Categories: Academics

Essential Tools For An Organized Schedule

If you are struggling to create an organized schedule, we are here to help! This list of tools will equip you to create an organized schedule that will give you the freedom to plan your day with ease.

1. Planner

This may sound a little old-school, but you need some sort of paper planner for an organized schedule! Paper planners are an easy way to jot down daily notes. They can also help you organize your week to keep track of appointments, meetings, and activities. I like to plan out my week on Sunday nights so that I am not scrambling to remember everything I need to do. It is also a great way to tell my brain that it is time to wind down and prepare for another week of work.

2. Calendar

You can also buy paper calendars that have note sections for planning! This combines your calendar and planner in one place for easy access. Paper calendars keep your current and future events organized in one space. I love using a paper calendar because I can add notes in the margins of each month. If you like to operate off of lists, I highly recommend using a paper calendar!

In this digital age, most people are using their phone calendars for planning. The convenience of entering an event on your phone and getting a reminder is amazing! I like to use my digital calendar for appointments and big events so that my family can see what I have going on. The paper calendar is perfect for recording personal to-do’s, while the digital calendar is great for communicating my schedule with a group of people. I highly recommend using both calendars!

3. Writing Utensils

Writing utensils are absolutely essential to an organized schedule! How else are you going to jot down reminders and make lists? I like to have a variety of pens, pencils, and highlighters on my desk. That way I am prepared to journal, make a list, write a reminder, or brainstorm for articles.

I recommend having a stack of sticky notes next to your writing utensils. If an idea pops into my head, I can easily grab a pen and a sticky note to jot it down instead of scrambling for paper. You may want to have different colors of sticky notes to keep your ideas and reminders extra organized.

4. Developing Discipline

Establishing daily routines is also essential to an organized schedule. Routines add structure and order to your day. Without a routine, I would be completely lost! Consider implementing small habits that you do first thing in the morning and right before bed. Those routines will trigger your brain to wake up for the day or wind down for bed.

For example, your morning routine could include making coffee, writing in your journal, and walking your dog. Your evening routine could consist of cleaning up the house, laying out your clothes, and performing your skincare routine. Each of these routines adds purpose to your day and motivates you to be productive!

5. Time Management

Time management is so important, especially when it comes to schedules. Our phones are equipped with great reminder apps that will help you keep track of your events, activities, and meetings. I like to see my daily schedule so that I can plan my day in the most efficient way possible. Learning to manage your time in an efficient way is a skill that is developed over time. Give yourself grace as you learn to juggle multiple responsibilities.

You can also download other apps that will communicate tasks to your employees or coworkers. If you are managing a large group of people, you have to be organized. Apps like Asana, Dropbox, and Google Workspace allow you to effectively collaborate and communicate with others. They also block out your day so that you can devote time to each important task.

6. Segment Your Day

Segmenting your day is another great way to practice time management. You will want to set aside time in the morning to gear up your brain and mentally prepare for your work day. It is equally important to give yourself time to relax and unwind before bed. Between the morning and evening, you have several hours to fill, which is where planning apps come in handy.

Google has a calendar feature that is perfect for blocking out your day! You can enter each task into a specific time slot and allow time for breaks. This is a great way to display your meetings, events, and activities in one place. If you enjoy color-coded schedules and detailed calendars, this is the organization tool for you!

7. Take Breaks

Breaks are vital for your mental and physical health. If you have a desk job, consider getting up to move every hour. This will keep your muscles from locking up and give you a mental break from work. Even if you have an active job, it is important to take a few breaks as time allows. Studies show that people who take regularly scheduled breaks are more productive and motivated than people who do not take breaks. Just make sure that your breaks are consistent and that you are conscious of the people working around you.

8. Say No

Nobody likes to say “no”. The hustle and bustle of our culture discourage people from taking time for themselves. You have to learn how to say “no” if you are going to have an organized schedule. Your organization might be thrown for a loop occasionally, but you should try to stick to your routines and time limits. Learn how to politely refuse a social request, and how to respectfully handle a talkative coworker. People will respect you if you set boundaries. You just have to stick to those boundaries.

9. Plan Ahead

Don’t become a slave to your schedule. It can be tempting to block out your whole day and lose your cool when something throws you off schedule. You can create buffer time in your schedule so that you are not stressed by unexpected events. I also recommend cleaning up your workspace often. This will keep you organized and make your belongings easily accessible. By creating buffer time and cleaning up often, you will be prepared to meet any unforeseen events in a calm and collected way.