20 end-of-month reflection questions
Updated October 30, 2026
A short review for the last day of each month. Answer the same questions every month, and by December you have twelve months of notes for your year in review.
What happened
The most memorable day this month
e.g.Saturday with old friends from home
What you photographed most
e.g.Fall leaves
Something you did for the first time
e.g.Went to the movies alone
Where most of your money went
e.g.Two weddings
This month in one word
e.g.Hectic
What worked, what didn’t
One thing you did well
e.g.Finally booked the checkup
What didn’t go to plan, and why
e.g.Gym three times a week → once. Too many late nights.
Where most of your time went
e.g.Getting ready to move
Something you cut back on
e.g.Takeout
Someone you’re thankful to
e.g.The friend who came apartment hunting with me
Body and mind
Energy this month, out of 10
e.g.6. Lost a week to a cold.
When you felt most at ease
e.g.Sunday morning walks
What weighed on you most
e.g.The lease renewal
Did you sleep enough?
e.g.Six hours on weeknights, catching up on weekends
How you looked after yourself
e.g.Hot baths after work
Next month
One thing to do next month
e.g.Book the movers
One thing to stop
e.g.Shopping apps in bed
Something on the calendar you’re looking forward to
e.g.A friend’s wedding
A small goal
e.g.Finish one book
A note to next-month you
e.g.Don’t rush.
Copy or print the list
The whole list as plain text. Paste it into your notes, or print it on one sheet.
Questions
How is this different from a weekly review?
A week is short, so it tends to become a to-do check. A month is long enough to show habits, energy and spending, so it’s a better place to change direction.
How do I turn monthly reviews into a year in review?
Keep just questions 1 (memorable day) and 5 (one word) each month. In December, those twelve lines sum up your year.
