Whether you are a business executive, teacher, student, parent, or if you fill any combination of these daily roles, it’s likely that every minute of your day counts and any spare time is valuable. So, how can you use your time wisely? Here are several ideas:
Create a Lesson Plan
If you are pursing your college degree, or if your child is currently in school, you may have come across an instructor’s lesson plan. Although lesson plans are typically pretty similar to agendas, they are usually much more detailed. These plans often map out goals and objectives, and list specific activities and exercises that will help students on their path.
If you feel like you’re getting behind in work, at home, or both, perhaps you should consider changing your daily agenda or calendar into a lesson plan: one that can map out both your personal and professional schedules.
Creating a lesson plan for your life is actually very easy. First, brainstorm a list of everything you’ll need to accomplish in the foreseeable future. After you have done this, add some larger goals or objectives that involve these tasks. Finally, you’ll have to indicate which tasks or goals are the most important to you so that you will keep them on the top of your mind.
Want some extra help planning your time? You may need to select a more specific method—be it planning by task or managing your time through the help of organizational coding. Take a few more tips below:
Plan by Task
Let’s say that during your brainstorm you mapped out that you needed to read a few chapters of your textbook, write an article, go to a doctor’s appointment, and attend a meeting. If any of these tasks have specific deadlines, place them on the calendar accordingly. Then, for less concrete or time-sensitive tasks, mark this task on a calendar date that seems achievable but still acceptable in meeting your goals. For this to work the most efficiently, be sure to include both business and personal goals on your calendar.
Color Code
If you are using a calendar to stay organized, color-coding can really help you maintain focus. Consider a method like writing work tasks all in blue, personal tasks in green, and appointments in black. One funny tip—avoid using red. Studies have shown that red is the color most associated with anxiety and negativity.
Finally, whatever system or plan you choose to manage your time, make sure it keeps you accountable and—to the best of its ability—happy. Good luck planning!