Are you an organized mom? Do you struggle with keeping track of your appointments? Are you always running late or forgetting to complete important tasks? I’m here to help you today with 5 tips to organize your day with a planner.
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Do you have a planner but forget to use it? Maybe you try to track all your appointments electronically? I have found the best way to manage my time is with a written planner. It helps me see the big picture and how to best manage my time.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Time with Your Planner
Always Write Everything Down
If you schedule an appointment for yourself or your kids, write it down. If you plan lunch with a friend, write it down. If you have important goals to complete at work, write down the goal and the deadline on your planner.
I write everything in my planner as soon as I schedule it. If I don’t write it down right away, I will forget to add it to my planner and then I forget to do it.
If you want to remember to do something write it down. Even include a few reminders a day or two ahead of time if needed.
Keep Your Planner With You At All Times
How can you plan your time, if you don’t have your planner with you? I carry a large planner (8 X 10 size), I usually need an extra tote bag to carry it with me. I take it to work every day, I check it every morning. I keep my planner close by so I can update it often throughout the day.
If you prefer a smaller planner, a purse size planner is great. I carried a Mom’s Plan-It Calendar and then an Amy Knapp Family Organizer before I switched to a full-size planner. Both were lightweight and great for keeping in your purse.
If you want to stay organized and make the most of your time, you have to use a planner that you will carry with you all the time.
Use Electronic Planners for Quick Reminders
You might be saying, Rachel, I add all my appointments to Google Calendar. That’s great. But many times you will say to yourself, I’m busy I’ll add it later, then your update does not get added and your appointments are missed.
I have found the best use for electronic planners is quick entry notes to remember items I don’t want to forget. I can set reminders 1 day, 1 hour or even 5 minutes before a start time to remind me of what I need to do or where I need to be.
One Day a Week, Sit Down and Plan your Schedule for the Week
You will be adding appointments and meetings throughout the day as you schedule them. But you also need to take time once a week on Monday at the start of your work week or on Sunday if you plan your work and personal life together.
Decide what important tasks you will complete this week. Review your schedule and appointments. Make sure you have not double booked any times. Block time to work on important projects. Set time for special family activities.
Review Tomorrow’s Schedule Each Night
As you prepare for the next day, take a few minutes each evening and review your schedule and plan for tomorrow. Make sure you have everything you need (i.e. gym clothes to workout or notes for an important meeting).
Let yourself mentally prepare for your day. Think through your plan so you don’t feel rushed and overwhelmed once your morning starts.
Here are a few of my Favorite Planners:
- Minimalist Planner
- Day Designer
- Tools 4 Wisdom Planner (great for goal setting)
- Organizing Life as Mom
A planner is an effective tool to keep you organized and productive. To be most effective, follow these tips: always keep your planner with you, write down appointments as you schedule them, use electronics for quick reminders, sit down once a week and plan the week, and review your day the night before.
Following these tips will keep your day and time organized every day.
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