Most days, I make a daily plan in my planner. You should consider doing this, at least on busy days, even if you track all upcoming stuff on a weekly spread.
Plus - and you know this is the truth - you like planning! So it's a beautiful way to start your day.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and make a plan.
If you don't know where to start your plan, here are the five sections that I currently use in my daily plan.
Note: I've been using Franklin Planner Day on Two Pages inserts, but this method would work with any daily set-up.
Section #1: Today's Tasks
In the photo, an errand to the pharmacy was listed and had notes attached to it (a list of prescriptions to refill and a note on the schedule of WHEN I would go to the pharm). So it got an asterisk to show me that I needed to look elsewhere in the plan.
In addition, a couple of items had to be done sometime in the morning, so those got "am" listed next to them.
One task required two steps, so it was written with a circle in front of step one and an indented square checkbox next to the second step.
Dailies (from my goals checklist elsewhere) needed to be done and at least some weekly tasks needed to be done. In addition, doing dailies (like taking my meds) needs to be copied to tomorrow once it is done, so circling it indicates that.
Section #2: Menu and Workout
A basic menu for the day and my plan for working out (yoga, walk, or gym) goes here. It's a quick part of the daily plan, but it makes my day better.
I sometimes think of this as the "energy" section.
Section #3: Schedule
The heart of a daily plan is the schedule. In fact, if you use a weekly planner spread and already have tasks and menus listed, this might be all that goes on your daily docket.
What you can't see here is my prep list, a list that is hiding behind the page marker.
Section #4: Lists
I recently posted about my recurring lists, so go read that post.
Section #5: Notes/Upcoming Plans
It's nice to leave some room for notes throughout the day.
Also, jotting the things that are happening tomorrow keeps them on your radar.
Find Affordable Planner Printables or Pages
If you prefer to print your own daily pages, try my friend Becky's blog, Planner Fun, for many free options.
Sometimes you can get inserts with a discount code, like this one:
Save 15% On Your Entire Order. Use Promo Code: 22220. Shop Now.
Etcetera.
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I agree that a daily plan is important. And I do love to plan and write in my planner, so it's a good way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteEven those things that I think I won't forget, I sometimes do. I need to start with my planner in the morning and also review it in the evening to make sure I didn't miss anything. I wasn't feeling well lately, and let the evening check slide. Of course, I forgot to do something with a deadline. I did it the next morning, and the person was gracious about the missed deadline. I needed that reminder that it's not going to stay in my head- that's why I write it down.
Thanks for a great post.
ReplyDeleteI don't always do a daily plan, but I find that on busier days it becomes essential to figure out where I need to be or get done. It just helps so much & I don't get to the end of the day thinking, "Oh, I mean to do..."
In the photo, an errand to the pharmacy was listed and had notes attached to it (a list of prescriptions to refill and a note on the schedule of WHEN I would go to the pharm). So it got an asterisk to show me that I needed to look elsewhere in the plan.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, a couple of items had to be done sometime in the morning, so those got "am" listed next to them.
One task required two steps, so it was written with a circle in front of step one and an indented square checkbox next to the second step.
My favourite parts of this as-always excellent post. I'm definitely going to use these tips. Thank you.