 Which
Planner Works for YOU?
You should keep
your monthly calendar and daily to-do lists in a planner or electronic
organizer. It can be actually fun to shop for a planner and find one that suits
you and your personality. Remember to:
-
Choose a planner that is right
for you. The three basic sizes
include:
·
The portable size (3 x 6 inches)
·
The half-sheet size (5 x 8 inches)
·
The large folio (8 x 11 inches)
Make sure you
like the style. Does it feel comfortable to use? Keep in mind that a leather
cover looks professional, and a canvas cover is casual. Choose a style and color
that best suits you.
If you decide to
use an electronic version of a planner—the handheld PDA—purchase the right one
that matches your computer abilities with the hardware you have at home.
2. Include three sections
to simplify your time and life.
a)
Monthly calendar. Separated by tabs, each month should lay across one or
two pages. These monthly calendars provide the “big picture” of your life for
the whole year.
b)
Daily pages. The daily page gives you the space to list appointments
chronologically, write down tasks, and make notes to capture all your plans for
the day in an orderly fashion.
c)
Address and phone section. This is a key for saving enormous amounts of
time because all your addresses, home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, and
even store hours and directions are in one place.
d)
Attach a pen and a pencil. Use a pencil to write down appointments and
meetings on your monthly calendar, and a pen to write everything else.
Keep your
Personal Planner propped open on your counter at home or on your desk at work,
and list all the action items mulling around in your mind. Read it often. Check
off completed items, and feel free to rearrange your time on paper to get the
most out of your day.
“If you want to know what day it is, any calendar will do. But if you want
to gain control of your time, schedule priority tasks, and gain a reputation
for getting things done, use a planner!”
—Harold Taylor
Making Time Work for You
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.
* You may find Planners at office supply stores like Office Depot,
Staples, Office Max.
* Or you may find them on-line at www.TayloronTime.com
www.Daytimer.com * www.DayRunner.com * www.FranklinCovey.com
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.
 For more information
on managing your time well go to
Simplify
Your Time book
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