November is a unique time of the year. The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, and the holiday season is around the corner. For many dads, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle—wrapping up work projects, managing family schedules, or preparing for Thanksgiving. But November also offers a golden opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on being intentional. By setting personal goals for the month, you can create meaningful moments not just for yourself, but for your family too.
So, how do you go about setting goals that matter? Let’s explore a step-by-step guide tailored to dads, along with a story that illustrates how one dad transformed his November with a few simple yet powerful goals.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins with Your Kids: Use November as an opportunity to strengthen communication within your family. Spend time talking with your kids about their schoolwork, interests, or even upcoming holiday wish lists. Regular, meaningful conversations will keep you connected and involved in their lives.
Why Set Personal Goals?
Being a dad is a full-time role. Between work, family commitments, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on autopilot. Personal goals help anchor you. They give you a sense of purpose and direction, allowing you to focus on areas of your life that might have been neglected.
Setting goals in November is especially impactful—it’s a month of gratitude and reflection, and the perfect prelude to the New Year. By establishing clear objectives now, you set the tone for how you’ll finish the year and start the next.
The 3-Step Process for Setting Goals
1. Reflect on What Matters Most
Before you dive into goal-setting, take some quiet time to reflect. What’s been going well in your life? What areas need more attention? As a dad, it could be anything from improving your health to spending more time with your kids.
2. Keep It Simple
You don’t need a long list of goals. Focus on 2-3 objectives that are realistic and meaningful. For example:
- Read one book in November.
- Commit to exercising three times a week.
- Dedicate one evening a week to family bonding, device-free.
Simple goals are easier to stick to and bring a greater sense of achievement when accomplished.
3. Make It Measurable
Vague goals like “be a better dad” or “get healthy” are hard to track. Instead, aim for measurable goals. For example: “Take my kids out for one-on-one time twice this month” or “Run a total of 20 miles in November.” Clear metrics help you stay accountable.
A Dad’s Story: How Steve Made November Count
Steve, a father of two young boys, always felt like November flew by in a blur. Between his demanding job and prepping for the holidays, he often ended the month feeling disconnected from his family—and from himself.
Last year, Steve decided to change that. He set three personal goals for November:
- Spend one-on-one time with each of his sons.
- Go for a morning run three times a week.
- Start journaling to reflect on the things he’s grateful for.
One-on-One Time with the Kids
Steve’s first goal was to connect more intentionally with his kids. He realized that while he spent time with them as a group, one-on-one moments were rare. So, he planned a “Dad Date” with each son.
For his 8-year-old, they spent an afternoon at a local arcade. His son lit up with excitement as they played games together, and Steve cherished the chance to hear about his son’s favorite superheroes and school adventures. For his 4-year-old, they kept it simple and went to the park. They ran around, climbed on the jungle gym, and even shared ice cream cones afterward.
These moments, though small, left a big impact. His boys felt special and valued, and Steve felt more connected to them as individuals.
Morning Runs for Health and Clarity
Steve’s work-life balance often left him too drained for exercise. So, he decided to tackle his health by starting small: three 20-minute runs each week in the early mornings.
The first week was tough—dragging himself out of bed wasn’t easy. But as the cool November air hit his face, he found running to be surprisingly refreshing. Those runs became a time of clarity, a chance to clear his mind before the day’s chaos. By the end of the month, Steve felt more energized and slept better, a win for both his physical and mental health.
Gratitude Journaling
To round out his goals, Steve began journaling each evening. He wrote down three things he was grateful for that day. Some days, it was something big, like watching his sons laugh together. Other days, it was as simple as enjoying a warm cup of coffee in peace.
This practice shifted Steve’s mindset. Instead of focusing on stress or what went wrong, he started noticing the small joys that made each day meaningful.
The Result?
By the end of November, Steve felt a profound sense of fulfillment. He wasn’t just surviving the month—he was thriving. His relationships with his sons grew stronger, his health improved, and he felt genuinely grateful for the life he was building.
Ideas for Your November Goals
If you’re feeling inspired to set your own goals, here are some suggestions to get started:
- For Your Health
- Go for a walk with your kids after dinner.
- Try a new fitness activity, like yoga or cycling.
- Cook one healthy meal a week as a family.
- For Your Family
- Plan a family game night or movie marathon.
- Write a letter to each of your kids, sharing what you love about them.
- Volunteer together at a local charity or food drive.
- For Yourself
- Read a book you’ve been putting off.
- Start a gratitude or reflection journal.
- Spend 30 minutes a week on a hobby you love.
Final Thoughts
November is more than just a busy month—it’s a chance to slow down and focus on what truly matters. As a dad, setting personal goals doesn’t just improve your own life; it creates ripple effects that benefit your entire family.
So, take a moment to ask yourself: What do I want to achieve this November? Whether it’s building stronger bonds with your kids, improving your health, or simply practicing gratitude, the goals you set today can make this month one to remember.
Just like Steve, you have the power to turn an ordinary November into something extraordinary.
