The Benefits of Using a Calendar

Do you ever feel like you're constantly running out of time? Like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with time management. But there's a simple tool that can help: 

a calendar.

When you use a calendar in the following way, you will see immediate and profound differences in your peace of mind, your power to handle things in life, and your freedom to thrive!

Here are some basic benefits of using a calendar:

• Seeing your schedule at a glance.   This can help you to avoid double-booking yourself and to make sure that you're not forgetting anything important.
• Planning your time effectively.   By scheduling your time in advance, you can make sure that you're using your time wisely and that you're not wasting any time.
• Setting and tracking goals.  A calendar can help you to track your progress towards your goals and to stay motivated.
• Prioritizing your tasks.  By seeing all of your tasks in one place, you can easily prioritize them and make sure that you're working on the most important things first.
• Reduces stress.  When you have a clear understanding of your schedule, you're less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed.

• Being more productive. When you're able to plan your time effectively and to focus on the most important tasks, you're more likely to get more done in less time
• Achieving your goals.  By tracking your progress towards your goals and by staying motivated, you're more likely to achieve them.
• Living a more balanced life.  By scheduling in time for work, personal commitments, and relaxation, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
• Increases happiness. When you're able to achieve your goals and spend time with the people you love, you're more likely to feel happy and fulfilled.

Here are some tips for using a calendar effectively:

• Choose a calendar that works for you. There are many different types of calendars available, so take some time to find one that fits your needs and style. We recommend using a digital calendar that can sync across multiple devices and multiple calendars like personal and work. 
• Set aside some time each week to plan your schedule. This will help you to stay organized and on track.  We recommend sitting down for 2-3 hours the first time you implement this tool to enter everything for the next 6 weeks then, 1 hour on Friday evenings to look ahead at the next week to make any adjustments and create the 6th week out.  You are always planned at least 6 weeks ahead.
• Put EVERYTHING in your calendar.   At least for the first 3 months, schedule everything in your life, including meal times and down time. This will get your brain used to looking at your calendar regularly.  After 3 months (or when you are reliable for using your calendar over "trying to remember") it isn't so important to schedule down time or meal time - unless it continues to support you.
  
• Be realistic about your time.  Don't try to cram too much into one day.
• Label your occasions powerfully.  Instead of labeling your occasion as "go to gym"  try this: "On my way to the body of my dreams at the gym."  This way when you look at your schedule, you are looking forward to your occasions and not just doing something "to-do."    See how creative you can get!
  
• Use the notes section of the calendar occasion.  When you have a meeting in your schedule, use the notes section and type up the topic, points to bring up, and/or questions, for your meal occasions put what you plan to eat in the notes.  Using the notes section for more details about the occasion will build brain patterns to depend on your calendar instead of your memory.
  
• Schedule "Breakdown" time.   We recommend 2 half-hour occasions (one before and one after lunch) in case other occasions run long, you won't spend all day trying to catch-up.
• Share your calendar with others. This can help you to coordinate your schedules and make plans together.
• Use color-coding to help you visualize your schedule. This can be a great way to see at a glance what you have going on each day. 
• Use reminders to help you stay on track. This can be especially helpful for important appointments or deadlines.  We recommend each morning, for 15 minutes, setting alarms in your phone for important meetings and occasions that you need a few minutes to "stop-change-start" 
• Don't be afraid to experiment. Although we recommend to start out for the first 3 months using a calendar these specific ways, as you get more comfortable and are using your calendar reliably over your memory, feel free to try different things and find what works best for you and your lifestyle.  

Using a calendar can be a simple way to transform your life. By giving you a clear understanding of your schedule, helping you to track your progress and goals, and connecting you with others, calendars can help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you're not already using a calendar, we encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much it can transform your life.