Do you have a set schedule for each day? If your life is like mine, then you do not. Each day is different and will probably not end the way I had planned. Knowing that interruptions and emergencies will arise, how do you plan your day? Do you keep a time frame schedule where each hour is designated to a specific task; do you have a list of items whether written, typed, or in your mind; or do you fly by the seat of your pants and accomplish items as they arise?
As a planner, I like to have a schedule. The hour by hour designation does not work for me. My little ones need Mommy often, and their needs are unpredictable. Some days they need me a lot, and other days they are happy to play alone or with each other. If I had an hour by hour schedule, then I might lose those precious opportunities with my kids because I am keeping to my schedule. I also cannot fly by the seat of my pants. I will forget something, and I really need a plan, even if it is just one or two items to keep me on track. Having a need for organization in my schedule, I have found the To Do list my tool of choice. Sometimes my list is written, and other times it is just a list in my head.
My Planning:
At the end of each day, I take a look at my calendar for the next few days. I am looking for appointments, assignments, errands, projects, and any other items that need to be addressed. With that information, I designate a day to accomplish those tasks. I then work out my plan for the next morning. For example, start laundry, put dinner in crock pot, file paperwork, and type letter for insurance appeal.
The Execution of my planning:
In the morning, I get my son off to school, and while driving, I remind myself of my morning schedule. After drop off, I am ready to execute. I come home and begin my To Do list of items. When my girls need me to put together puzzles or play restaurant, I can take a break and play with them. If the fabric softener needs to be put in the laundry, then I either get my daughters to help or take a break to put it in the laundry. Then when they are off to play alone, I can return to my list. This system works for me.
When my To Do list is really long, I divide the items into 3 categories: must get done, needs to be done, and would be nice to have done. I work to get the “must done” items finished first which may be pay a bill, meet a deadline, or return a phone call. I then work on what needs to be done, i.e. laundry, dishes, shopping lists with coupons, blog posts, etc. On those rare days when I am able to complete everything on my list in the first two categories, then I go to my on-going To Do list to start on my next project.
Having an idea for my day helps me to stay on-task, organized, and focused. My plan saves me time from having to think of what to do next. A few minutes each night helps me to save time tomorrow. What about you? Do you spend a little time getting organized with a plan for the day? If I did not plan my day the night before, I might plan while in the shower, preparing breakfast, or driving in the car. Having a flexible plan works for me. Please leave a comment on how you plan your day. Happy organizing!