For as long as I can remember, I have been a to-do list girl..and unless something drastic happens, I always will be one! To-do lists help me organize my thoughts, determine my priorities and make sure I don’t forget the important stuff day to day!
With that said, I thought it would be interesting to share how I manage my to-do lists as I often get questions from people about trying to manage their healthy lifestyle, work, and the rest of their life.
So how do I do it?
A Planner. Lists. Scheduling. Organization. Prioritize.
This past year I brought back the paper planner and honestly, this has been one of the best decisions. I went with a Plum Paper planner which allowed me to pick from a few different layout options, therefore picking one that I thought would be best for me. This meant a monthly calendar, monthly goals, then open weekly schedules.
Here’s a little sneak peak…
In this ‘notes’ section, I include a quote to power me through my week, to use as a mantra or focus or reminder. Whatever I need, there it is.
The lines under are for my weekly to-do list. Somethings will move from week to week but instead of flipping through pages and pages and allowing certain items to get lost in the shuffle, I get to see everything in one place. If I don’t complete that task, it moves to the next week and eventually I’ll get sick of writing it over and over again and just get it done! 😉
Breaking down my week by day, is also really helpful. I can see all of my appointments in one place, by day, add additional details like phone numbers or addresses, include scheduled fitness classes, etc.
So do I still use an electronic calendar? The answer is yes.
Why?
Because I like having the backup and access to my schedule anytime, whether I’m carrying around my large paper planner or not. I have never been successful with having my to-do list in electronic form, so it’s nice to see my schedule right next to my to-do list and mentally start to figure out when I’ll be able to complete those tasks given my free time.
We’re all different so what works for me, may not work for you, but I always find it interesting to see how everyone keeps themselves scheduled as we can learn from one another to improve and find our best process.
If you’re unsure about what kind of planner you want or would be best for you, check out stores like Target or visit Amazon. There are so many out there, with a little research you’re sure to find the best version for you!
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Are you a paper planner fan?
How do you manage your to-do list and schedule?
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I’m lost without my written planner. I’ve tried going 100% digital and it just doesn’t work for me. I need to be able to write it all out and visualize. And there’s just nothing like being able to physically cross things off my to do list. I’m weird, I know, haha. 😉
Allie recently posted…10 Ways We Saved Serious Money and Still Had Our Dream Wedding
Girl, that does NOT make you weird! That is exactly how I am!
PAPER PLANNER ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!! I loveeeeeee writing things down!! In fact, I write my to-do lists EVERYWHERE – haha! It’s a weird obsession of mine. I LOVE crossing things off the list!
GiGi Eats recently posted…This ICE Is Nuts
Yes! I do too!
Good tips! I love using Google calendar and evernote to manage my schedule.
I’ve never been able to really get into Evernote, though I feel like everyone else loves it!
I use google cal for blog and a planner for life. I love yours and love that you get to choose the layout.
Jessica Bradshaw recently posted…Thank You Note Etiquette
Picking my layout was a MUST!
I use both paper lists and create lists on my phone too! Google calendar is helpful as well!
Jessy recently posted…5 Ways to Take your Look from Day to Night
Agreed!
Love this planner! It looks like it would be really useful for me, especially with how my brain organizes things!
You would love it!
I’m with you on the paper planner option! I do some things on my phone, but I mostly use my monthly planner with weekly views. I like the set up of the one you use! I love looking at planners and all the options there are out there.
Angela @ Setting My Intention recently posted…Writing a Personal Mission Statement in 3 Steps
I’m such an office supply dork, I love looking at them too!
although i have an electronic calendar, i still like putting things down on paper 😛
Paper all the way!
Great tips! I use google cal and a to do list app!
I have my lists and to dos everywhere. My calendar, my notebook and my phone! Im a listaholic! But it helps, so I just keep writing it all down! I haven’t found the perfect planner yet, but Im always looking for one!
Kim Munoz recently posted…10 Things that made me happy this week
It’s so helpful to have lists for EVERYTHING, if you ask me!
Awesome tips! I don’t know where I would be without my planner. Love that you stay motivated with inspirational quotes each week 🙂
Charlotte recently posted…Feelin’ Friday vibes 7/29
It’s like a weekly mantra, it’s amazing!
Sometimes for me, the key is not to overload my to-do list with tons of things! When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t often accomplish anything.
Chelsea recently posted…10 Must-Have Items for the Inspired Creative + A Giveaway
Great, great point!
Love these tips! I prefer paper planning too, it makes it so much easier. I need to go to target and get a new one, especially w all the BTS stuff right now
Kristen recently posted…#FreeToBe Bubble Painting with all® Free Clear
I LOVE office/school supplies so I have to avoid Target around this time because I’ll spend all my money on stuff I don’t actually need.
I’m going back to paper planner. Love all your ideas. This I can handle and get a moment and find it easily.
Candy recently posted…Two Green Pea Recipes Everyone Needs
Yay!!
Good tips! I definitely stay organized with a calendar and a notepad.
Theresa recently posted…Summer Eats & Treats from Applebee’s (& Giveaway)
It’s so nice to have your own system! 🙂