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In everything we do, there is a plan. Whether we realize it or not, even simple daily decisions require one, even if that plan is a one-step action.
Planning encompasses all aspects of life.
As mundane as deciding what to eat for breakfast, a plan of action is needed to actualize a meal. That meal plan may look like you considering what ingredients you have on hand, where to procure other ingredients and how long each ingredient will take to prepare and cook.
Not to mention the sum of time you must devote to preparing the whole meal and how many people you will serve.
As commonplace as it may seem, going to the bathroom requires a plan too; even if your brain does not think about it much, you had to plan the route you would take to get there initially.
Planning is a huge part of our existence as it helps to direct our lives in the way we desire. Without it, things would go haywire. Our state of being, even nature, runs on a plan.
Knowing how to plan your day, gives you a clear strategy that can help you fend off distractions, focus on what's most important now, and become organized.
Just like any discipline, planning takes practice to master. Want to be a pro at planning? Let us explore how to do so.
The first planning tip to consider is to decide what is most important to work on or complete for the day. If your list of priorities is long, scale it down to what must be done now and then spread the rest throughout the week.
Define your goals clearly before you do anything else. You may do so by using the SMART framework:
1. Specific: Define exactly what your goal is
2. Measurable: Ensure it is trackable.
3. Attainable: Make them realistic.
4. Relevant: Is it necessary to get done now?
5. Time-Bound: Set a timeline to complete it
If you only have one daily priority, you can still be productive as you can make better decisions. Keep it as much as possible, one priority at a time; that way, your focus is more on the task at hand.
The more focused you are on a thing, the faster it is to complete it and meet your deadlines.
Another way to plan your day effectively is by categorizing/sectioning. This helps you organize your work better to see what needs to be done and which directions or steps to take.
Break a task or priority into smaller chunks or a checklist to help you reach your desired goal quicker and with clarity while ensuring it is measurable and realistic.
If you choose to color-code tasks during this process, it will help you visualize and understand how your time is being spent.
Daily, digital planners are way better to use when planning your day for several reasons, especially when they are smart. They never run out of space; are time-efficient; help you cut back on waste, make intelligent suggestions, and are better for organizing your work.
Moreover, digital planners allow for flexibility and portability. Times are changing and going digital is the more efficient and popular way to go if you want to optimize any process to make your life easier.
Digital planners help to supercharge your planning process by cutting back on time and energy, making it hassle-free and nimble.
Vineforce is the perfect app to plan your day. This smart digital planner will help you work less hours and get more done. Click here to sign up today.
If you have sole control over your work hours, decide when you will start and end each day. A schedule helps you know where you need to be and when.
This way, you can plan your workday more efficiently. It allows for a clear distinction between work and home life.
When you are on the clock, your focus should be on work-related tasks and communications. Similarly, consider turning off work notifications to focus on family time outside working hours.
Within your schedule, consider the time you expect to spend on each task or project and time slots for breaks and meetings.
Another tip to remember is adding 'time cushions' to your schedule. It is very easy to miscalculate the time it will take to complete a task or project, so to compensate, overestimate or add more time to slots carved out for tasks to prevent falling behind or for any unexpected occurrences.
Recognize the time of the day that is your peak performance or when you have the most energy and schedule your highest priorities around that time, so you produce your best work.
For the times you recognize you are at your lowest, schedule tasks that carry less weight or have lower priority.
Adding breaks to your schedule should be a priority for your well-being. Your well-being is just as important as your productivity. Breaks help you to refresh your energy levels and refocus on your day’s objectives.
If possible, take a breather for about 5-10 minutes at the end of each tedious task/project so you can regroup for the next. Add at least 30 minutes each day for a lunch break away from your computer or work, time to sleep, or even a workout.
With a smart digital planner, the chances of missing these breaks are slim as it will send you reminders or notifications to help you remember.
Going through our personal and work lives without a plan is impossible. Whether we step back and actively outline one or freestyle it, a plan is a plan regardless.
But to get the most out of any day, it is often best to intentionally think it out, write it down and actualize it.
Plans are necessary to reach specific end goals as they change our lives' trajectories. If you do not have a solid plan, then you become aimless.
Sure, only some things are guaranteed, but a plan sets you a few steps ahead than if you did not have one, to begin with.
