How to Set Monthly Goals (Without Overcomplicating Your Life)

As you know, I’ve been trying to get my life back on track. You know, get out of survival mode and back into “I got this” mode. Nothing drastic or dramatic, just small steps to feel a little more put together again. That’s how I ended up using my simple monthly goal template, just to list my top 3 priorities for the month. 

That’s it. Three things. Not a 47-point productivity plan, not a color coded life overhaul. Just three goals on one piece of paper.

This little printable I made (which, yes, you can totally download for free and use too) has been helping me stay more organized – maybe even a little more productive. And that’s a win for me.

Let’s talk about how to set monthly goals in a way that feels doable, practical, and maybe even kind of fun.

Why Monthly Goals? A Fresh Start Every 30 Days

I hit a point where everything felt like a giant to-do list with no actual direction. Work, home, that laundry chair in the corner – I felt like I was constantly playing catch up. I needed a way to zoom out and see the bigger picture.

So I thought: “What if I just picked three things I want to work on this month?” That’s how I decided to use a monthly tracker. It’s a simple printable you can stick on your fridge, desk, or even screenshot to keep on your phone.

No pressure, no perfection. Just priorities.

How to Set Monthly Goals That Work for You

There’s no single “right way” to do this, but here’s what worked for me and might work for you too.

1. Keep It Simple

Don’t overthink it. Just ask yourself: What do I want to focus on this month?

Here’s how I do it:

📝 What to Do

1️⃣ Look at the big picture – What’s bothering me? What do I want more of?

2️⃣ Pick 3 priorities – Not 10, not 6, just 3 solid goals.

3️⃣ Write them down – Use the monthly planner template PDF I made (it’s free and pretty cute, if I may say so myself).

Break It Down

Big goals can be intimidating. Breaking them into smaller weekly or even daily tasks makes them manageable.

2. Make Goals That Fit Your Life

Not everything has to be about productivity. Your personal monthly goals can be anything that helps you feel better, calmer, or just more like you again.

Here are some real examples of monthly goals I’ve set recently:

• “Cook dinner at home at least 3 times a week” – because ordering in was becoming my personality.
• “Declutter my email inbox” – a.k.a. Mount Gmail.
• “Move my body twice a week” – not a full workout plan, just…movement.

If you’re thinking about monthly goals for self improvement, try framing them in ways that are encouraging instead of overwhelming. Like “Be kinder to myself” or “Take breaks without guilt.”

Align Goals with Your Values

This one’s key. If your goals don’t resonate with what truly matters to you, they’ll feel like chores.

Benefits of Setting Monthly Goals

Here’s what I’ve noticed since starting this practice:

• Increased Focus: Knowing my top three priorities keeps me from getting distracted by less important tasks.
• Motivation Boost: Crossing off even one goal feels amazing and fuels me to keep going.
• Better Time Management: With clear objectives, it’s easier to allocate time effectively.
• Self-Improvement: Each month feels like a step forward in becoming the person I want to be.

Pros and Cons of Setting Monthly Goals

Nothing is perfect (including me trying to stick to all my goals), so let’s break down the ups and downs:

Pros	Cons
✅ Keeps you focused and organized	❌ It can feel discouraging if you don’t complete them
✅ Provides quick wins and motivation	❌ Requires consistent effort
✅ Easy to track progress	❌ Might need adjustments mid-month
✅ Flexible and adaptable	❌ Easy to get overly ambitious and list too much

Monthly Goal Ideas to Get You Started

Need inspiration? Here’s a monthly goal list broken down by theme:

Home & Organization

• Declutter one drawer or shelf each week
• Do laundry before the hamper becomes a hazard
• Finally label those mystery kitchen containers

Wellness

• Drink 2L of water a day
• Go for one walk a week without a phone
• Stretch before bed (yes, even if it’s just 30 seconds)

Finances

• Track spending every Sunday
• Meal plan to avoid impulse snacks 
• Unsubscribe from those “just in case” sales emails

Work & Creativity

• Write for 10 minutes a day
• Organize desktop folders (or at least pretend to)
• Reach out to someone you admire on LinkedIn

These are all good monthly goals that can help you feel more aligned without burning out.

How I Use My Monthly Goals Printable

Okay, shameless plug here – but I think this template keeps things ridiculously simple. Just one page: your top 3 goals, a little space for notes, and you’re done.

I usually:

• Print it out and tape it near my desk
• Fill it in on the 1st or 2nd of the month (or the 5th… let’s be honest)
• Check in halfway through to see how I’m doing

Sometimes I even jot little wins in the margins. Like “Did laundry AND folded it on the same day!” which is honestly Nobel Prize-worthy in my book.

How I Stay Motivated All Month Long

Setting goals is one thing. Sticking to them is another. Here’s how I keep myself going:

Check In Weekly

Every Sunday, I take 5 minutes to glance at my monthly goals and ask:

• Am I on track?
• Do I need to adjust anything?
• Is there a small step I can take this week?

Celebrate the Small Stuff

Finished a goal early? Treat yourself. Got halfway there? Still counts. Motivation builds when you notice your effort, even the imperfect kind.

Make It Visible

Out of sight = out of mind, as you heard. Keep your goal list somewhere you’ll look. Not buried under a bunch of pages you forgot exist.

Tips for Success with Monthly Goals

Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Don’t Try to Fix Everything at Once – real change happens when you focus on just a few things at a time.

2. Be Specific, Not Vague – the more specific your goal, the easier it is to follow through.

3. Adjust Without Guilt – your goals should be allowed to shift with life.

4. Share With Someone (Even Just Your Cat) – okay, I’m joking, don’t share it with your cat, she will judge you even if you’re doing something right. But telling someone your goals adds a little accountability. You don’t have to post it online or announce it to your group chat – just mentioning it can help you stick to it.

FAQ: Common Questions About Setting Monthly Goals

Everyone has questions when starting something new – here are a few I get (or have asked myself at 2am):

Final Thoughts: Try It. 

If you’re feeling all over the place, this is your gentle nudge to explore how to set monthly goals. Nothing wild, nothing you need a color coded spreadsheet for. Just pick 3 things you want to focus on and write them down.