Monthly Intentions

It’s officially 2022 and we have entered a new year. I don’t like to set a New Year’s Resolution, because it feels way too big and overwhelming. Instead, I prefer to set monthly intentions, which is simply choosing a new routine or experiment to try out during the month.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried out different experiments. I shared an Instagram post explaining more about this process. Sometimes these experiments only last for one month (like my experiment to do yoga every morning, or to eliminate screen-time in the evenings), and sometimes they last much longer. Some of the small changes that I’ve made have even led to bigger changes that have helped to tidy up certain parts of our life. Here are a few of my monthly experiments that have led to lasting changes!

Experiment: establish a weekly meal plan routine

4 years ago, my wife and I made the decision to tidy up our meal planning. We tried out a free trial of Cook Smarts meal plan service after it was recommended to us by Emily’s sister. We thought it would be a one-month experiment, but we have been using it weekly ever since! It has transformed the way we meal plan each week.

Solution: We are obsessed with Cook Smarts meal plan service – you can start with a FREE 2-week trial! And if you decide to sign up for a subscription you can use code TIDYDAD for 20% off.

Experiment: establish a daily skin care routine

One of my monthly experiments helped me learn that skin care really is self care. I established a daily skin care routine, and now I look forward to the quiet, consistent routine each morning and evening.

Solution: I use this 6-step skin care system, designed specifically for men. (also available on Amazon)

Experiment: set my alarm early so I can wake up before my kids

Several years ago, I started experimenting with waking up early before our 3 daughters get up. This allows me have some quiet time in the mornings before I leave to teach my students during the day. I didn’t like using my phone as an alarm, so I searched for an aesthetically pleasing alarm clock that I could see from across our bedroom.

Solution: I love the simple look of this wooden triangle alarm clock! The digital numbers can be adjusted to have a soothing blue light that tells me when it’s time to wake up.

Experiment: eliminate long weekend cleaning marathons

My Weekday Cleaning Routine started as an experiment. I wanted to rethink how I clean in order to eliminate epic weekend cleaning marathons. Now I clean one area of the house each day of the week, and it’s a stress reliever!

Solution: I created my own Weekday Cleaning Checklist that helped me organize the areas of our home and remember what to clean each day.

Experiment: read every day

I’ve been trying to increase the time I spend reading. For me, that means always having a book that I’m currently reading, plus always having the next book picked out. When I know what book I’m going to read next, I’m much less likely to choose a show to binge watch instead.

Solution: Choose what book I’m going to read next, so I don’t lose my reading momentum. Here’s my current reading status: Book I recently finished reading – Big Little Lies, Book I’m currently reading now – Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office, Book I’m planning on reading next – The Midnight Library

Experiment: introduce our daughters to audio books

Occasionally our monthly experiment will involve an activity with our 3 daughters, like reading a chapter book together in the evenings, playing a game after dinner, or cooking breakfast together in the mornings. The one that has been the most consistent lately is letting them listen to a book on their audio player before bed.

Solution: Our kids audio player is screen-free and can play books, music, podcasts, white noise, and more! Our girls love listening to it in the mornings, during quiet time, and before bed. It’s small enough that we can even easily transport it with headphones for car rides!

I hope you use this list as a starting point to think about setting your own monthly intentions. Think about a new routine or experiment that you could try out over the next month. Many experiments will simply be a one-month attempt to try something new. But some experiments may lead to lasting changes!

Thanks for pinning: Why I Set Monthly Intentions

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