Time Management Solutions Meets The Planner

I don't believe in using this phrase: "Do as I say, not as I do". Well, I have to eat my hat—or is it eating crow? Sometimes I can't believe myself. My confession is this……

Twice, not just once, I am chagrined to say, but twice this week I have committed to doing two things at the same time. And all because I didn't check my planner first. Just owning a planner and writing in it is not enough, before saying yes or making any commitment, check to see what is scheduled in your planner. I was able to change one appointment and get someone else to fill in for me so everything is covered, but it could have been avoided. And I would have had less stress as I would not have had to scramble to change appointments and arrange for someone else to cover for me.

When I am organizing for women, seniors, doing home organizing or office organizing I usually always (my English teacher would cringe over those two words being put together) talk about and try to gently persuade and educate about the importance of using a planner.

It is important to write down all appointments, engagements, plans, to do lists and so forth. Write them all down in a planner and carry it with you so when you are out and about and someone asks you if you can do something on a specific date you can check to see if you are free.

By having a shopping list written in your planner if you pop into a store unexpectedly you will have your list with you. If you need to call someone when your are out and about; your phone list of frequently called people is with you. Whenever I have said, "I don't need to take my planner because there is no way I will need it as we are just going to the movie or something like that it has never failed, I have needed it. Something has always comes up. Maybe there is a Murphy's law out there that says, "If you don't have planner with you, you will need it".

At work one day I was in a meeting and some phone numbers and other information was needed, I opened my planner and proceeded to give out numbers and information. The assistant director looked at me and asked, "What else do you have in there, you seem to have everything". I have to admit I felt good that she was impressed.

So, putting on my professional organizing hat and my personal everyday hat, my advice is to get a planner and use it. There are a plethora on the market, check them out and see which one is best for you.

Why planners are important; I actually think necessary:

Keep track of appointments
Make new appointments without going home to check a calendar first
Shopping list is always at hand in case you just happen to stop in a store unexpectedly
Frequently used phone numbers are always handy
We are just too busy to remember everything

They keep us organized, that is to say it is a very effective organizing tool—if it is used

I know from personal experience a planner has made my life simpler and less stressful. I don't have to remember everything as I write everything down. I have a place to carry coupons. I have a Pez collection and I have taken a photo of the ones I have so when I am at the store I can look at the photo to see if I have that one before buying. A planner also avoids using little slips of paper to keep track of things as they have a way of walking off and getting lost.

Marilyn is a creative organizer who helps women, seniors & their families to create space and end clutter in homes and offices by setting up custom made systems. Visit her website www.marilynbohn.com for free organizing tips.

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