The new year is almost here! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I have already started getting things ready and organized to have a more productive and fulfilling year. I would like to share a few ideas that I'm using create the best year ever!
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Use a planner
I started using a planner a few years ago and it has really helped me make the most of my time. I write everything in my planner from emails to send, appointments, things to buy, and bills to pay. I can easily keep track of playdates, homeschool meetings, as well as my daughter's extracurricular activities. I've tested out a few different planning styles and I have grown to like smaller planners that can easily be carried in my purse.
Set goals and write lists
Writing things down helps with memory. Physically writing down goals instead of typing them out, makes your brain process them as a priority. I have written my goals down in my planner so I can refer to them often and stay on track with accomplishing them. Having a notebook or journal is also crucial to rocking your new year. I like to keep a pretty notebook nearby to jot down thoughts, lists, and anything else that I want to remember.
Create a routine/schedule for your child
I typically use my planner to keep track of our activities for the week. A planner is great for scheduling playdates, keeping track of events around the city, and even tracking weekly gas prices to drive to all these places! Adding daily planner pages to your planner would help keep track of daily schedules and will help you begin to see your daily and weekly routines.
Stick to a cleaning schedule
I find it helpful to have small cleaning jobs daily instead of cleaning everything on one day of the week. I have a chart in my planner where I write down daily cleaning tasks for the week and I try to use this chart to clean every week. The time of day used to complete the job doesn't matter, just as long as the job is done that day.
Plan a day to do nothing!
Having a well planned life is good but planning a day to do nothing feels amazing. Our usual "do nothing" day is Friday. We may go to the playground this day but for the most part, I forget about the time and go with the flow. It helps to relax from the hustle and bustle of the week. I am excited to start the new year and I hope that you find these ideas helpful. Let me know how you plan to rock the new year in the comments below! Until next time.
I just got my planner! Same one just different cover. I love it. Has everything I need, Easy to use and has plenty of extra pages.
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! I'm an organization freak so I totally appreciate this!
ReplyDeletexo, Amanda | www.thegoldengirldiary.com
I have that exact pink planner! I'm a planner freak, but considering I used to have a planner related business, that's not so crazy. Not sure what my excuse will be now that I don't have a planner business LOL. I'm not really sure anyone needs 7 different planners, but I love them! I'm using the pink one specifically for my blog. I wish they hadn't discontinued them, because they were so much cheaper than the Erin Condren.
ReplyDeleteI need to use my planner more, I feel like I stray away from it a lot. I also need to plan a day of nothing, that sounds nice.
ReplyDeleteI love this planner! I know its not the common norm but I love the paper planner vs using my phone or computer. For me I need to see it written down. Going to look into this planner, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI was a total planner junkie for years, until I stumbled upon bullet journaling. Now I make my own planner as I go. I love your tip of planning a "day off." Fantastic reminder for a type A personality like me!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I do so much better when I have a set plan...with school about to start back up for my older 2, need to buckle down and get started with my planner! I love yours!
ReplyDeleteIlove these ideas! I have like 3 planners for different things and I love how organized I feel. I have definitely began incorporating a day to do nothing!
ReplyDeleteI need to be that organize, set my goals and pit them on a list. I always get so frustrated when the end of the year come and didn't accomplished with a half of my goals.
ReplyDeletewww.marieavenue.com
I have been planning my time a lot more recently and I've been able to accomplish so much more. I like that you plan off days. I need to rest more.
ReplyDeleteI'd be so lost without my planner and to-do list! Such priceless essentials! And I second the cleaning schedule...something that I need to implement again!!
ReplyDeleteVery good tips! I put it on my to-do on Monday to by a 2017 planner. I love having a planner. I need paper!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm terrible at planning an open day. I keep meaning to, but I always have a to-do list...thanks for the reminder to make it a habit!
ReplyDeleteLove all these practical tips! I have a new 2018 planner too, and am using it everyday!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Annie
I recently got into the planner craze and am now stocked up on washi tape, stickers and gel pens LOL I enjoy being creative AND organized! :)
ReplyDeleteLove my Erin Condren planner and have my Detox and Deepen goals and milestones written in it. I also plan our meals in my planner and write down any fun details from the day. This is my third year using one and love being able to look back and see all that we've done.
ReplyDeletei love planning and writing down things! xo toby www.poshandspicy.com
ReplyDeleteI love using my planner! Definitely one of the best ways to stay organized in a busy life!
ReplyDeleteI have such a hard time sticking to a cleaning schedule! we start out good for a few months, then somehow it goes out the window. I don't have a planner this year, previously our life revolved around my planner, but hubbies obligations were never entered on time, so now we just use a wall calendar so he has full access to it.
ReplyDeleteGirl! The suggestions in this post are on point! I started using a planner more seriously near the end of last year and it completely keeps you organized. With two young children the stability it brought to my day can't be put into words. Lol, I will never go back.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of planning a day to do nothing. This will be the ultimate challenge, but I'm down! I'll let you know how it goes..haha.
I love planners....my problem is I think I have too many! lol I see an inspiring cover on a planner/notebook and I'm like "oooooh." Writing down ideas and notes motivates me to keep thinking of more.
ReplyDeleteI love these goals! I love that you gave specific tips for planning and staying organized. I agree, I think these are keys to rock your goals! But I love that you included a day to do nothing. It seems like life is so crazy sometimes and it is hard to find time for yourself and just sit back and relax. Great tips and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo many good tips! I love the idea of creating a schedule for each child (so smart!) and about cleaning a little bit each day rather than saving it all for one time. Love!!
ReplyDeleteI love planners I have way to many! Great tips for rocking the new year!
ReplyDeleteI am desperately trying to commit to my routine of getting up and crushing my to do list before everyone else wakes up in the morning, but it's so hard! I'm gradually waking up a little earlier every day, though, so I'm hoping by the end of the month I am up with my alarm every morning!
ReplyDeleteYes! I can't wait to get my planner. I barely ever use them but this year I'm determined to keep my good thoughts and happy moments in it so let's see if that works.
ReplyDelete~ Sanaa
www.amomthatsleeps.com
I started using a blank notebook for all of my planning and lists (like a bullet journal!) and it's great! All of my lists and notes are right next to my weekly plan, it's already helped me rock the first week of 2018!
ReplyDeleteI am a big planner! and I do love a good list! I woudl be totally lost without my bullet journal :)
ReplyDeleteLove a good planner! And we definitely plan our cleaning a little each day but do majority on Sundays simply because we have the time
ReplyDelete