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If you often find yourself caught in a whirlwind of tasks and ideas, feeling completely overwhelmed and not knowing where to start, then this detailed exploration into my monthly reset routine is just for you—especially if you’re like me, navigating adult ADHD and the exhilarating world of starting things and
The Game-Changing Power of Monthly Planning
Three years ago, I transformed from a perpetual ‘dabbler’ into a focused entrepreneur who seriously got her act together. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t always “tickety-boo puppies and rainbows,” but tuning my activities and energy in a direction consistent with my ambitions has made all the difference. My secret weapon? Consistent and strategic planning.
Planning and organizing my life on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis has become a magical ritual that aligns my disorganized tendencies into a clear, actionable path.
Why is Monthly Planning Ideal for ADHD Adults?
This method isn’t just for those with ADHD or entrepreneurs. It’s for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their daily commitments and projects. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or managing a household, establishing a clear focus each month can help you:
Break down overwhelming goals into manageable tasks
Allocate time effectively and reduce procrastination
Navigate your months with a clear understanding of your priorities
How I Structure My Monthly Planning
Let me take you behind the scenes to show you exactly how I structure my month for optimal clarity and productivity.
Review the Previous Month: I start by closing out the last month. For instance, in April, my focus was on health due to some thyroid issues. Fortunately, with some medical and dietary adjustments, I saw significant improvements. Reflecting on these outcomes helps me set a positive and realistic tone for the upcoming month.
Set the Primary Focus for the New Month: For May, my focus is preparing content for June, as I will be traveling a lot. Identifying this early helps me manage my time and resources efficiently.
Sketch Out Key Projects and Tasks: Once the primary focus is registered, I brainstorm specific projects that align with my monthly and quarterly goals. Each project is broken down into smaller tasks, which I organize in my Notion templates.This visual breakdown assists in transforming overwhelming goals into actionable plans.
Revisit and Optimize: Each month gives me a fresh perspective on what worked and what didn’t. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement and helps me stay aligned with my long-term objectives.
Why Notion for ADHD?
I use Notion because of its flexibility and functionality, which allow me to create a custom setup that fits my workflow and the way my brain works! I track everything from my daily tasks to long-term goals, and not lose track of progress or focus because it’s all in one place and I come back to my plan daily.
The other reason I love Notion is that when I get bored of the way I have structured things (which happens!), then I can just rearrange the look and feel without losing any of the info, or burning it all down to the ground and starting from zero.
Check out my Notion templates if you’re looking for a structured way to manage your tasks and projects. While my templates might not be perfect for everyone, they offer a great starting point.
Remember, the focus should be on the process rather than the tool itself. Adapt and modify the tools to suit your workflow.
Monthly Reflections and Adjustments
At the end of each month, I dive deep into more reflective questions:
What were the major wins and learning points?
Were my business KPIs met and what can be improved?
These reflections not only help in personal growth but also ensure my business is moving in the right direction. I track these insights in a dedicated database, allowing me to monitor progress over time and celebrate successes, big and small.
Looking Ahead: Setting the Stage for Monthly Success
As I plan for the upcoming month, I also set aside time for self-audit:
Realistic Commitments: What can I realistically achieve this month considering my current commitments and energy levels?
Adjusting Goals and Projects: Are there new opportunities or areas needing extra attention?
Finalizing these aspects sets a clear path for the month ahead, ensuring that I’m not just busy, but productive.
Ready to Start Managing Your ADHD Brain with Monthly Planning?
I’ll admit, this process might seem tedious at first, but it’s instrumental in creating a life that not only functions well but also feels fulfilling and purposeful. If you struggle with keeping your focus on your goals, this process will help. If you tend to overcommit yourself or assume you can do more than actually can, this process will help reign you in.
Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be if I had not started this ritual several years ago. Actually, yes – I do know exactly where I’d be…. in the same place I was prior to starting, and it wasn’t cute.
What would make this month absolutely amazing for you?
I ask this question of myself every month because sometimes I forget to dream for myself. I’m so focused on goals, and doing, that I forget to just let my mind wander towards small things that would just delight me.
I share this because I don’t want you to assume that this planning experience has to be all work and no play. It can be not only a way to improve your productivity, but also give you a space to dream.
So, set some time aside to plan your month, and you might be surprised at how much more aligned and energized you feel. If you’re intrigued by this approach and need more guidance, grab my free goal-setting template to kickstart your journey toward a more organized life.
Remember, every minute spent planning saves ten in execution. So, take that step today for a clearer, more focused tomorrow!
Plan your work, then work your plan. Happy organizing!
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