Sound organisation and well-managed planning are key ingredients of success and of seeing a project through: better, then, to settle into good habits. This 7-point ritual, added to your to-do list at the start of every month, won't lock you into a life of routine. The list isn't set in stone: change what you need to and adapt it to your own way of organising things, your own way entirely.
7 things to put on your to-do list at the start of every month
TDL #1: Draw up plans and take notes
Keep an eye on your diary, calendar or notebook — and check the birthdays of those close to you, important appointments, and so on. This is what keeps you organised. That is the whole point of the to-do list. And if you happen to have extra expenses, do not forget to update your budget.
TDL #2: Plan your budget
Set yourself a monthly budget and yes, I know, that is easier said than done, but do your best to stick to it. Keep your spending under control. And even if you are comfortably off and able to live the life of your dreams, take a regular look at the state of your finances.
TDL #3: Set yourself achievable, realistic goals
The advantage of this approach is that it boosts your self-esteem. It lets you remember your successes and take note of what did not work so well, so you can try to put it right.
TDL #4: Clean your home regularly and declutter your rooms!
Why limit cleaning your home to the spring, when you could do it every month? Clean everything and make it all shine: your cooker, your blankets, your windows. Everything! And get rid of anything superfluous, useless, unnecessary. Declutter! No need to hang on to dust traps. Adopt as minimalist a way of life as you can — you will only live all the more comfortably for it.
TDL #5: Choose something to read or to do
The idea is to move forward. You might choose to read a new book. Every month, pick a new title from a list of essentials, and devour it. If that really is not your thing, find a way to learn something new, to sharpen your skills or acquire new ones. You've got the idea: EVOLUTION!
TDL #6: Clean your coffee maker
Nothing beats a good coffee, except perhaps a good herbal tea, a good detox water, a good cup of tea. But back to coffee. To get a pleasant brew, you need to clean your coffee maker, so once a month, pour equal parts white vinegar and water into your machine and let it run. Then use water only to rinse it through.
TDL #7: Tidy up your handbag
I have been told before that with my bag I look like a tortoise. Everything I need is in there. My bag is rather like Mary Poppins's — except I don't have her magic, and things don't fall into place with a simple click of the fingers. So going through your things, at least once a month, is the very least you can do if you want to be an organisation pro.
The 7 points at a glance
| Point | Key action |
|---|---|
| 1. Draw up plans and take notes | Check your diary, birthdays and appointments; update your budget if need be. |
| 2. Plan your budget | Set yourself a monthly budget and keep your spending under control. |
| 3. Set yourself achievable, realistic goals | Note down your successes and what did not work so well. |
| 4. Clean your home regularly | Make everything shine and declutter what is superfluous. |
| 5. Choose something to read or to do | Read a new book or learn a new skill. |
| 6. Clean your coffee maker | Equal parts white vinegar and water, then rinse through with water. |
| 7. Tidy up your handbag | Go through your things at least once a month. |
