May Monthly Reflection: 8 Creative Ways to Reflect on Your Goals and Progress

As May wraps up, we're continuing our journey along the Health & Wellness Pathway, with a focus on consistency in movement and building strength at home.

Throughout the month, we've focused on showing up, making adjustments when needed, and learning what works for our routines.

During our TikTok LIVE, we explored creative ways to approach the monthly reflection prompts in the Define Planner. If you haven't completed your reflection yet, use these eight prompts and examples to look back on your month and prepare for the next one.

You can follow along using the monthly reflection pages in your Define Planner or write your responses in a journal.

1. In General, How Did You Feel?

Try this: Think in metaphors.

Ask yourself:

“If this month were a weather report, what kind of weather would it be, and why?”

Look back at your mood tracker, weekly summaries, or journal entries to recognize patterns.

Example:

“I'd say partly cloudy with bursts of sunshine. Some days I felt strong and in rhythm with my movement routine. Other days, I felt a bit off or tired, but there were enough bright spots to keep me going.”

2. What Were Your Favorite Moments? Why?

Try this: Make a Top 3 list.

Your favorite moments don't have to be major accomplishments. Think about experiences that brought you joy, connection, or a sense of fulfillment.

Example:

1. One More Chapter Book Club: It was intimate and inspiring.

2. Doing yard work on Mother's Day: Such a peaceful joy.

3. Memorial Day Sunday: A relaxing BBQ with family.

Consider why each moment stood out and what you'd like to make more time for next month.

3. What Did You Learn?

Try this: Complete the sentence.

“I used to think _____, but now I know _____.”

Think about something that changed your perspective or helped you better understand yourself.

Example:

“I used to think I had to go all-in with a routine to see progress. But now I know consistency, even when imperfect, still builds strength and confidence. Listening to my body is part of the journey.”

If maintaining your routines has been challenging, explore How to Be More Consistent Without Trying to Be Perfect.

4. What Were the Most Challenging Aspects of Your Month?

Try this: Tell a short story.

Think about a specific moment when things didn't go according to plan.

What happened? How did you respond? What did you learn?

Connect the experience to your Umbrella Goal if it's relevant.

Example:

“The second week of May, I was slammed with work and missed three workouts in a row. Instead of getting discouraged, I decided to walk the next day. That small reset helped me return to my routine.”

If you've experienced something similar, How to Get Back on Track After Missing a Few Days offers practical ways to restart your routine.

5. Reflect on This Month's Pathway Focus

Try this: Compare then versus now.

Think about how you approached your Pathway Focus at the beginning of the month compared with how you feel today.

What has changed in your mindset, habits, or actions?

Example:

“When May started, I felt ready to take the next step beyond walks. Now, I feel proud for trying to build strength at home, even if some weeks were inconsistent. It's a new layer to my health journey.”

Remember to recognize the progress you've made, even if your results look different from what you originally expected.

6. Reflect on Your Monthly and Weekly Action Items

Try this: Use a progress bar.

Imagine rating your progress from 1 to 10.

Then explain your rating.

• Which action items did you complete?

• Which ones were more difficult?

• What helped you follow through?

• What would you change next month?

Example:

“I'd give myself a 7 out of 10. I was consistent with walking, but strength workouts were hit-or-miss. I realized I do better when I schedule them instead of hoping they happen.”

This is also a useful opportunity to review whether your action items were realistic for your schedule.

7. Reflect on Your Umbrella Goal Progress

Try this: Zoom out and review your progress like a coach.

Look at your overall goal rather than focusing only on individual tasks.

Ask yourself:

• What progress have I made?

• What has improved?

• What challenges continue to come up?

• What should I focus on next?

Example:

“I'd say I'm building a foundation. Even if it's not perfect, I'm showing up, and that counts. The goal is to keep making progress and learning what works for me.”

For a more detailed goal review, explore How to Do a 3-Month Goal Check-In and Adjust Your Goals.

8. What Changes Will You Make Toward Reaching Your Goals Next Month?

Try this: Choose one adjustment.

Rather than changing everything about your routine, identify one realistic improvement you can make next month.

Consider:

• What should I continue doing?

• What should I approach differently?

• What is one manageable action I can commit to?

Example:

“I want to create a mini strength routine I can complete in 15 minutes. No overthinking or equipment stress, just simple movement I can commit to three times a week.”

Use this adjustment to help shape your next month's Umbrella Goal and action items.

Final Thoughts: Use Your Monthly Reflection to Move Forward

Monthly reflections give you an opportunity to recognize what worked, understand what was challenging, and decide what comes next.

By taking time to answer these eight prompts, you can:

• Recognize meaningful moments and accomplishments

• Learn from challenges

• Evaluate your goals and action items

• Identify realistic adjustments for the month ahead

As we move into June, carry forward what you've learned from May.

Keep moving, keep reflecting, and continue making progress toward what matters to you.

Navigate Each Day with Purpose.