10 Things You Need To Know About Planning Right Now
Planning can be as simple or as complex as you choose. Whatever your pick, here’s 10 things you need to know about planning right now.
If I were to ask each one of my readers to write in the comments their perception of “planning,” I’m pretty sure I’ll get a different answer each time.
But why is that? Isn’t planning “planning”?
Yes, it is! However, the way people see it varies a lot!
To me, planning is second nature.
You tell me we have an appointment that, in my head, I’m going through a series of checklists with everything we’ll need.
It’s sometimes funny because I’m probably making a “processing data” face, just like a robot.
And that’s precisely what’s going on in my head: I’m processing all the data necessary to make the appointment success with little to none issues.
Yet, I know people who freak out with the idea of setting up goals or putting a schedule together.
It isn’t the end of the world for them because someway, somehow, they “make it.”
Unfortunately, their “success” isn’t free from unnecessary stress, sleepless nights, and headaches depending on the size of the project.
Maybe they’re even OK with that, but if you know someone or have gone through a challenging life experience yourself, you know better.
We cannot control everything but that doesn’t mean you leave your life to chances.
The things you need to know right now
Depending on your priorities, responsibilities, and activities, planning can be simple or complex.
Anyway, there are 10 things you must know right to plan successfully:
- It all starts with your goals
- You don’t have to do it alone
- How you plan tells a lot about yourself
- Don’t get lost with the choices
- Not tech-savvy? No problem!
- Expect the unexpected
- It doesn’t take long to set up your lists
- There’s no productivity without planning
- It’s great to save money
- You can’t live without it, only survive
1. It all starts with your goals
It’s impossible to build a new habit without a goal.
You can even do something here and there, but unless you know exactly why you aren’t doing it, it’s hard to become consistent.
While I’d love you start with your planning right away, take some minutes to clarify your reasons first.
2. You don’t have to do it alone
Even though picking the best tools for you and writing your planning down consistently is something no one else can do for you, you can share your path with others.
Like any new project you start, there’ll be questions, roadblocks, and challenges.
Instead of struggling alone, I invite you to join the Facebook Group #PlanWithDebbie.
I’m personally there on a daily basis to help you out, and on Sundays, I host an Office Hour when you can stop by and ask me questions directly.
Learn how to plan life the easy way to be more successful. #coaching #mentorship #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet
3. How you plan tells a lot about yourself
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all way of planning.
If you’re like me, you’ll be very detailed with your schedule and organization. Others feel more comfortable when they have enough empty slots in their calendar.
Planning is personal, and the best way for you do it by choosing a method you enjoy.
4. Don’t get lost with the choices
Planners have become very popular in the past years.
During an Office Hour of #PlanWithDebbie, Orana, from oranacreative.com, asked me about Bullet Journals, for example.
There’s no right or wrong method. Whether you’re a minimalist or a creative, as long as you find a system that fits your needs, it’s perfect!
5. Not tech-savvy? No problem!
I love tools such as Trello* and Evernote*. Both have excellent free versions!
Electronic platforms are easier to maintain, and you can set up reminders for urgent tasks.
But if apps aren’t your cup of tea, no problem.
I love and use my paper planners just as much.
6. Expect the unexpected
I don’t need to tell it parents, but if it’s not your case, be prepared for things you can’t control.
It shouldn’t, however, be used as an excuse for not planning. On the other hand!
If you know things may happen that will influence your schedule, you’ll start planning your days more mindfully.
7. It doesn’t take long to set up your lists
FACT: It won’t take you an entire day to plan your week.
On the contrary, if you can spare 30 minutes to one hour every Sunday, you can get the entire week set for success.
When I’m on standby during the Office Hour, I’m working on my weekly planning myself. Before the end of the session, I’m already done. No stress.
8. There’s no productivity without planning
This is a hard truth to swallow but you know I’m right, don’t you?
We spend years of our life busy, doing tons of things that:
- Don’t bring us closer to our goals.
- Don’t fulfill us.
- Drain our energy.
- Waste our time.
- Stress us.
From the moment you start to plan your days your productivity increases mindfully, and you start doing more without exhausting yourself.
[bctt tweet=”Stop acting on impulse and start planning your day mindfully for success. #coach #mentor #MindfulPlanning” username=”planwithdebbie”
9. It’s great to save money
If all the reasons above were not enough to convince you to get started, I’m sure that your wallet is.
You don’t waste money when you:
- Plan your errands
- Have a shopping list.
- Buy in bulk.
- Don’t buy what you already have.
- Accumulate clutter.
Do I need to say more?
10. You can’t live without it, only survive
There’s a significant difference between living and surviving.
The quality of life has improved incredibly the past 50 years, yet, most of us don’t take the time to enjoy it.
We rush from one appointment to the other; from one task to the other.
Spending time with the things and people we love makes us feel guilty which is not right.
Let’s get your planning started
I hope these 10 things you need to know about planning convinced you to get started.
Every day, I hear people complaining about their levels of stress, how tired they are all the time, and how much they still need to do. One thing rarely mentioned, however, is their planning.
They know they should be doing things, but instead, they (re)act on impulse.
Start by downloading my daily planning checklist. It’ll help you visualize how your progress.
You can print it and have it close to you at your desk or use it electronically. It’ll help you immensely with consistency.
Follow simple steps that will improve your productivity on a regular basis.
Planning doesn’t have to be complicated, mainly not in the beginning.
Start with baby steps to become more productive, stress-free.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
How do you describe your daily planning?
* Please note that some of the links in this list are affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you any extra, but I earn a commission if you decide to purchase. Regardless of whether or not I receive a commission, I only recommend products that I personally use and sincerely recommend.
