Nap time. Cookies and milk. Time outside on the playground.
I need to make myself a schedule that includes these simple wonders.
Otherwise, after I get on the computer (which is later than it used to be thanks to my morning ritual), I might come up for air 4 or 5 hours later and wonder where the hell half the day went. Even if you don’t run a small business, I know you can relate.
Self care is my word of the year, after all. And April is as good a time as any to make refinements. No problem going off course as long as we realign.
What I need is a tool. To help keep me on track. To get me up from the computer. To remind my vata-deranged brain that I have to send the Business Tax renewal form yesterday. I use iCal, but apparently it’s not working. I’d love to have something more creative, something handmade on butcher paper. With scented markers.
Any body have/know of ideas? A tracking system? A creative calendar? A non to-do list?
Blogasana 
Totally can relate. Do report back on what you figure out, as I could use some more tips.
What about this:
http://soulsleuthing.com/sailboat-kit/
I have also heard that Cairene’s Time Management class (which starts sometime this month) is fabulously helpful for time management – and that part of it involves creating a metaphor for time.
I use iCal, but rarely. And somehow, the computer is usually off when the timer “goes off” so it’s not much help at all.
elizabeth – i lOVE the sail boat thing! thanks!! i bet i can even figure out a way to use scented markers =)
i’ll keep you posted… xo
the sailboat kit looks PERFECT!
or chart paper with markers works too.
at school i write a schedule on the board every.single.day. One time, i forgot to write the word”recess” on the board (i had accounted for the time, just forgot the word) and i had 32 hands up to ask if we were having it. when i wrote the word on the board it made us all feel better.
i don’t know how you work-from-homes do it. i have a week off and i feel like i need to nail my foot to the floor to get anything done.
btw, i’ve gotten a lot done, just nothing from my list.
i’d love to be included/considered in some recess time.
like i said, me and little kids. we’re like this 8. (get it, fingers crossed?)
glad you’re getting some stuff done. even if it’s not on the list. summer tams is coming soon!!
I have a wonderful friend who really uses construction paper and colored markers for his scheduling (and he’s 57). He makes a plan for the week and uses a different color for each day. For each day, he plans 1 important thing he’s going to get done, like this (minus the pretty colors and little decorative details he adds):
Sunday: Menu planning
Monday: Grocery shopping, clean out fridge
Tuesday: Pay bills
etc…
I like the idea of having something to get done every day instead of slacking off for a few days and then having tons of things to do (my usual way). Just an idea…you may or may not find inspiration in some part of it.
:=)
Thanks Jenna! That does help! (He sounds like a wonderful 57 year old =)
Michelle, I just came across this:
http://www.productiveflourishing.com/free-planners/
It looks like there are several useful planner tools there.
I use Microsoft Outlook (for work) and Google Calendar (for personal) heavily. I calendar everything and use task lists with reminders. While I’m able to keep things organized, it’s the planning piece that sometimes escapes me. I’m curious to try these planners out to see if I can make full use of my time.
WOW. How incredible. Just glanced at what he offers as downloads, and I’m so excited to get into it!! Thanks, Leili!! (there you go again connecting people with people =)
:)
I’m doing a test-drive of the Freelancer planners right now. I like being able to see Objective –> Project –> Task, and realizing that (ding!) time to complete tasks requires space on my calendar. I’m looking forward to feeling more in control of my time and less like a victim of my to-do list!