How Planning Keeps Me on Track and Brings Calm to the Chaos
Life can feel like a whirlwind of tasks, obligations, and goals, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But for me, how planning keeps me on track is crucial—it’s my anchor, bringing calm to the chaos by giving me visibility into everything I need to do. While it can sometimes feel daunting to see all the tasks laid out, having a clear picture of what I need to accomplish helps me make better decisions and stay focused on what truly matters.
Why Planning Matters
When we say “yes” to one thing, we’re inevitably saying “no” to something else. This is where planning really shines. By writing down my tasks and actions on paper, I can make conscious decisions about what I want to prioritize. I understand what I’m choosing to say “no” to, and that clarity is empowering.
My Planning Tools and Techniques
I’m a firm believer in the power of a paper planner. I use a monthly view to get a high-level understanding of appointments and other time-specific obligations. This gives me the big picture I need to manage my time effectively.
For my day-to-day tasks, I rely on a weekly layout. I’ve experimented with different formats, and while I love the brain dump weekly layout, I’m currently using a block sections weekly insert. This setup helps me organize my days more efficiently.
As I’m following the 12 Week Year process to work on my goals, I use the block sections insert to keep everything in check:
- Section 1: Appointments and time-specific tasks
- Section 2: General to-do list
- Section 3: 12-week goal tasks—these are my highest priority because they’re directly linked to my goals for this period.
Of course, I like to add a little flair to my planner pages – some washi tape and stickers… And that magnetic clip is both fun and function as it helps me to find the right page for this week!
Staying Disciplined and Focused
To keep everything on track, I’ve mapped out my ideal week in a time-blocked schedule. This way, I know when I have focused work time, longer blocks for strategic activities, and when I can handle administrative tasks. Balancing a side business with a day job means every minute counts, so sticking to the plan requires commitment and self-discipline.
Sunday is my strategic planning day, as it’s usually the most open in terms of time. If we don’t have family obligations, I’ll often take my planning on the go, spending a few hours at a coffee shop. It’s a refreshing change of scenery that helps me tackle my to-do list with renewed energy.
Overcoming Procrastination
Of course, there are days when I just don’t want to do the tasks on my list. Right now, I’m working on my team website, and there were definitely a few things I put off until the next week. But when you’re working on a 12-week plan, procrastination can quickly derail your progress.
That’s where accountability comes in. I voiced my struggles at my weekly accountability meeting, and just talking about it was enough to push me to take action. Surprisingly, the task didn’t even take that long—I just didn’t want to do it for some reason. But once I got started, it felt great to check it off my list.
Final Thoughts
Planning isn’t just about organizing your tasks; it’s about creating a system that keeps you on track and helps you make intentional choices. It’s a way to bring calm to the chaos, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. So, whether you’re juggling multiple roles or simply trying to stay ahead of the curve, a good plan can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of planning and find calm amidst the chaos, join my FREE planning community today. Connect with others who share your passion, get access to exclusive resources, and start transforming your planning process. Let’s achieve our goals together!
To get started with creating your custom planner or to give your planner a refresh, check out these articles:
The Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Personalized Planner
How to Refresh Your Planner for Fall: A Guide for Seasoned Planners