Welcome 2013!

Photograph Credit: iStockphoto

Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.

Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.

Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.

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Day 1: Select a Planning Tool

Whether you choose a paper calendar or electronic scheduler, select a planning tool to use throughout this year. Having tried Google calendar so I could share with Paul, I found the system difficult to keep up. Without having access to it from my phone and problems syncing up, I went back to my paper calendar.

My calendar of choice is a monthly option. Similar to my menu planner, I prefer to see the entire month at a glance. Desiring to keep my desk clutter-free, I choose an 8.5×11” landscape (horizontal) calendar option, print one month per page, and staple all 12 months together into one calendar year.

If you are looking for calendar options, these links contain free printable calendars:

• Monthly – both horizontal and vertical options

• Weekly – Shayla offers a number of calendars, menu plans, cleaning charts, and blogging schedules

• Daily – Tiffany offers a detailed 2-page planner with lots of details

As we begin this journey of planning for success, select a planning tool. From the classic daily, weekly, and monthly options, choose based on the space you need to record your events, activities, appointments, and other information.

With small handwriting, I can squeeze lots in a small space, but someone else may not. If you are struggling, then choose your top two options and print the first 2 weeks of January. As we add the details each day, you can see which plan works best for you.

In using time wisely, let’s prepare to prosper in 2013. Join me tomorrow for Day 2 as we fill our calendars while planning for success. Happy choosing!

Question: Which planning tool do you prefer?