Dani’s Goals For April 2020

By: Dani Kessel

It’s the beginning of April, and I want to take a different approach to planning than I usually do. I’m not into New Year’s resolutions. I don’t like setting long term goals because I think they’re generally inefficient. But I’ve decided to give monthly goals a shot. I want to focus on my mental health, my productivity, my hobbies, and my relationships. In order to do this, I’m creating this list.

Here’s what I want to achieve this month:

• Drink 6 glasses of water every day

• Finish knitting the scarf I’ve been working on since December

• Stretch or do yoga for 15 minutes every day

• Read at least 2 books

• Learn about 1 new subject

• Express my appreciation for someone I love at least twice a week

• Dedicate 1 hour a week to songwriting or playing the guitar

• Call a friend once a week via phone or video

• Take 1 photo every other day

• Engage in my support group once a week

• Call my dad once a week

• Do an emotional check-in every other day

• Practice ASL/SEE every week

• Evaluate my goal achievements and struggles every Sunday

• Decrease negative judgments towards others

• Plan weekly “me” time

• Spend 1 day a week without any social media 

• Color in a coloring book for 30 minutes a week
• Practice ASL twice a week

• Plan a date with my partner

• Finish 5 more activities in my mental health workbook

• Get more sleep

• Bite my nails less

• Take my medications every day

Those are my April month goals. Hopefully, because my goals are more specific and measurable, I will be able to achieve as many as possible. The truth is, these activities would help maintain and improve my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s not selfish to put myself first. The metaphor is accurate; I cannot pour from an empty glass. I need to help myself if I want to help others.

Do you make monthly goals? If so, what are your goals for April? Do you have any suggestions on ones I could add? Let me know in the comments below!