How to Plan Your Day
We’re 10 days into 2020! How are you feeling, friends? I’m still working through my goals for the year because let’s be honest the year doesn’t even start until the kids go back to school (see my excitement here) and the house is un-decorated for Christmas (the latter we’re still working on at my house!).
If you missed my live planning workshop this week, I encourage you to check out the replay here! I talk a lot about my process of setting goals and how I approach that on an annual basis. As you may know, I have a personal goal-setting system called HEART Goals. I mentioned a few of the exercises in my 2020 HEART Goals course during the live because I wanted to share that there is more to setting goals than making arbitrary intentions or overly ambitious decisions. I think goal-setting is a process and it’s one that takes work, time and often mindset shifts. If you’re interested in that process, I invite you to join me in the HEART Goals course this year. You can do that by clicking here.
The HEART Goals framework is also highlighted in my new Week On One Page planner — if you haven’t purchased a 2020 planner yet — it is NOT too late! If you are in the US, you can have a new planner in two business days. My shipping team is basically *almost* like Amazon Prime! 😂
Also, I mentioned my word of the year for 2020 during the workshop. I don’t always set a word for the year but when thinking about 2020, a notion kept repeating in my head: PREPARE. I want to prepare my home and heart for tomorrow, for the next year and the next decade. I want to relish the anticipation that comes with preparation, slow the process down and try to find the beauty in it.
A big part of preparing is having a PLAN so let’s talk about some tips & tricks for how to plan your day!
Step No. 1 Start the Night Before
The best way to have success tomorrow is to plan for it today. Make tomorrow’s daily list in your planner. What has to get done? What appointments do you have? What do you need to do tomorrow to meet your needs?
Step No. 2 Create a Beautiful Morning Routine
Figure out which of your personal priorities you can get done first. Many people start their day with movement, meditation, quiet time or reading. Start sharp to stay sharp. We always recommend touching your planner before you touch your phone. Just try this step next week and you will be shocked at the result!
Step No. 3 Brain Dump
Get it out of your head and onto paper. Take it out of the forefront of your mind and tuck it into your subconscious by writing it down. Start with a blank notes page in your planner or a blank piece of paper. Now your brain is free to focus on the daily list at hand.
Step No. 4 Review the Big Picture
What are your current projects? Which ones are important, and which ones are urgent? Which ones will make the biggest difference in your life if achieved? Which ones are the easiest? What are the next steps?
Step No. 5 Review Your Daily List in Your Planner
Review your daily list in your planner. Estimate the time it will take to complete each task. Consider breaking long tasks into shorter tasks. Then, ask yourself, “what’s the shortest, easiest next step?” Start there and then let the momentum domino.
Step No. 6 Work Your Lists
Batch tasks that are similar for optimum efficiency. The transition time between tasks will help you switch gears more smoothly. Don’t forget to make time for breaks to and to check in with yourself. Where are you emotionally, physically, and mentally? What do you need? Are you getting enough water? Do you need to get outside and take a walk around the block?
If you need a planner with TONS of space for lists, THIS IS FOR YOU. Check out our Week on One Page format!
Step No. 7 Finish Each Day with a Ten Minute Tidy
Research has shown that beauty adds meaning to our moments, and in turn, motivates us. What can you do now to set up your spaces and routines for both beauty and efficiency? You will thank yourself tomorrow when you have a beautiful space to start with.
Step No. 8 Pick a Weekly Prep Day
Get the house completely clean, meal plan and prep, review your calendar for the week ahead. Make note of adding anything to your to-do lists, break down your projects into next steps, and do anything you can to set yourself up for success for the week!
There you go — 8 easy steps to plan your day! Planning and preparing for 2020 has me thinking a lot about routines, rhythms, and habits. It’s going to be the focus of my next live planning workshop on Tuesday, February 4th at 10 a.m. CT. I hope you’ll subscribe to my YouTube channel and join me live so we can have an open discussion and I can answer your questions!
