Yeah, that was me. The girl that whirled past you – hair a mess, make up all over the place, wardrobe – forget about it. Life has been spinning me in so many different directions that I don’t know which way I’m facing anymore! But I’m drawing myself back – back to the days of sanity and organization. Back to the days where I was working smarter instead of harder.
A good friend of mine asked me how I keep track of my schedule. After a long series of trial and error I found a system that works, for me at least. I tried having a date book, I tried a binder with divider tabs, I tried my computer…and nothing would stick. Until recently. Thanks to the wonderful things like Google Apps and iCloud I finally have a system that I’ve created for myself that I’ve been able to maintain.
1. I need flexibility. The problem with having a datebook that I wrote into – pens are so concrete. Ha! I know, this may sound silly. But the thought of putting something down on my calendar using a pen makes it so finite. Even pencil wouldn’t do. My obsessive-compulsive side wouldn’t allow me to leave any sign of erase marks in my sparkling clean datebook. Plus, the thought of having to carry yet another thing in my bag will make the strap break in half (I carry my whole world in my purse!). My schedule is always ever-changing and the flexibility of having that option to change it on my iPhone or iPad with ease is gold. But wait, it gets better.
2. Thanks to good ol’ iCloud and Google Apps, I can sync all my devices so that all the same information is everywhere!!!! I.Love.This. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love this. Now people can ask for my availability and I can tell them in a second. I can even share my calendar with Charlie so he knows what my schedule is like throughout the week. Life made easier. LOVE.ETTTT.
3. But, I still use my stack of post-its and notepads. For what? My to-do list. There’s nothing like the feeling of crossing something out when you complete a task. So freeing i-tell-ya. 🙂
4. At the end of the day, before I shut down my computer I make a list of things I need to do the next day and review my schedule for the next 7 days. I’ll then update my calendar or add to my to-do list as time goes on. But this gives me a chance to download and clear my head to make sure I can enjoy the rest of the day/evening with some peace of mind.
So there you have it! But, le sigh, I’ve fallen off the wagon. I haven’t even touched my calendar in weeks. Someone keep me accountable! I’m getting back on the horse on Monday!
