Schedules and Why They Are Important

I was once one of those who convinced themselves I didn’t need a schedule. I had it all under control in the ole noggin. I felt I had nothing to fear. I was a dang fool! For years, I wasted too much time thinking I had everything under control. It had even got so bad that moms around me would say, “Oh, that’s just Brandy. She’s always late.” Not the best feeling in the world, let me tell you.

And the only person I had to blame was myself.

The problem was I didn’t know where to start or how to keep my commitment strong. I tried, over and over again by keeping a planner, but then I’d forget the planner or wouldn’t write something down because ‘I would remember.’ Like any bad habit cycle, it was one I had trouble breaking.
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To say my life was a mess was an understatement. 

Still desperate to find a solution, I watched an online video on Marketing and Sticking With It. The video gave me several ideas. They also recommended several apps to help keep you organized. Taking the leap of faith with myself, yet again, I bought a notebook and purchased the app Any.do. Needless to say, it changed my life!

I’m happy to report, I’ve been organized and keeping to a schedule for six months now, with no setbacks I might add. This may not seem like much to some, but trust me, it’s a HUGE improvement in my life and my families. And let me tell you, it was so gratifying to be able to surprise others by being on time to events with all the necessary items that were asked to be brought. Yes! Rewards.

The two things you need to get organized.

1. A To-Do List
This list will help you identify what needs to be done and help you define and organize. For me, when I’m planning a book release, I no longer freak out and try cramming so much into a short period. For instance, I’ve planned out the release of Whisper on the Lake, the third novel of the Chindi Series, and am already way ahead of schedule compared to past releases. This can happen with any business or personal plan you want to achieve. The longer out you can plan, the better. Think of you local Calander of Events. I received a copy of the Downtown Russellville Organization jus the other day and was amazed at the details. Inside, they had a year full of events from the college to the local businesses to city events. It was well planned out, and people could plan for these events well in advance.
 
2. A Calendar
This is where you identify when you’re going to do those things. For me, I use Any.do and implement my to-do list on specific days. Any.do allows me to assign tasks or events throughout the year, and then helps me plan my day every morning for the tasks I assigned that day. Throughout the day, it reminds me of the tasks that are not complete. Amazing! And it’s so gratifying getting to click on those tasks and watching them disappear.
 
An important rule when planning, always leave time for breaks and free time. You’ll quickly burn yourself out if you don’t live a little and watch that show you recorded on the DVR or read that book you bought two weeks ago. Goals are great to be reached, but not at the cost of forgetting yourself and those you love.

Scheduling and planning is such a confidence booster.

1. You will get more done.
2. You will SAVE money.
3. You will feel more accomplished.
4. You will be more productive.
5. You won’t feel so overwhelmed.

Remember, consistency equals trust and loyalty. I’ll talk more about consistency in our next go around, but just to get those wheels turning; consistency and planning go hand in hand. What do fans love? Consistency.
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Tell me, what are your planning hacks and tips?