Let’s be honest, In a world where technology is part of our everyday thing, a paper planner can be such a breath of fresh air and also give our eyes a break from the computer screen. I have been wearing prescription glasses for the past fifteen years, and as a Registered Nurse myself, I regularly sit in front of the computer for 12-13 hours which doesn’t help; so believe me when I tell you that writing things down in my planner is such a happy moment. Now that you know one good reason to use a daily planner, how can you use it effectively to better yourself? In this post , I will explain 6 effective ways to use your Day Planner.
First thing first: Write down everything.
We may need to brain dump because you tend to forget a lot of things, important things . For me, taking the time to write down all of my appointments, and goals is worth every minute. The act of writing is like zen for your busy mind, and research has shown that people are more likely to remember the things you write out. So, the next time you scrambling to remember what needs to be done, you simply pull out your planner.
Many people take a day out of the week to plan, such as Sunday which is great; but I also recommend that you take a few minutes each night before bed to see your plan for the next day. Why is it important? As much as we plan, your to-do list sometimes needs to be flexible. Check to see if there’s thing that need to be moved around and also aware of what the day will be like.
Does your planner has a To-do list. I suggest you pick a planner that has one.
It is crucial to have a to-do list and plenty of note in your planner. I am a very detailed oriented and last year when I launched my planner, I quickly noticed a lot of things needed to be updated. And one of them was the to-do list pages. So, I hired someone to deliver something more effective so that my customers can better breakdown their days. Guess what? There’s even a mood tracker.
Create monthly goals.
We usually have New Year Resolutions by the beginning of the year, then we stop thinking about them within the first two months. Whyyy? I tell you why. Even though our new year resolutions are valid, you have to break them down into small pieces which makes them more realistic. You can’t even plan your daily activities without having a monthly goal in mind. The stuff you plan weekly/daily is a reflection of what you want to accomplish by the end of the month. Let just say, you want to pay 10,000 credit card loan for the month. You will calculate that and see how much you need to set aside weekly, then by the end of the month you can always go back and reflect on what you did to accomplish that goal.
Your planner should be a source of inspiration.
We are not robots, we should not be. That’s why your planner should not be just a place to check things off and see what time you have an appointment.
Have you ever written down the stuff that creates happiness in your life? Pick a word, a phrase, a picture; something that will inspire you all month long. Affirmations are great, they keep you going and create positivity. Write down everything that makes you happy, things you want to say no or yes to each month; be it mentally, physically or financially . Then go back and reflect on how you can make it better the following month.
Set time to work on your business. Even if it’s 2 hours a week.
Having a 9-5 job for many of us can be hectic while managing our business on the side. Therefore, scheduling and prioritizing your to-do list is very important because it is very hard to work on your business while you on somebody else’s clock. It is necessary to sit down with no distraction for a period of time dedicated to your business in order to address what needs to be addressed; either you’re a full time or part time entrepreneur. Also, if you need help seek help. That is one area that I am still working on because I feel like I’m some kind of super human and can’t seek help. It shouldn’t be like that.
This ladies and gentlemen is my favorite part. Incorporate self-care into your planner.
I don’t care what you do but Self-care has to be a priority for you as an individual or business owner. You are the brain and the force behind your life and business; therefore, when you become exhausted with lack of mental clarity; all these plans and goals mean nothing. You will not be able to maintain anything if you’re suffering mentality and physically.
This is why I felt the need to incorporate a Resource Page in “My Dedication Planner” to help you with mental health and personal development. I have been there , done that!!! When the body takes rest from you instead of you doing it, it will be hard before you can get back on your feet.
That being said, to help you with self care, our monthly self care reflection is also dedicated to help you understand the things that no longer serve you, and focus on the things that make you thrive.
Simply take some time to answer the questions monthly and carve out time in your planner for rest, hobbies , family activities and exercise.
In 2021 we have to normalize being successful amd take control of our mental health at the same time. There’s no other way.
Don’t hold back. Write it all out and create your best life.
Love,
Presiii.
Happy Planning Darlings