Advice: Planning

"Plans are nothing; planning is everything."

-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Life is hectic and that's a fact that we all know.  Changes come up every minute and just when you think you have it all mapped out it's generally at those times that you come to a roadblock.  However, if you're looking to increase you productivity, get organized, or make the most of your free time planning is a great way to accomplish your goals.   So where do you start?  For those who are just beginning I'd like to share a few tips that have helped me.

My choice tools for planning. 

1.  Reserve a block of time during your day for planning.
For myself, this is usually at around 6:30 in the morning as I am having my cup of tea.  You can choose to map out your day whenever you please but I suggest doing this either the night before or first thing in the morning.

2.  Choose the tool that works best for you.
Whether it's an app on your phone or a planner just make sure to have something on hand that makes your tasks for the day visual.


3.  Take it day by day.
There's nothing wrong with planning ahead (monthly/annually) and I do especially when I know I have appointments, meetings, or deadlines to keep. However, my detailed planning is most effective when I list my 'to-dos' on a daily basis.  It helps me focus.

4. Mark things off.
When you've completed a task mark through it.  It's helpful to see what you accomplished and how much you can accomplish.

5.  Take it easy.
Planning is a tool for you to use to help you not stress you out.  Don't worry if you don't complete a task on the day you planned to just add it to the next day's list.  Planning is a guide and for the most part your guide is pliable.

As I always say change is inevitable and everything that we plan does not always come to fruition.  Planning is not to be mistaken with setting out a hardcore plan for your day.  It should be seen as more of a guide for your day.  Planning is a means to help you stay focused and accomplish your goals.  I hope this helps.


Thank you for reading. XOXO

The Vacation Files: The Prelude

So tomorrow marks the beginning of my week long vacation with my boyfriend and instead of relaxing and getting organized I decided to go to work.  Bummer....who does this?  I'm not sure why I would choose work of all places to go but here I am.

Now generally this would be a time of relaxation but of course for me it isn't.  I went into work because I know that someone will be covering for me but I would like my area to be as tidy and organized as possible.  I haven't packed because I need to get a few items out of storage and I also need to do my laundry.  Oh and I have to get an oil change before I leave.  I remember last week I was hoping that my vacation would get here quickly but now I just want time to slow down so that I can get these things done.  Oh and did I mention that I'm babysitting tonight.  All of this needs to be done by 9 am tomorrow.  Well it's not all bad.  I mean I'm doing these things so that I can have fun and relax.  This also serves as a lesson...planning is key.

Where do you guys think I'm going?

Stay tuned in for The Vacation Files:  Day One