Just 15 Minutes Makes a Difference

One of the key elements to managing your time and making sure that you accomplish the most important things in your day is to carve our just 15 minutes each day for planning. This is formal planning. Sitting down, without interruption, and focusing on what is going on in your life and what you want to accomplish in the next 12-24 hours. This is where you review your list of things "to do", what you have scheduled (meetings, special events, etc.) and what important "acts" you need to fit into your "lineup." If you have a lot of activities and meetings coming up, then your to do list should be small. If you have few meetings/activities you should load up on tasks.

Now for some, the best time to plan is first thing in the morning. Others like to review what they have done today and then plan out tomorrow. Which ever you choose, commit to yourself to make a plan for your day, each and every day. You will find that the days you plan will go smoother (fewer things will fall through the cracks) and that you will sleep better knowing that you have a handle on what is going on in your life. You will find yourself being more proactive as well, including in your day things that normally wouldn't be included if you are, "flying by the seat of your pants" and "putting out fires" all day long. Try it out! Experiment with planning in the morning verses the evening and see what works best for you? Stick with it!