How to Start Planning

        Start the habit of planning could feel intimidated at the beginning, but don't you worry, we are here to help you, to make it easier, and to show you that there is nothing to worry about.

        But do you know what is really great? That you are actually here trying your best to have a better life. This is already a huge step, and I'm so happy for you, Congratulations!

        When we talk about planning, we are trying to create a better day, a better week, and of course, a better year and a better life, because planning your week effectively can help you stay organized, focused, and productive.

So, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose a Planner - This might seem obvious, but what I'm trying to say is that you should choose a paper planner. Yes, we are in a digital era, but our brain still works better when we write down things on paper. Having a visual representation of your week can help you allocate time effectively, so, just make a choice.




2. Set Aside Time for Planning: - Dedicate a specific time each week to plan for the upcoming week. 15 - 30 minutes is all you need. This could be on a Sunday (morning or evening) or even on a Friday or Saturday. If you want my advise, don't wait until Monday morning  to plan because at that point your week already started, therefore, you are already behind. Try your best to be consistent with the time you chose, and do it every week.




3. Identify Commitments - Record in your planner your appointments, commitments, and all the things you cannot/should not change (Ex: classes, Dr. appts, conferences, other appts, assignments, etc.)




4. Set Clear Goals - Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish? What new habit would I like to get, or what else would I like to fit in my week? It's important to get off your comfort zone and start making room for that thing you know you need/want to do, but you didn't do it yet because you thought you didn't "have time" (Ex: exercises, new project, hobby, get on time to....,  start a new business, studying, etc.). Just make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Either is on a personal level or professional, begin by defining your objectives for the week. 




5. Prioritize Tasks - Identify the most important tasks that need to be accomplished this week as per your goal(s). Define the urgent things first and allocate time for them, then, the important things, and allocate time for them. If the important things could be moved to the following week without affecting your results or performance, feel free to do it. 




6. Allocate Time Blocks - Base on your goals and the previous step, assign specific time slots for different activities or tasks. This helps prevent overcommitting to too many things in one day.




7. Be Realistic - Don't overload your schedule. Leave room for breaks, unexpected tasks, and emergencies. Include buffer time, account for unexpected delays or extra time needed for tasks. This prevents your schedule from becoming too rigid. 




8. Consider Your Energy Levels - Schedule more demanding or creative tasks during your peak energy times, and reserve lower-energy periods for less demanding activities.




9. Include Personal Time and Self-Care - Don't forget to allocate time for self-care, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.




10. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection -Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you accomplished and what you could do differently in the future.

There are a couple things you should keep in mind to make planning a pleasant experience....

• Review and Adjust as Necessary - Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed. This could be a daily check-in or a more thorough review at the end of the week.

• Avoid Multitasking - Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can lead to lower productivity and more mistakes.
• Stay Flexible - While planning is important, it's also crucial to be adaptable. Unexpected things can happen, so be ready to adjust your schedule when needed.

• Celebrate Achievements - Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. This boosts motivation and provides a sense of accomplishment.