Just as it's important to schedule and plan your projects and activities, it's also necessary for you to write this schedule down. Just relying on your memory is not enough. You will end up forgetting something important.
This is where your calendar, day timer or planner comes into play. As you determine what needs to be done, it should immediately be scheduled on your calendar. Many people only write down tangible things, such as writing a report or attending a meeting. However, you can also schedule time to think, to set goals for yourself or to read an article that you've been meaning to get to.
Keep one calendar
Never use more than "one" calendar. Use one calendar for both business and personal use. Heed the old Chinese proverb, "a man who wears two watches never knows the correct time."
Use the right planner
Purchase the right planner for your needs. Make sure the lines are large enough for your handwriting. Ensure the pages are big enough for you to fit all your important tasks.
Weekly or monthly view
Use a calendar that displays an entire week or month at a time, rather than just a day or two. You have to look into the future to be able to make time for projects, goals, and enjoyment.
Owner information
The first entry in your calendar or planner should be: If lost, please return to:
- Name
- Address
- Phone
Scheduling
When you come across an event that you'd like to attend, such as a seminar or a festival, immediately write the event name, place, time and any other appropriate information in the appropriate day on your calendar. Don't wait to do this. Time flies and you'll forget about it if it's not written down on your calendar. This way, all of your information will be recorded in one easy–to–locate place.
Abbreviations
Instead of indicating a meeting, birthday or other event on your calendar by writing out the entire word, save some time by abbreviating common events. For example: MTG for meeting, BD for birthday, PU for pick up, FU for follow up and VAC for vacation.
Highlighting
Use stickers, a highlighter or different colored pens on your calendar to categorize different events. For example, highlight your meetings in yellow, birthdays in blue, reminders in orange, and project deadlines in green.
Make photocopies
Instead of bringing your entire calendar on the road with you, just make a photocopy of the pages you need and bring that copy only. You'll have less to carry. Plus, there won't be any chance of losing your calendar.
Transfer regular events
Make an appointment with yourself at the end of each December to buy a calendar for the New Year. Transfer regular yearly events from the old calendar to the new one immediately. Mark consistent dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries, with brightly colored markers so you'll be able to see those events coming up at a glance.
Author information: Maria Gracia is the author of Finally Organized, Finally Free. For more information about organizing your office, home, or life, go to Gracia's Web site, Get Organized Now.
