Examples Of Monthly Goals For Self-Improvement
Today, I pulled together a robust list of good monthly goal ideas for your personal growth.
There are many benefits of monthly goals versus long-term objectives. Specifically, monthly planning lets you break down your goals for quicker results.
So, you came for some monthly goals examples, and here they are.
Good Monthly Goal Ideas
My best monthly goals to set and achieve include the following:
- Get up early
- Develop a morning routine
- Accomplish something right away
- Improve upon your daily habits
- Identify a bad habit and give it up
- Exercise 3 times per week
- Plan your meals
- Learn something new
- Read something new
- Pay down debt
- Set aside money for savings
- Improve upon a relationship
- Back up your computer files
- Clean a room in your home
- Create a to-do list for tomorrow
- Journal your thoughts
- Go to bed at the right time
Related reading: Seasonal Goals for Every Month of the Year
Next, let’s talk about each of these points one at a time.
But before I conclude, I have another 14 monthly goal ideas for your consideration to bring today’s total to 31. Plus, I have some tips for setting your monthly goals for success.
Let’s get moving so you can start improving right now!
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. Get Up Early
Getting up early in the day is essential for your success.
What is early? Well, it depends on who you are and what you do.
Early for a chef that works until midnight might be 11 am. However, for the counter clerk at your local coffee shop, an early hour could be 4 am.
So, choose what early means to you, and get up early.
How I’ve done it:
When I commuted to an office, I arrived at 7 am. Coming in early allowed me to avoid rush hour traffic. Also, I had at least an hour of quiet, productive time before the rest of the world showed up to work.
Now, I roll into my home office by 6 am. With coffee in hand, I start tapping out articles like this!
Both of these approaches developed into my morning routine. So let’s talk about that topic next.
2. Develop A Morning Routine
I’m a big believer in goals for structure and routine, especially starting the day. People like me swear by the many benefits of taking a consistent and structured approach in the morning, including:
- Increased productivity
- Higher energy
- Promoting self-discipline
- Feelings of control
Thus, think about what you do each day after getting up early. Then sculpt your actions into a satisfying routine.
But remember, you are unique. Thus, experiment and find a routine that works for you.
More reading: 10 best goals to set and achieve in January
3. Accomplish Something Right Away
Okay. You are up early and have progressed through your morning routine. Now it’s time for work.
Whether you head out to an office, work from home, or are a full-time parent makes no difference. Everyone has a job to do.
Thus, please get something relevant done first thing.
Start your days by ticking something off your to-do list. Avoid vague projects that will lead nowhere conclusive.
This monthly goal idea is my secret weapon. When I start my day with an accomplishment, high productivity for the rest of the day usually follows.
More reading: 10 best goals to set and achieve in February
4. Improve Upon Your Daily Habits
Daily habits are the cornerstone of success in your life. Simple behaviors can set the tone for a better day, week, and month.
So, one of the best monthly goal examples is focusing on your daily habits.
Here are some suggested behaviors to improve upon:
- Adopt a positive attitude
- Take short breaks to reenergize
- Say or do something nice
- Become a better listener
- Be kind, grateful, and tolerant
These tips are a good reminder not just for you but for me too.
So, this month, I will refocus on some of these simple but critical daily goals.
5. Identify A Bad Habit And Give It Up
Speaking of good habits, remember to tackle some bad ones as you consider your ideas for good monthly goals.
We all have a few bad habits. Thus focusing on one or two each month is one of many excellent ways to promote self-improvement.
Here are some bad habits I must address:
- Eliminate unhealthy snacks
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Limit time on social media
Do these bad habits sound familiar to you? Unfortunately, many of us suffer from the same bad habits.
As I write this, January is approaching. I’m considering participating in Dry January.
Here’s a true confession from me. Of course, eliminating alcohol is easier said than done because I almost always unwind with a couple of beers nightly.
More reading: 10 Goals for March you can set now
6. Exercise 3 Times Per Week
Have you let your exercise routine slip? I understand. It happens.
So make a monthly goal to recommit to a regular exercise program.
We live in a walkable community. So, I’m good about getting out several times per week. Thus, I log 15-20 miles weekly when I’m on my game.
However, my goal for this month is to work a few miles of jogging into that schedule. Also, add in some light dumbbell exercises for arm and shoulder strength.
More reading: 10 Goals for the month of April
7. Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals for the day and the week is one of the best monthly goals examples.
Doing so limits the temptation of stopping at your favorite fast-food restaurant on the way home. Or ordering out when it’s so easy to do.
Side benefits include saving money and a healthier diet.
I’m lucky with this monthly goal. Here’s why:
My wife does all the meal planning for us. But, only because she retired in the past year, also she likes to cook.
We are nearly halfway done. So, let’s keep moving and working on improving.
More reading: 10 Goals for the month of May
But first, pin the above image to your favorite Pinterest board and save it for later:
8. Learn Something New
Exercise is vital for physical health, and so is ongoing learning for mental health.
Lifelong learning is an essential aspect of life. Thus, your education should continue when your formal classroom years are over.
As a result, get out of your comfort zone and pick something new to learn.
Some possibilities for good monthly goals include the following:
- Adopting a new technology
- Joining a club or organization
- Playing a new sport
- Learning to meditate
More reading: 10 Best Goals for the month of June
9. Read Something New
Reading is another excellent way to exercise your brain. So, please find a new book and give it a read.
I have to admit I’m not a book reader and never have been.
However, I do subscribe to the Wall Street Journal. And, each day, I look for topics to read about where I can learn something new.
Thus, a book is not required. But, if you have made it this far, you are on the right track by reading this article at Dividends Diversify!
More reading: Top goal-setting tips for July
10. Pay Down Debt
I’m the finance guy in the family. As a result, I must include a money goal or two for you to consider as part of your monthly goal ideas.
So, consider making an extra payment on your debt. First, prioritize credit card debt if you have any. Then target your auto loan, student debt, or mortgage.
Becoming debt free is an essential element of earning your financial freedom.
11. Set Aside Money For Savings
On the other hand, if you have your debt under control, set a monthly goal to increase your savings rate. That extra cash in an emergency fund can significantly improve your financial situation.
12. Improve Upon A Relationship
Okay, I admit it. I’m terrible at this monthly goal because deep down inside, I’m an introvert.
But that doesn’t mean you should be too. So, set a goal to improve upon a relationship. Some ideas for these types of personal goals include:
- Be a better spouse or partner
- Spend time with your kids
- Connect with an old friend
- Make a new friend
- Network within your job field
The possibilities here are endless. Like it or not, the world revolves around others and having positive relationships with them.
More reading: 10 Life-Changing Goals for August
13. Backup Your Computer Files
Nothing is worse than having your computer crash without adequate backup. Set a goal to back up your computer files at least monthly. You will be glad you did.
14. Clean A Room In Your Home
Each month pick a room in your house to clean and organize. Consider switching up your furnishings and furniture too.
By doing one room each month, your cleaning tasks are more manageable.
More reading: Goals to set in September
15. Create A To-Do List For Tomorrow
Create your to-do list for tomorrow before you wrap up your work day. Even if it only includes the top 3 things you want to accomplish.
Doing so will fight off indecision and give you confidence and control of the new day ahead.
More reading: Good goals to have in October
16. Journal Your Thoughts
End your day with creative thoughts. Ask yourself what went well and what you could do better.
Here’s your chance to get creative and dream a little.
Journal these thoughts to reinforce them.
Doing so will allow you to process your emotions for the day. And think about how to break down any barriers you are encountering.
Then, sleep on your thoughts and let your subconscious go to work.
It’s all about the topics covered in this online course that I like:
17. Go To Bed At The Right Time
Research suggests going to bed at the same time every night. Consistency helps us function better.
So, set a monthly goal and do it!
More reading: Good goals to set in November
Other Good Monthly Goal Ideas And Examples
So, through this list of good monthly goal ideas, I have taken you from sun up to sun down and everything in between.
However, as promised, here are some more ideas for monthly goals to round out today’s list to 31 in total:
More Examples Of Monthly Goal Ideas
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Set a date with someone special
- Review your insurance coverage
- Eliminate or defer a purchase
- Review and improve your credit score
- Update your resume
- Create a career plan
- Stop procrastinating
- Practice good time management
- Sacrifice something important
- Attend a training course or seminar
- Plan a vacation
- Seek work-life balance
- Take daily rest breaks
Okay. Now you have an excellent list of goals from which to choose.
Next, and before I wrap up, here are some tips on goal setting.
More reading: Ideas for goals in December
Setting Monthly Goals For Self-Improvement
I have developed a 15-point process for setting monthly goals, starting with the following points:
- Establish a long-term vision
- Assess your current state
- Ensure goals align with your vision
- Create a theme for the month
- Think big, but prioritize
- Set up a monthly goals template
- Make SMART goals
Before you go, read more about all 15 actionable monthly goal-setting steps.
Good Monthly Goal Ideas – Final Thoughts
That’s all for today. So, take a hard look at setting plans for new-month goals. Then, set some good monthly goals and get to work.
Hold yourself accountable for monthly improvement because your personal development depends on it.
Finally, good luck with your short-term goals this month. And, if you have time right now, dive deeper into:
Our Complete Archives of Goal-Setting Articles
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.