Chris Guillebeau Monthly Category Review
A 55 minute structured evaluation based on the Chris Guillebeau monthly review process for auditing life categories and setting upcoming priorities.
5 time blocks, 55 minutes in total.
Time blocks
- Gather Metrics and Notes: 10 min
Collect calendar logs, spending stats, and personal journal entries - Review Last Month Wins: 10 min
List major achievements and finished projects across all areas - Evaluate Life Categories: 15 min
Review progress in health, finances, writing, and personal growth - Analyze Bottlenecks: 10 min
Identify what went wrong, missed goals, and lost time - Set Next Month Targets: 10 min
Pick three to five key outcomes to accomplish in the coming month
About this routine
The Chris Guillebeau monthly review relies on systematic tracking across key areas of life rather than vague goal setting. Author Chris Guillebeau uses periodic check-ins to measure concrete output in categories such as health, writing, finances, and personal projects.
This template splits the process into three clear steps. You first gather objective data from the past 30 days, including completed tasks and financial logs. Next, you audit each life category to see where you made progress and where you fell behind. Finally, you choose a small handful of key targets for the month ahead.
Using a timed morning routine session at the start of each month helps keep your long-term goals on track without daily overwhelm.
Why this routine works
- Keeps long-term annual goals aligned with monthly actions
- Provides objective visibility into spending, health, and work output
- Identifies repeating bottlenecks before they cause major delays
- Limits monthly focus to a manageable list of key priorities
FAQ
How does Chris Guillebeau conduct a monthly review?
He reviews performance across core life categories, checks completed goals from the previous month, and picks three to five primary targets for the upcoming month.
What categories should be included in a monthly life review?
Common categories include health, writing or work projects, financial targets, personal relationships, learning, and travel.
How long does a monthly category review take?
This evaluation session takes 55 minutes, covering data collection, category assessment, and planning.
Sources
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Updated August 2026
Compiled from public sources and reviewed before publishing.