Use a monthly schedule. A monthly sheet is used to monitor important deadlines. Visualizing the whole month at once will help you realize how much time you have left for a task. Think about what's essential. Do I have a deadline? Is there an important appointment with the doctor? Is my child due for vaccination?
You don’t need a complex organizer to do this. A simple calendar in the kitchen should be enough.
Plan with your household. It is important to take into account your family or household when making monthly plans. Cross-compare your schedules and take note of activities for which you might be needed. Do the children need you at the football match? Does your partner require you to drive her at the hospital?
Use a color code on your calendar. Assigning one color per family member is an excellent way to visualize quickly who needs to do what during the month.
Try to put yourself in other's shoes. We all have stressful lives but having empathetic family members is such a plus!
Your monthly plan should be accessible to the household. Don’t expect others to always remember your deadlines
Monitor potential problems. A train strike or a simple road work can derail your plans. Keep your monthly schedule updated and try to think about alternatives if you foresee a problem.
Read the local press. It's an excellent source of information.
Always check online for opening hours and train times. We all waste hours going to a closed shop or museum and we have all missed a train based on outdated information.
Allow some time for your family and friends. Being efficient is all about balance. You need to think about yourself and avoid a burnout. Think of it as a long-term strategy. If you are unwell or depressed for weeks, you will not be able to work at your best and make the most of your time.[1]
If you are in relationship, think about your partner. Seeing each other regularly is important and healthy. If you want to be pragmatic, think that a break-up or a divorce might consume a lot of time and energy!
Set your priorities. It is far easier to plan when your priorities are set straight. Some tasks are urgent, others are not. It might not be as important to go to the football match as changing the tires of the car. Consider some of the following questions when planning with your household:
Is this task essential? Can I push it back to next month?
Do I have enough time to fulfill this task?
Do I require help to do this? If yes, have I already asked for assistance?