7 Calendar Tips to Save You Time
by Marcia Ramsland, author of
Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way! I LOVE starting a new calendar. All those white squares each month represent breathing room, margin in our
lives, and a relaxed pace. The simple reason I love them is – they offer
a chance to grow and to change.
Can we really change? Yes, IF we get control of our time by controlling our
calendar. That can be done by “tweaking” our lives in the new
year with the following Time Tips:
1. Remember to fill only 70% of your time each day. A frown on
your face and the “pedal to the metal” feeling all day long are red flags that
you are living beyond your means – mentally and emotionally. Identify your
stressors and make a change until they are at peaceful levels.
2. Stay balanced by committing only four nights out or less.
This is the maximum number that will allow you to be on top
of things at home and at work.
3. When you say “yes,” turn around and say “no.” Recognize that your
time schedule is full now so when you add something new, you must say
“no” to something comparable. For example, adding a new project means
making sure lose ends are tied up on other projects.
4. Plan a family “Pizza Calendar” party on Sunday nights. Talk
over plans for the next two weeks as a family and get it all on your calendar.
Dinners will be less hectic with the advance notice and while you're at it, fill
out a family menu plan for the week, too.
5. Use your multi-tasking skills to meet needs and plan pleasant times.
My rule of thumb is: children think one hour ahead, teens one day ahead, and
spouses
three months ahead. Accept their style and bring them along at their
pace. (More on p. 23 Simplify Your Life)
6. List three personal goals on your
monthly calendar. See if your calendar reflects you are moving
forward to where you want to be in your goals and priorities. Make time for
them. 7. Compare today with what you did the last few weeks on this day of
the week. Our lives repeat patterns and you can discover your good patterns
(and bad ones). Repeat or delete things to make today the best it can be.
Your calendar -- a single calendar -- should reflect a balanced
and satisfying life for you. You can start that journey by consolidating
your activities into one calendar.
FEATURE ARTICLES: Marcia
Ramsland, speaker and author, writes magazine articles for consumer and trade
organizations. Request a special article by e-mailing or calling her through the contact information
below.
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