Want a Do-Over for This Month?

Some of my experiments aren’t as Earth-shattering as others, but I wanted to share one small update I’ve made to my routine that might improve your life by 0.5%.

For the last few years, I’ve been keeping a note called, “Month notes.” Every month or so, I go into the note add a thing or two that I need to keep in mind for each month, in the years to come.

We all get a do-over every year (if we’re lucky), but now you can go into it a little more prepared.

This “keep-in-mind” note doesn’t fit neatly into a reminders app, task manager, or a calendar. But, it’s become useful enough to stand on its own.

• For February, I’ve got a small list of things I could do better to combat the gloom of late-winter Chicago. This worked last year. That didn’t.
• Maybe there’s a weird month when several large semi-annual bills, including the property tax bill, come due at once and reserves need to be ready.
• Maybe this is the month school lets out and the neighborhood gets less chaotic, so it’s a better time to accomplish outdoor projects.
• Maybe next month is when the cicadas emerge and add a deafening sound to all outdoor activities.

It’s a small list that carries great weight. Give it a try.

I never forget to check it. I don’t even need a reminder.