year.
What would you do with an additional 365 hours? And all you need is a one-time investment of about 3 hours, in which you learn how to read faster.
Sounds like an incredible monthly goal, I know!
24. Look at the nutrition label before you buy groceries
This one was huge for me. I have never thought much about what groceries I bought for almost 30 years. Then I started looking at the labels and realized how much sugar, fat, and calories were in some of my favorite foods.
It was a wake-up call. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. By educating yourself and looking at the nutrition labels, you can save money and still eat healthily.
I lost many pounds without dieting. My lifestyle changed drastically. I simply started reading labels and educating myself about which foods were better for me.
You can do the same and start living a healthier life by just looking at the nutrition label before you buy groceries. It will make a big difference in your overall health. This monthly goal was a game changer.
25. Reach your 10’000 steps a day
We all know how important exercise is for a healthy lifestyle. Many of us, however, struggle to find the motivation to start exercising and make it a regular habit.
Reaching your 10’000 steps a day is the most achievable goal to get started with.
Actionable steps to start walking more could be, for example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Or set a reminder on your phone to take a break and for a walk. Get off your bus a stop early and walk the rest. Park your car further away. There are many small things that you can do to walk a bit more in your life.
26. Practice active listening
Most of us are so busy thinking about what we want to talk about next that we don’t even listen to other people.
Active listening is a skill that helps us become better communicators.
When we actively listen, we focus on what the other person says and pay attention to the non-verbal cues. We listen with an open mind, without judgment or criticism.
Active listening is a skill that we can cultivate over time. Pay attention to the conversation, ask clarifying questions, and repeat back what you heard to make sure that you are understanding correctly.
You’ll be surprised how much more you can learn by listening actively and engaging with others in meaningful conversations. It will help strengthen your relationships and nurture real connections.
27. Create a vision board
A vision board is a powerful tool for goal setting to help us stay focused on our long-term goals too. It can be an inspiring reminder of what we want to achieve and help us stay motivated.
Creating a vision board can be simple or complex, depending on what you want to include. You can fill it with images, quotes, affirmations, and other visual elements that inspire you.
Take it a step further by placing your vision board somewhere visible so that you can be reminded of it daily. It’s a great way to stay focused and remind ourselves of our personal goals too.
28. Sleep for at least 8 hours every day
The benefits of sleep are undoubted. We need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to function optimally. However, getting enough sleep can be challenging in our busy lives, especially if you are a night owl.
Try to make sleep a priority in your life and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine and blue light late at night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you fall asleep faster.
We make better decisions, learn faster, and stay healthier after getting enough sleep. Make sure to give yourself a minimum of 8 hours of quality sleep every day for optimal performance.
You don’t lose time by getting more sleep. Maybe you have one hour more by sleeping only 7 hours, but you won’t be as productive as when you sleep 8 hours. Then you lose this hour by being less productive.
29. Cook one new meal each week to improve nutrition and culinary skills
Cooking your own meals is a great way to maintain a healthy diet and save money. Not only that, but it can also be fun and challenging.
Challenge yourself to cook one new meal every week. This meal plan will help you learn new skills and expand your culinary knowledge.
Choose a recipe with nutritious, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. You can also experiment with different cooking techniques and spices to a new recipe and make it more interesting.
30. Tidy up your workspace and living room
Having a tidy workspace and living room can help you stay productive, energized, and motivated. Clutter can not only be distracting but also hinder your creativity.
Take some time to declutter and organize your home. Donate or discard items that are no longer useful or necessary. Keep the things you need within easy reach, and make sure your workspace is free of distractions.
Investing a little bit time in this activity can help make your living space more enjoyable and efficient. Not to mention, it’s a great way to reduce stress and stay focused!
Make it a regular habit to have clean and tidy rooms. This isn’t a one-time thing.
31. Workout (of course this has to be in here)
This is probably the most important. I didn’t work out for almost 30 years, and every time I think about this, I want to scream.
By the writing of this, I’m getting 31 years old, and I have been working out now for three years. I have much, much more energy than I had when I was 20 years old! By lengths. It’s incredible.
You don’t have to go to the gym for your workouts. In fact, when I first started out (in the covid phase), I downloaded an app and committed to doing my workouts at home. Without equipment.
And only later I bought a gym membership.
I know it’s tough to commit to regular exercise. But it’s probably the most important thing you can do for YOURSELF.
How many goals should you set in a month?
You don’t have to do all 31 goals in one month. Just pick a few good monthly goals that are most important to you and focus on those.
It’s better to set a few monthly goals that you will actually achieve than a lot of monthly goals that will end up overwhelming you and make it harder for you to stay motivated.
But stick with a goal for at least a few days. Don’t cancel it if you don’t like it in the first minute! It’s likely you don’t enjoy it in the first minute. So fight through this and see how you feel in a few days after chasing these monthly goals.
What can you accomplish in a month?
A lot! Even if it’s just one specific goal alone, you can still make a huge difference. Achieving one goal is a great start, setting up the momentum for you to keep going and build upon it to achieve more monthly goals. Also, try different types of goals. Pick one for your relationship and one for your health. And then some others in the next month.
You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Just stick to it. As soon as you see the first results, you will enjoy your new activity.
Seeing the first results of your new activity can be incredibly satisfying. When you start seeing progress in your your new exercise endeavor, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
How To Set Monthly Goals?
Now that you know what goals to set and why let’s talk about how to set them. Here are the steps to set up your goals:
1. Start with an overall goal. Begin by setting a goal that you want to accomplish within the month. This should be something that you are passionate about and realistic in its reach.
2. Break it down into smaller goals. Once you have your overall goal, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. This will help make the goal more achievable and help you stay motivated when tackling it.
3. Set a timeline. Give yourself a deadline to complete your goal within the month. This will help keep you on track and increase your focus and productivity.
4. Track your progress. Every week or two, take a few minutes to track your progress and adjust as needed. This will help ensure that you are making steady progress toward your goal and can provide motivation to keep going.
5. Celebrate your success. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes! Whether it’s a small achievement or a big one, reward yourself for your hard work and dedication. This will help keep you motivated and inspired to reach even bigger goals.
What Are Good Monthly Goals?
Good monthly goals are goals that bring you further in life that help you grow and evolve.
They should be a tiny bit outside your comfort zone, this way, you will push yourself to become better, and you will grow the most.
Final Words
Every single one of these monthly goals will improve your life. And improving yourself is undoubtedly the biggest and most valuable thing you can do for yourself.
Taking the time to improve yourself is an invaluable investment that will pay off in countless ways.
So challenge yourself to strive for greatness, and don’t be afraid to take on a new adventure with these monthly goals. You have the power to make it happen.
Go out and improve your life today! You’ve got this! 🙂
Wish you the best, Fabian
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