It’s the end of the month, and we’re preparing to enter another month. But well, with the new month comes new goals.

If you haven’t joined the “new month, new goals’ mindset, now’s a good time to, because what better time do you have to reevaluate your journey so far than when you’re starting another calendar cycle?

But does it stop in goal setting? You definitely want all-around success, and that’s why we’re writing this article to help you achieve it.

Here, let’s review five useful tips that can position you rightly for success as you step into the new month and beyond.

ALSO READ: 5 Monthly recap prompts to track your goals

1. Reflect, Then Reset

Before you rush into the new month, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself questions like:

• What worked last month?

• What didn’t?

• What lessons did I learn?

Take 10-15 minutes to journal or reflect on the highs, lows, and “never again” moments. Reflection helps you step into the new month with clarity, rather than just repeating old mistakes. Don’t forget to celebrate your wins, irrespective of how small they may seem.

2. Set 3 Big Goals

Don’t overwhelm yourself with 29 random tasks. Pick just three major goals for the month – personal, professional, and financial, for example.

Make sure they’re:

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• Specific (Save 50k before the end of this month.

• Measurable (You can track it.)

• Realistic (Ambition is good, but so is sanity.)

Write the goals down and put them somewhere you’ll see daily. This can help you stay focused as you seek to become more successful.

3. Plan Your Money Moves

Money stress is the enemy of productivity.

At the start of every month, create a simple budget with specific details of what’s coming in and what’s going out. Next, set savings goals, irrespective of how small or big they may seem. At this point, it’s more about consistency than size. So don’t worry if it seems like you’re not doing enough.

4. Declutter Your Space (And Your Mind)

ALSO READ: Why you need a life audit and 7 simple steps to get started

Messy space, messy life. Take an hour to clean up your physical space from your work desk, to your wardrobe, and even your car.

Don’t forget also to declutter your mind: unfollow drama accounts on social media, delete junk emails, and clear your download folder.

5. Commit to One Habit Upgrade

Success is built on tiny, consistent habits.

Each month, pick one new habit to focus on. Just one. There are many healthy habits you can choose from, but here are a few recommendations.

• Drink more water

• Read 10 minutes a day

• Sleep earlier

• Morning workouts

Keep it simple. Build momentum.

By the end of the year, that’s 12 new habits without feeling overwhelmed!

EXPLORE: 5 ways to get your financial goals back on track

When remote jobs come up in discussions, we often focus on the flexibility they offer and the opportunity to escape daily commutes.

But while these are important benefits of remote work, the harsh reality of unreliable electricity in Nigeria makes it difficult for people looking to explore this area.

So the question begs: can remote work truly thrive in a country where constant power cuts are the norm?

The truth is that most parts of Nigeria receive an average of 2 to 3 hours of light daily. As a remote worker who needs to meet deadlines and maintain good online communication constantly, you know this is a huge deficiency that can impact your work.

Add that to the ever-fluctuating mobile networks, and you can see there’s so much to be desired. So, how can you survive working in such conditions?

ALSO READ: The rise of remote work in Nigeria – Best cafés & co-working space

Here are special strategies that can help you remain at the peak of productivity, even in the most unfavorable conditions.

Find a Backup

First of all, hope is not a strategy. You can’t completely rely on having electricity during your most crucial work hours. It makes sense to find a backup you can switch to during outages. There are so many options, but the most popular are:

Generator or Inverter:

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If you’re working full-time from home, a small generator or a solar inverter can save your sanity. These small generators are not too expensive, and they’re fuel-efficient, allowing you to reduce your reliance on NEPA.

Power Banks:

If you’re serious about remote work, you’d know better than to not invest in power banks. Keep at least two fully charged power banks on hand at all times. Laptops, phones, Wi-Fi modems – everything needs to stay alive for as long as the power outage lasts.

Extra Internet Options:

We can’t always trust these networks, and that’s why it makes sense to have alternatives. Get at least two different networks, such as mobile hotspots, MiFi, or dongles. This gives you an opportunity to switch networks when your primary provider is not strong enough.

ALSO READ: The Best Breakfast Spots in Lagos: Where to Start Your Day Right

Time Your Power Moves

Since NEPA often has a “mood,” you have to plan your work around power schedules (yes, even if they’re unofficial). Different areas have different unofficial power schedules. Find what works in your area and time your work to suit. There are usually more chances of having electricity early in the morning, so start your day early and rest during power outages.

Choose Your Work Battles Wisely

Not every meeting needs video.

Not every project requires heavy internet use. So know when to use which. With the rising cost of the internet in Nigeria, you want to make the best out of every subscription. The following tips exist to help you handle things better.

• Use audio calls over video where possible.

• Prioritize lightweight apps like Slack, Asana, Google Docs, etc.

• Download the offline version of important apps

Inform Before Trouble Strikes

Be proactive, not reactive.

If you sense power or network issues coming (rainy season, grid collapse news, or your generator coughing strangely), send a quick heads-up to your boss or team.

They appreciate the honesty, and you save face.

Every day, we’re treated to different debates online and offline. However, in the Nigerian context, one debate that reigns supreme is the rivalry between the country’s two biggest powerhouses – Lagos and Abuja.

You’ve seen this argument before. You’ve probably even participated in it. But from a neutral perspective, who’s really the winner, especially when it comes to lifestyle vibes?

Today, let’s discuss what these two cities have to offer in terms of food, fashion, nightlife, and experiences. Hold on and get on the ride with us.

Energy Levels

Lagos:

ALSO READ: Lagos, Abuja among the cheapest African cities to live in

Lagos is the energy capital of Nigeria because its residents literally breathe hustle and bustle. There’s no such thing as a quiet time as far as this city is concerned. And that’s why you can come out at 2 AM and still feel like it’s afternoon. Lagosians don’t sleep. Even Sundays often feel like a soft party.

Abuja:

Well, Abuja residents are known hustlers too. However, things are quite slower, smoother, and somewhat sophisticated. Notwithstanding, there’s still enough energy to keep residents on their feet and willing to make a good impression. But it’s nothing close to the energy levels in Lagos.

Food Culture

Lagos:

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Name whatever you want – Lagos has it. From fancy rooftop restaurants to roadside boli and fish joints, the food scene is mad. Plus, you haven’t truly lived until you’ve fought for suya at midnight in Lagos Island.

Abuja:

Quietly catching up! Abuja’s food spots are trendier now – think gourmet shawarma, brunch cafes, and aesthetically pleasing settings perfect for Instagram.

However, you might spend more time driving between spots because everything’s more spread out.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Lagos:

You probably already know that Lagos is leagues ahead of most Nigerian cities when it comes to nightlife. I mean, that’s why it got nicknamed “the city that never sleeps.” If you’re a nightcrawler, best believe you’ll never run out of options in Lagos.

Abuja:

Again, Abuja is quickly catching up in the entertainment scene. Most of the big musicians and TV stars now hold shows and events in Abuja. So, there’s surely no boring time during your stay. You may need to spend a little more on transport to experience the beautiful party vibes of Abuja.

Fashion and Style

ALSO READ: The Abuja vs Lagos Debate: Where should you settle down?

Lagos:

If you’ve ever been in the streets of Lagos, you’ll know that Lagosians dress to kill. It doesn’t matter whether they’re going to a party, dressing for work, or grocery shopping, they’re almost always dressed in their best clothes.

Abuja:

In Abuja, the dress code is wealth. Quiet, understated drip. You’ll see a lot of clean, designer fits without logos everywhere. Abuja is about looking rich without doing too much.

Conclusion

Both cities offer more than enough life to keep you engaged and entertained. So it boils down to what you want. If you’re looking for raw energy, nonstop events, and a bubbling nightlife, Lagos is the answer. However, if you prefer a calm, soft, luxurious lifestyle, Abuja offers more than enough to help you forget the Lagos craze.