If you read my goals for 2017, my focus word is balance. I decided to have a focus word and make my goals centered around that. To help with balance, one major thing I needed was to utilize the resources I already have. I am a huge fan of my planner and my appointment calendar (I posted about that here, too). But there are a few other simple tools I use as well.Here are the things that always help with my time management:
Planner
I’ve been a big fan of the Simplified Planner because of all the space to write things. I am a list maker and like to have my meal plan & blog posts right in front of me. I also use the notes section at the beginning of each month to write out my monthly goals. I had gotten to the point that I didn’t have time to use this anymore, and I was really struggling. I usually spend every Sunday going through my calendar to make sure I haven’t over extended myself and that I am not missing anything. I also have DG go through his calendar and update me on anything he has going on during the week.
Appointment Calendar
DG and I sit down at the beginning of each month and go through the monthly calendar. Here is where we add meetings, any appointments we have, practices & games for DG, events, and birthdays. It’s a really nice way for us to have a general overview of the month. I keep it hanging in plain sight so we’ll always know.
Blog Calendar
I use Emily Ley’s monthly calendar to organize my editorial claendar each month. I try to write in pencil in case things change, but I have loved utilizing this for a way to track when I have sponsored posts that have to go out on a certain day or when I’ll post travel guides, etc. It makes it easier to communicate with brands.
Google Calendar
I sync my Google calendar to my iPhone and this is crucial for when I don’t have my planner with me. I also have a space for DG’s events, which makes it easier for me if I’m committing to plans for both of us.
Apple Watch
My Google calendar syncs to my Apple Watch, and I love having my events as a reminder. I also really like that I can get my reminders on my watch as well. I have really been utilizing this recently and it has been a major help. To be completely honest, this was a major reason why I got my watch last year.
Weekly Planner
Every Monday when I get to work, I sit down and use my weekly planner to write out my week’s committments. This is where I write my meetings down, deadlines for reports, and any other expectations for me that week. While I love a to-do list, this also helps me stay on track.
What are your keys to managing your time? Is there something I should try?
I hope you’re easing in to 2017 this week!
xx
I utilize my planner for notes, goals, appointments, blog content and collaborations, basically everything! I have it with me at all times. Like you I always write in pencil.
xo, Lee
You are organized girl!! I have a shared calendar with G to make sure we both know when the other has events (usually more for me with blog events) which helps a ton with meal planning :) xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
I love having my monthly calendar so I can keep track of all of the stuff going on, and the things coming up!
Nothing better than a hard copy planner! I still live and swear by mine, too. If you’re looking for something else to manage your blog editorial calendar, try WP Calendar plugin in WordPress. I love it!
Such great trips! I recently realized that I need to be way more organized and just created my first content calendar for the blog. I already feel so much less stressed!
Xo,
Courtney
http://www.courtneyfashionista.com
I need your skills but thanks for sharing! I’m sort of happy to be back at work to utilize my planner and calendars more! Cheers to 2017 pretty lady! xoxo
Girl I live out of my planner! I would be lost without it. How do you like your Apple watch?! I have been back and forth on whether or not I really want one