Can you believe I use four calendars to keep my life organized?! It may sound like a few too many, but I didn’t realize I used this many until I started writing this post and counting them. The reality is these calendars keep me sane and that’s something we all need to work our best!
Let’s start with the obvious; the calendar on my phone! I use this for scheduling appointments and big events. For example, any doctor’s appointment or client meeting is on this calendar with the time, location, etc. My phone is programmed to ping 30 minutes before a scheduled event so if I’m out and about, I know I need to wrap up the current task and head out to the next obligation.
I also use the phone calendar to block off big events, like a wedding weekend. Even though special dates and occasions are ingrained in my head, when I’m on the phone with a client or trying to schedule something, I may forget that special date in the moment. It’s just another measure I take to remember it all.
The second calendar I use is a weekly meal planning calendar from Miss Wyolene. Ya’ll! The perforated section going down the middle = game changer! This notepad sits on the counter in our kitchen and I love how I can quickly jot down things I need as I realize it. My husband has even started using this and adding to the list when he thinks of something we need at the grocery! On the weekends, I take the entire pad and draft out meals for the week and add the items to the list on the right. Then I tear out the list to take with but the meals are still there for me and hubby to reference.
Now, let’s talk business. I’m juggling a blog, a vintage booth, and home decor clients for my work. It can be a lot to keep track of! For my blogging brainstorm and scheduling ideas, I use this monthly calendar to scribble out topics. Seeing the bigger picture of a month at a time helps me schedule out a day of photography or a day of writing so that I can be most efficient and productive with my time. I also appreciate the Projects, Ideas, and Notes sections on the right! Here’s a handful of other wall calendars you can appreciate:
Now for the day to day to do list. Raise your hand if you take a list with you every day? ME! My days are all over the place and I bet yours are too. I could be doing anything from writing or photography or picking or sourcing or refreshing my booth. I rely on that list to accomplish the crucial tasks. I found this daily planner and I love it! Most daily calendars have the day time blocked and my days are more fluid than rigid. The overall “to do” section works very well for my lifestyle. Each day before (or, let’s be real..sometimes it’s the morning of), I write my to-do list in that section. In the “priorities” section to the right, I jot down my firm appointments or if there are 2 places I absolutely must go that day. In the meals section, it is helpful for me to write down what we planned for supper or if I am meeting a friend or client for coffee or lunch. It helps me plan out how to run all my errands in an efficient way if I need to be at a certain location at a certain time.
I am very grateful for the “notes” section. This is where I record next steps from client meetings and time spent on a project. I appreciate it being on this calendar and handy to easily reference! I’m honestly not very good at noting a daily gratitude, hydration, or wellness. It’s a goal for me to record the hydration as I know I have not been drinking water regularly.
BONUS TIP: If I’m being very organized, I sit down on Sunday evening and go ahead and write all my appointments on each day’s “priorities.
OVERACHIEVER BONUS TIP: At the top of each page, I’ll write the weather report and plan what I need to wear. I did this when my attire and clothing were a bigger part of my day to day life in my former career.
I’m linking my planners and some other adorable and practical options below. That post it planner…oh man, all the heart eyes for all the stickies!
Do you keep a calendar? More than one? Share your calendar tips below!
