each new month, along with a free calendar wallpaper for October 2025. Alright, let’s get started with the list. Here are the things I do to plan for each month!
Please note: If you make a purchase through the referral links in this blog post, I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work as a Skillshare teacher!
Record Stats from the previous month
I’ve previously written a blog post where I shared the info that I track each month for my business. I record my sales, social stats, account balances, and more. It’s easiest for me to remember to do this on the 1st of each month. I’ve gained so many helpful insights by getting in the habit of tracking my stats, so I highly encourage you to try it if you don’t already track your stats.
Check-in with my goals
As a new month begins, I like to refresh my goal roadmap. I’m so excited to teach a Skillshare class where I share my really simple method for goal planning. As a creative, I have found a lot of traditional goal-setting approaches to be ineffective (and let’s be honest, boring!). So I’ve figured out a system using sticky notes to create a visual map of my goals and projects. It’s quick and easy to update at the beginning of a new month for a fresh start.
Set up for the month in my bullet journal
Most importantly, I need to set up the month in my bullet journal! This is what helps me feel organized and ready for the month. I review my goal map, any appointments I have saved in iCal, and put it all together to plan out my month on paper.
Refresh the wallpaper on my computer and phone
It’s a little thing, but I find it very grounding to see the monthly calendar with fresh artwork for each month as my computer background. It helps remind me where I am in the year and what I need to work on for the day.
I’ve been creating calendar wallpapers since 2016, but each year I try to change them up a little. I email these directly to my newsletter subscribers each month for free!
For October’s wallpaper, I wanted to combine funky pumpkins with a calming background color, and I’m so happy with the design I landed on. I hope you enjoy this fun pumpkin wallpaper for the month!
Grab your October wallpaper freebie below! I would love to see how you’re using this background. Tag me at @virgoandpaper on Instagram so I can see it in action.