When it comes to planning for the year ahead, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to fall into place come January. In our case, our daughter is starting Grade 1, Suitcase & Chardonnay has some significant milestones to reach in 2025, Wikus’ work is increasingly demanding and amidst it all, I am still passionate about slow living and being present. Ultimately, the only way I see myself managing it all, is if I plan in advance, have structure and routine in place and, of course, have the discipline to stick to that routine.
Here are some ways in which you can plan months in the year ahead. Yes, I say months, because planning a full year will also feel overwhelming! So, break the year into smaller chunks. Start with months, then weeks and only then, days.
Set Clear Goals
The best way to kickstart your planning is by outlining your personal, professional and financial goals for the year. Then, break these into monthly milestones to ensure steady progress throughout the year. Having these things in written form will also make it possible for you to celebrate the achievements once you’ve met your milestones.
Create a Master Calendar
Use a digital or physical planner to map out important dates. These include work deadlines, personal deadlines, birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, travel plans. Having a visual overview helps you stay organised and feel less overwhelmed. There are a few other things I will be including in my monthly planning in 2025:
- One lunch date with a friend
- 24 Hours without screens or social media
- One outdoorsy day
- One day of trying something new
- One special bucket list date night with my husband
- One family brunch
- One dinner night with friends in a similar phase of life
- One day serving others
- One day completely just for me
- One mom-and-daughter day
- One mom-and-son day
In 2024, I’ve come to realise that it’s in the rush of things that we miss the magic. We need to make time for things that are important – things we value most. For me, that is my relationship with God, self-connection, family, my marriage and friends. So, by adding the above to my monthly planning, I will be able to include more connection, nature, unplugging and quality time with God, myself and those I hold dear every month. It will force me to be more present and it will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of slow living.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SLOW LIVING? CLICK HERE AND HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY TALK ON TAMING YOUR TEMPO.
Prioritising Key Themes for Each Month in Your Planning
I’ve never done this before, but in 2025 I will be assigning each month to a specific focus or theme. Think fitness, skill-building or financial planning. This is said to keep one motivated and ensures balance in your year. I’ll be testing it out, so let’s see how it goes.
Planning an intentional year is part of slow living, allowing you to approach the year with the right attitude and mindset. My year would probably look something like this:
January: Intention – Being in the moment, being mindful about what I do and say and approaching the new year with the right attitude.
February: Romanticise – With it being Valentine’s Day and a month filled with romance and endearment, this is the one month in which I would like to focus on loving others, but also myself.
March: Slow – March is the month in which South Africa’s seasons start changing. With autumn being such a magical season, this month will remind me to cherish small moments – those we often miss because we’re too rushed.
April: Enjoyment – A month filled with reasons to love life. Whether it’s new-found hobbies, building fond memories, fun travel experiences, hearty meals or wonderful wines, it’s all about enjoying life to the full.
May: Family – Refocusing on what we value most. Mother’s Day takes place in May and this month is bound to remind me of why it is so special to be a mom, but also to still have a mom. It’s about appreciating the impact mothers have and honouring mothers globally.
June: Finance – While I am everything but your go-to when it comes to personal finance, it is my aim to improve on that in 2025. My personal finances is something I will be focusing on every month, but June is a good month to recap, I think. In this month, I will revisit my goals set at the beginning of the year, measure them and set new milestones for myself. I’ll anchor myself in an abundance mindset (again).
July: Home – Sometimes, it’s difficult to truly enjoy your home since the rush of life keeps you from it. In July, I will make time to be at home, to cuddle on the couch, to knit another blanket, to read a book in bed, to plan the garden for when spring arrives and to cook hearty meals.
August: Reflection – August is my birthday month and with that, I’d like to use the month to reflect on my journey, my achievements thus far, and perhaps even set new milestones for myself. It’s also bound to be a month of gratitude and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.
September: Euphoria – Spring is in the air and with new milestones set and new adventures to be had, September will see me dancing with joy, celebrating a new season, trying new things, being outdoors and indulging in laughter and good times.
October: Bloom – With Pretoria’s Jacarandas turning the streets purple in October and November, this is a good time of the year to remind myself to bloom where I was planted. I’ll focus on confidence and feeling good about myself, whether it’s through newly acquired skills, a proper fitness routine, glowing skin or classic additions to my capsule wardrobe.
November: Planning – As I am someone who thrives on routine, planning and decluttered spaces, November is a good time of the year to get all of those things ready and right for the next year. It’s also a good time to look back on the year, identify the blessings, lessons and people who have made an impact.
December: Share – Following the reflections of November, December is the month to act on it and to share your appreciation for those who have had an impact on your life. It’s also a great time to give to those in need (although not limited to Decembers only). In December, my focus will be around spreading the joy of the season.
Break It Down by Weeks
Finally, you can divide each month into weekly plans with actionable tasks. That way you can start each week with a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished.
Schedule Time for Rest and Recreation
In this busy life, it’s important to pencil in downtime, holidays or weekends for digital detox. Balance is crucial for long-term productivity and by including these things, you’ll be able to avoid burnout.
Financial Planning
Once again, I am the last person to speak about budgets and financial planning, but 2024 was a rude awakening for me and I have come to appreciate the importance of budgeting. So, budget your monthly expenses and your savings goals. Also, be sure to include larger, one-time payments like insurance premiums or annual memberships in your planning to avoid unwanted surprises.
Build Flexibility Into Your Planning
Life can be unpredictable. Therefore, you also need to allow room in your schedule to be able to adjust for unexpected events or opportunities. I tend to over schedule myself often, with daily lists I know I will never be able to achieve. Evidently, I just feel disappointed in myself for not reaching my goals for the day, while I actually know it was impossible. So, think carefully and allow room for adjustments.
Review and Reflect Monthly
There is no use in having your months planned out, but never reviewing them. At the end of each month, be sure to assess your progress and decide what worked and what didn’t. Then, utilise these insights to refine your plans for the following months.
Incorporate Habit-Tracking Tools
It might also be a good idea to use apps or printable habit trackers to monitor daily or monthly habits like reading, going for a run, reducing screen time, drinking more water or waking up at five. Loop is a great free app option available for Android users and it’s perfect for unit-based measurable habits.
Keep Your Vision Visible
Writing down your goals or creating a vision board and displaying it somewhere visible will remind your of your aspirations and keep you motivated.
It might seem like a lot, but once you’ve planned your year, your months, your weeks and your days, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get back into routine.
Happy planning!
0 Comments