Daily planning is an essential part of staying organized, productive, and happy in your daily life. It allows you to have control over your day and to manage all of the tasks that need to be completed with ease, making it much easier to get through each day in an efficient way that leaves you feeling accomplished at the end of the day. This guide will walk you through how to use a daily planning template and how it can benefit your daily life, allowing you to get more done in less time while also reducing stress and anxiety in your life.
Step 1 – Decide on your template
Your first step is deciding on the template. There are many formats for daily planners and time management tools. Look at different templates and figure out which one is best for you, your work style, and the information you need to keep track of. Some prefer digital versions, while others may want something they can carry with them. Once you’ve found the perfect template, it’s time to move on to the next step!
Step 2 – Start your Day on the Right Foot
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You’ve done it, you’ve planned your day. Whether you’re using a daily planning template or are working from the inside out, take some time first thing in the morning and make sure you’re on top of your game. This way you can hit the ground running and keep up that positive momentum as much as possible. Here are some tips for getting going right off the bat with successful time management.
Step 3 – Decide on a time frame
Everyone needs an hour of daily time management if they want to be more productive. If you’re feeling hopeless, unorganized, or frustrated with yourself and your day-to-day life, it might be time for some new habits and routines. It’s amazing how much clarity and control you can get from just five minutes of planning each day.
Step 4 – Set up your goals
Planning out your goals ahead of time will make it much easier for you to reach them. A lot of people do not want to plan their goals because they are afraid that if they don’t reach them, it will be discouraging. However, with careful planning, you can start by setting smaller goals first which lead up to the larger goal so when one does not work out like you wanted it too, the others may help still be successful and will have made progress in the meantime.
Step 5 – Organize projects, tasks and sub-tasks
Once your timeframes are set up, you’ll want to organize projects, tasks and sub-tasks. Give each one an appropriate name and place it in the right timeframe.
If you have the luxury of not being on any other deadlines, or have chosen those timeframes wisely, then this step is an easy one. If not, then think about prioritizing tasks in order of importance.
Step 6 – Prioritize first. Then schedule them in.
It’s important to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most pressing one first. If you start with this mentality, it’ll be easier for you to focus on the important things and not get distracted. One way to do this is by using a daily planning template like this one from Amy Lee of Positively Present. Click the link above or in the side bar for her resource.
