I mentioned a couple weeks ago that these next few months were going to be really busy for me and boy was I right. Time management has been so crucial for me, and while I still can’t claim to even be half as together as I would like to be, I think I am doing fairly well. I thought it might be helpful to list out the tips and tools I have been using to keep myself on track, just in case anyone else has as much riding on time management as I do! Also, I just want to mention how ironic this post is, because it’s actually the second time I’m writing it (somehow didn’t save it after fully writing it in SEPTEMBER), AND it was supposed to be published at 6:30 a.m. this morning, but instead it’s going out after 3 p.m.- I am doing my best, haha!
Tools I Use
Google Calendar- It took me a really, really long time to get comfortable with Google Calendar, but once it clicked, I was hooked. I wouldn’t say the platform is intuitive, but I finally sat down one day and made myself figure it out, and everything has been much better since. In this new normal of halfway working from home, half in the office, half in a coffee shop, it’s really important for me to have something web-based that I can sign into from anywhere.
Origami Day- This organization and time management company is founded and operated by a female University of Tennessee, Knoxville alumna, and I just can’t help but support her and get behind her mission. I really like the simplicity of her materials!
Planner- This was the first OD item I picked up, and I really like it. While the blankness of it might be intimidating at first, I promise it becomes so functional you won’t mind. The monthly planning section is completely blank, which is perfect for me because I don’t like being nailed down to a specific start and end month. This is how my old planners used to be, and I always waisted at least a few of the months! If you’re a UTK student, you can actually purchase this at the Vol Books store on campus using your student discount.
Planning Sheets- This was a newer purchase, and I am so happy I went for it. I normally wouldn’t spend money on a download like this, but I looked everywhere for the equivalent and even tried to make my own, but alas, nothing was as perfect as these. I just paid for the $10 download and then printed off 25 sheets (weeks) to get me started. By the way, I purchased the vertical sheets, but I think the horizontal ones would be great too.
Also, I am so excited to share that I have an exclusive discount code to share with you all! If you’re planning on purchasing an Origami Day Planning Book, you can use the code ‘grace’ at checkout for free shipping. I think you’ll really love this flexible and beautiful planner as much as I do.
Monthly Planning
During the month, I usually write things down for the next month. This might seem weird, but it’s really the only thing that works for me as my brain is always thinking ahead. I like that the Origami Day planner has a small blank block at the end- this is usually where I write big strategic goals for the month, personal goals or mantras that I want to keep in mind. For example, in November I wrote “confidence is key,” because I have been struggling with self-confidence lately. I also use the monthly blocks to write down birthdays, holidays, appointments, big deadlines, etc.
In the blank pages at the back of the planner, I continue with the strategic goal them but go more in depth here. I usually write out my top strategies and goals for the blog, podcast and freelance projects here. This is where I sometimes meal plan, plan out a blog post or take notes from podcast meetings. It’s a catch-all, but I like that the planner is so open and allows for that.
Weekly Planning
Depending on what the week and previous week are like, I usually either create my weekly planning sheet on the previous Friday, Sunday night or Monday morning. It really just depends! I start by writing my work schedule for the week- just simple time blocks like “8:30-1:30.” Then I use the monthly segment of my OD planner or google calendar to fill in any big appointments I have.
After that, I usually write in “blog post,” for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If I already know what the post is going to be, I write that in, but usually I don’t. I also write “podcast” on Tuesday.
I also fill in dinners I know I want to make for the week, barre3 class times, when I am going grocery shopping, when I need to take blog photos, when I have plans, etc.
Daily Planning
Every morning, I log onto google calendar and fill in the current day of my weekly planning sheet with specific to-dos. This includes zoom meeting times, deliverables, social media posts for my freelance position, podcast and blog. Writing all this down is so good for me, but I also have reminders set to ping me 10 minutes before an action item so the day can’t slip away from me.
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That’s a little glimpse into the way I have been planning lately! I love this process because it helps me almost triple check everything. This helps me stay way more “on top of it” than I usually am! I know this technique will continue to be helpful as I potentially transition into a full-time position or start my masters program in the next few years. What’s your favorite planning tool? Let me know on my most recent Instagram post!
