It was 12:15pm, I was starving and realized I’d actually forgot to pack my lunch that morning. So, with a grumbling tummy I left work and ran to the Wendy’s around the corner. All things that are not aligned with my new diet. Then, it happened. Yes. I yawned! I immediately covered my mouth. I was in shock and thought, “I still have a project due on my VP’s desk in the morning, a meeting with two potential prospects, gymnastics with Bella, driving lessons with Carlos, and I have no idea what we’re eating for dinner!”
This was my Monday. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and a little defeated. I felt like I hadn’t completed any of the tasks successfully and tomorrow was looking busy as well. I knew that I needed to change and this is what began my three important steps to planning.
Can you relate? Have you ever felt like you were drowning with no clear shore in sight? Well, that day I mentally took a few notes and decided that this organized chaos had to come to an end. There is power in preparation and I needed to take mine back. So I devised a plan to PLAN.
The following Thursday, I ran to the store and grabbed a day planner, popcorn, and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. I don’t drink alcohol, even though many days I definitely feel like I need a glass of wine.
I rushed home and after getting the kids situated, I set up a lavender bath, grabbed all my items I’d purchased earlier, and really just took time for me. I sat in the tub, closed my eyes, and envisioned my idea of a well organized week and what I wanted to accomplish in those 7 days.
- Do I want to be present and give my best self when I’m with everyone?
- Do I want to dedicate my time and full attention to each chosen activity?
- Do I want my day to run seamlessly?
- Do I want to have dinner planned before I get home after a long day of work?
- Do I want to ensure that I have one-on-one conversations with both Carlos and Bella to ensure they felt loved, important, and seen?
The answer was yes, yes, and heck yes!
I wanted all of those things. So, I took a sip of my juice and began to plan. I followed these three important steps to planning. They were indeed life changing.
Determine priorities.
The method I used was time blocking. I set timeframes throughout the day, in which I would complete specific activities such as; 1X1 time with the kids, meetings, leisure activities for me etc.
Set a schedule.
I opened the calendar and added all the activities for the week and month, if I was already aware of things to which I had made a commitment.
Create action steps.
Finally, I set reminders in my phone. I ordered three meals from HelloFresh for the week. I committed myself to checking my planner every day.
I know that planning during a pandemic is tough, but I hope this post gives you a starting point when contemplating ways to organize your day. These three important steps to planning are easy, but the first step to starting is to start! So, go grab yourself a day planner and be great!
