A Simple Monthly Ritual That Changed My Life

Life moves fast. Too fast, sometimes. Between deadlines, responsibilities, and the constant buzz of notifications, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind without ever stepping back to ask: Am I even heading in the right direction?

A few months ago, I realized I was running on autopilot. I was busy, sure, but was I productive? Was I growing? Was I making choices that truly mattered to me? The truth was, I wasn’t sure.

That’s when I decided to introduce something new into my life—something I now call Press Pause Day.

What is Press Pause Day?

It’s one day a month where I step away from my routine, disconnect from distractions, and just think. No meetings, no to-do lists, no emails, no social media. Just me, my thoughts, and the space to reflect on where I’m going.

It’s not a day for errands or catching up on tasks. It’s a day for big-picture thinking. A reset button. A chance to check in with myself and make sure I’m not just moving, but moving in the right direction.

Why I Needed This Ritual?

Before starting this, I often felt like I was chasing an endless list of tasks but never pausing to ask if those tasks even mattered. I’d set goals in January and forget about them by March. I’d make plans, but life would get in the way. And I’d start projects, only to realize months later that they weren’t taking me where I wanted to go.

I needed a system to stop and recalibrate—to make sure I was living intentionally, not just reacting to whatever came my way.

How I Do It?

I keep it simple. No rigid rules, no pressure to make it perfect. Just a few guiding principles that help me make the most of this day.

1. Pick a Day and Protect It

I choose one day every month in advance and mark it on my calendar. Once it’s scheduled, I treat it like an unmissable appointment. No rescheduling. No excuses.

2. Disconnect from the Noise

On this day, I take a break from emails, social media, and work messages. The goal is to step away from the constant input and create space for deeper thinking.

3. Change My Environment

Staying at home doesn’t work for me—I get too tempted to do some home chores or check my phone. So, I go somewhere different. A quiet café, a park, or even a hotel lobby. The change in scenery helps shift the mindset.

4. Use a Few Powerful Questions

I don’t force myself to follow a strict structure, but I do have a few questions that guide my reflection:

Am I spending my time on what truly matters? What’s working well in my life, and what isn’t?Where do I want to be a year from now, and am I on track?What’s holding me back, and how can I change that?What is one thing I can do this month to move closer to my goals?

I write my answers in a notebook—nothing fancy, just honest thoughts. It’s amazing how much clarity this simple exercise brings.

5. Let My Mind Wander

Some of the best ideas come when I’m not actively trying to solve a problem. So, I allow space for free thinking. Sometimes, I take a long walk. Other times, I just sit with a cup of tea and let my thoughts flow.

6. End with a Simple Plan

By the end of the day, I jot down a few key takeaways and one or two small actions to focus on for the next month. Not a long to-do list—just meaningful steps that align with where I want to go.

What This Ritual Has Done for Me?

Since starting this, I feel more in control of my life. I no longer feel like I’m just reacting to everything around me. I have more clarity on what truly matters, and I make better decisions because of it.

I’ve noticed that the more consistent I am with this ritual, the more aligned my daily actions become with my bigger goals. And the best part? It doesn’t take much—just one day a month.

What If You Tried It?

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about where you’re headed, I encourage you to try this. Start with just one day. No pressure, no perfection—just a simple pause to think, reflect, and realign.

Who knows? It might just change your life too.

The post A Simple Monthly Ritual That Changed My Life appeared first on Jaishree Nenwani.