If your life ever starts to feel messy, overwhelming, or just… off, I’m going to be honest with you… it’s probably not because you’re doing everything wrong.
It’s usually because you don’t have a reset point.
That’s exactly why I started doing a monthly reset routine.
Not something intense or unrealistic… just a simple rhythm that helps me pause, reflect, and get my life back together before things spiral.
Think of it like hitting a refresh button on your life.
Instead of waiting until you feel burnt out or behind, you’re checking in with yourself every single month… and that changes everything.
I used to rely heavily on weekly resets like my Sunday routine, which still helps a lot … but adding a monthly reset routine took things to a whole different level.
It gave me space to zoom out and actually look at my habits, my goals, and where my energy is going.
So if you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or just not as productive as you want to be… this is for you.
Let’s get into the 7 habits that make up my monthly reset routine and why they actually work.
What Is a Monthly Reset Routine?
A monthly reset routine is basically a set of intentional habits you do at the start or end of each month to reset your life.
It’s not about perfection… and it’s definitely not about doing a million things.
It’s about slowing down for a second and asking yourself… what’s working, what’s not, and what do I want to change?
For me, this routine is a mix of life admin, self-care, planning, and mindset reset work. It helps me feel grounded again, especially when life starts moving too fast.
And honestly… once you get into the habit of doing a monthly reset routine, you start craving it.
It becomes your little moment to get back in control.
Why a Monthly Reset Routine Actually Works
There’s a real reason this works so well… and it’s not just a “feel good” thing.
Research shows that structured reflection and planning can reduce stress and improve productivity because it lowers decision fatigue.
That basically means… when you take time to plan and reset ahead of time, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard during the month.
Because you’re not constantly reacting.
Instead, you’re moving with intention.
And that’s the shift.
1. Reset Your Space
I already do this in my weekly reset routine, but in my monthly, I take it a little step further.
Because your environment affects your mood WAYY more than you think.
If my space is messy, my brain feels messy. I can’t focus, I feel overwhelmed, and everything just feels way worse than it needs to be.
That’s why the first thing I do in my monthly reset routine is clean and reset my space.
Not a deep clean that takes all day… just a solid refresh.
I’ll go through my closet, clear out things I don’t need, wipe down surfaces, organize my desk, and make my space feel great again.
There’s something about walking into a clean space at the start of a new month that just hits different.
It feels like a fresh start.
And it sets the tone for everything else.
2. Reflect on the Past Month (This Changes Everything)
This is probably the most underrated part of a monthly reset routine.
Most people jump straight into planning the next month… but they never stop to reflect on what just happened.
I always take a little time to sit down and ask myself a few simple questions.
- What went well?
- What stressed me out?
- What habits actually stuck?
- What do I want to do differently?
Nothing complicated… just honest reflection.
Sometimes I’ll journal. And I got this planner from the dailee that has a monthly reflection page which is so amazing to use.
Other times if I don’t journal, I’ll just think through it while drinking coffee.
But this step helps me notice patterns in my life.
And once you notice patterns… you can actually change them.
3. Plan Your Month With Intention
Now that I’ve reflected, I move into planning.
This is where I open my planner or calendar and map out the month ahead.
Appointments, deadlines, events, content ideas… everything goes in.
But here’s the key… I don’t try to plan every second of my life.
That used to stress me out so much.
Instead, I focus on giving myself direction.
I’ll think about what I want this month to feel like.
Productive?
Calm?
Focused?
Then I plan in a way that supports that feeling.
4. Set 3–5 Realistic Goals (Not 20)
I used to make long lists of goals every month… and guess what? I barely completed half of them.
Now I keep it simple.
I choose 3 to 5 goals that actually matter.
Not random things… but things that would genuinely make me feel proud if I completed them.
Maybe it’s finishing a work project, being consistent with workouts, or improving my morning routine.
That’s it.
When your goals are clear and realistic, you’re way more likely to follow through.
And honestly… that builds confidence over time.
5. Reset Your Finances (Don’t Skip This)
I know… this one isn’t the most exciting.
But it’s one of the most important.
During my monthly reset routine, I sit with my husband and our financial advisor and we’ll go through our finances since our income is combined.
We’ll review our spending, look at our budget, and make sure everything is on track.
Not in a stressful way… just awareness.
Because ignoring your finances doesn’t make them better… it just creates anxiety in the background.
Even spending 20 minutes on this can make you feel way more in control.
And that feeling carries into the rest of your life.
6. Create a Simple Monthly Reset Routine Checklist
If you want this routine to actually stick, you need to keep it simple.
I have a basic monthly reset routine checklist that I follow every time.
Nothing complicated… just things like cleaning my space, reflecting, planning, setting goals, and checking my finances.
I don’t overthink it.
Because the more complicated you make it, the less likely you are to actually do it.
7. Do One Thing That Feels Like a Fresh Start
This is my favorite part… and honestly, the one that makes everything feel real.
I always do one thing that gives me that “new month energy.”
Sometimes it’s small… like getting a new notebook, changing my phone wallpaper, or trying a new recipe.
Other times it’s bigger… like rearranging my room or starting a new habit.
It doesn’t matter what it is. It just needs to feel intentional.
Like you’re stepping into a new version of yourself.
And that feeling… it’s powerful.
How to Make Your Monthly Reset Routine Actually Stick
Here’s the truth… the best routine is the one you’ll actually do. Not the perfect one you saw online.
Not the one with 20 steps.
Just something that fits your real life.
I keep mine flexible.
Some months I go all in and do everything.
Other months I keep it super simple and just focus on the basics. Both are okay.
Because staying consistent matters more than perfection.
And once this becomes a habit… you won’t even have to think about it.
It’ll just be something you do.
How This Connects to Your Weekly and Daily Routines
Your monthly reset routine is like the big picture.
But your weekly and daily habits are what bring it to life.
For example, I still rely on my weekly reset habits to stay on track during the month. Things like cleaning, planning, and prepping help me maintain everything I set during my monthly reset.
That’s why combining this with habits like a simple morning routine makes such a difference.
Everything works together.
Your monthly reset gives you direction.
Your weekly resets keep you organized.
Your daily habits keep you consistent.
And when all three align… life just feels easier.
