- First of all you need to be realistic with the time that you actually have in your day. Then mark out where you already have commitments such as work and school.
- Write a list of all the tasks, projects etc that you're working on and prioritize what needs to get done.
- Go ahead and start allotting times to the tasks you need to get done; now you know how much time you have, what needs to be done and the order of importance
- Assign colors to each task. This will make it way easier to tell at a glance what needs to be done and when.
- Break down the time that you have into <30 minute slots, and after 30 minutes of producing, creating, studying or whatever it is you're doing, take a break of 5 minutes.
- Assign yourself free time; If you don't give yourself any down time there's almost a 90% chance you'll burn out or abandon your schedule completely.
- Test, re-arrange and test again until you get it right : Half the reason you probably haven't stuck to past schedules is that they haven't been 'right' for you. Especially if you're organizing a family or multiple people you need to get down with their routines and schedule things conveniently for you, and pay attention to notice what works and what doesn't.
- Last, but not least; back up your schedule - in like 3 different places. I have a handwritten paper copy of mine, one on my laptop and one on my USB drive. However if you have a smart phone or tablet, try to keep it synced to all of your different devices.
How do you guys keep on track?
I wish I was this organised! Unfortunately my creativity just flows so I can't schedule time for writing, blogging and other projects. Great tips though :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I totally get it. sometimes I have to switch my schedule up because I just can't sit down and write at times.
DeleteThank you for sharing this tips!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! I keep mine written down, because that makes me feel more connected to it. There's something about handwriting that makes something feel more "real" than just typing it (for me). I also take a photo of it with my phone to keep up with it throughout the day. I also use online calenders that are available on my phone, as well. We're busy people these days, aren't we? ;) I love your idea of color-coding it; I've never done with my schedule.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. I've tried to go paperless with organization and it just doesn't work for me. I like to have digital copies but I NEED a paper copy too, otherwise I don't remember what's on it.
DeleteColor coding was something I picked up in High School to help me keep track of all the different subjects so I thought why not still use it since it worked well!
Great tips. I bust butt to get things done during the day that are on my list and then at night, look over what I still need to do. It's so hopefully writing everything down!
ReplyDeleteI usually try to write my to-do list at night, or first thing in the morning then get through the majority early in the day before my SO gets home. I'm lost without a to-do list.
DeleteGood tips. I am still struggling with a diary format that keeps everything together without making it too bulky to carry!
ReplyDeleteYes! I hate it when I'm weighed down by a ton of paper. I just got a planner that has a page a day, and monthly calendars. That way I have enough room for a to-do list, calendar and then I can have a rough plan for my day too.
DeleteGreat tips! I really need help with maximizing my time. I suppose I get distracted easily. :-)
ReplyDelete