ten reflection prompts to kick-start your month
As a new month begins, it’s the perfect time to reset, reflect, and set meaningful goals. Below, I’ve listed ten reflection prompts to help you appreciate the good, nurture your personal and spiritual growth, and find joy in everyday moments.
1. I am grateful for…
What are you thankful for this month? What is a victory you’ve had? Who in your community made you feel loved recently? Jot down the people you’re grateful for as well as the blessings you’ve received.
2. I am learning…
What has sparked inspiration in you recently? What personal growth have you noticed? Maybe you had an encouraging conversation with a friend or received a piece of advice that stood out to you. Perhaps you are facing an obstacle this month that is teaching you something significant.
3. I am overcoming…
Every month comes with its own set of challenges. What obstacles are you currently facing, and how might you overcome them? Maybe you’re facing difficulties in your job, in your family, or in your health. Who can you reach out to for support and prayer? This month, perhaps you need to break some bad habits and thought patterns that have been hindering you. What do you need to say no to?
4. I am praying for…
What are your prayer requests this month? What friends do you know who need a miracle? Jot down your prayers and refer back to them later. God is constantly working all things for our good, and there is no prayer He does not hear (even if His answer isn’t quite what we imagined).
5. I am looking forward to…
What are you excited about? Maybe you just got a new job promotion, or you’re planning a much-needed vacation. Perhaps you’re looking forward to meeting a friend for coffee this week. Even if the future feels grim, remember that God is always with you, even in the midst of suffering.
6. A short-term goal I am working toward is…
A short-term goal is something you can accomplish in the next year or so. Make sure the goal is specific and has a defined timeframe. How can you make progress toward that goal this month? Create two attainable action steps that will help you move toward your goal. For example, let’s say your goal is to run a 5K in the next 6 months. An action step might be researching a 5K in your area and signing up. The second action step could be running one mile three times a week and gradually increasing your mileage.
7. A long-term goal I am working toward is…
Long-term goals are typically several years away. Depending on your stage of life, a long-term goal might look like becoming fluent in French, writing a book, buying a home, saving up for a dream vacation, or mastering a new instrument. How can you make progress toward your long-term goal this month? Break the goal down into small chunks and create one action step to work on this month. For example, if your long-term goal is to write a book, your current action step might be to write a short blog post each week.
8. How will I invest in my community this month?
Think of some concrete ways to show up for your friends in the coming weeks. Investing in your community might look like taking a co-worker out to lunch, texting a family member who’s been going through a rough time, volunteering through a local organization, or making dinner for a neighbor. Try listing the people you want to check in on this month. Then, send each person an uplifting message and ask them how they’re doing.
9. How will I prioritize my faith this month?
What are some ways you’d like to grow in your faith? Let’s say your goal is to be more disciplined with your Bible reading. You might aim to set aside 15 minutes each morning to dig into the scriptures. Perhaps you want to try journaling your prayers this month or begin serving at your local church. Brainstorm one step you can take to invest in your spiritual life this month.
10. How will I prioritize rest, recreation, and well-being this month?
How can you take time to relax, step away from the hustle, and have fun this month? Maybe you’d like to take a trip to the spa or bake a dessert you haven’t tried before. Perhaps you want to host a movie night with some friends. Or you might decide to pick up a new hobby — maybe rock climbing or running? Resting might mean turning off your phone an hour before you go to sleep so you can spend intentional time with your spouse. Whatever rest, recreation, and well-being might look like for you, make it a priority this month.
