Setting monthly intentions can be a powerful tool to help you align your goals, focus your energy, and take charge of your time—without the pressure of lofty resolutions. But let’s be real: how often do we set goals only to forget them halfway through the month?
The key isn’t just in setting intentions, but in sticking with them in a way that’s practical, motivating, and aligned with your values. Here’s how to make that happen.
1. Choose a Monthly Theme
Instead of listing a bunch of to-dos, start by setting a theme for the month. This creates a unifying thread that connects all your goals and actions. For example, your theme could be “nourishment”, “clarity”, “courage”, or “consistency”.
Ask yourself: What do I want to focus on or feel more of this month? What area of my life needs more attention right now?
From there, build 2–3 intentions that support that theme.
2. Make It Tangible, Not Vague
Intentions like “be healthier” or “stay focused” are great in theory—but they’re too broad to act on. Reframe your intentions into actions. For example:
Instead of “eat better”, say “cook 3 home meals per week”
Swap “be mindful” for “meditate for 5 minutes every morning”
This makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
3. Create a Visual Cue or Ritual
Out of sight, out of mind. To keep your intentions top-of-mind:
Write them on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily
Add them to your phone’s home screen or planner
Create a simple morning ritual to revisit them with a cup of tea or coffee
Visual reminders help reinforce your commitment without relying on willpower alone.
4. Do Weekly Check-Ins
Instead of waiting until the end of the month to evaluate your progress, do a short check-in every Sunday (or whatever day suits you). Ask yourself:
What did I do well this week?
What felt aligned with my intentions?
What’s one small tweak I can make for next week?
These micro-reflections can help you course-correct early and avoid falling off the wagon completely.
5. Celebrate Wins (Big and Small)
We tend to focus so much on what we didn’t do that we forget to honour what we did. Celebrate the little wins—whether you journaled once a week or finally cleaned out your inbox. Give yourself a pat on the back or reward yourself by having a bigger piece of chocolate for the week.
This builds positive reinforcement, making it easier to repeat the habits that move you toward your intentions.
Final Thoughts
Monthly intentions aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being intentional. By choosing a theme, making it tangible, and building in small moments of reflection and reward, you’re not just setting goals—you’re creating a life of purpose, one month at a time.
Images: Envato
The post 5 Ways to Set Monthly Intentions (and Actually Stick to Them) appeared first on The Wellness Insider.