Listen kids, I’m super Type A. I don’t think it will come as a shock to anyone that I like routine, schedules, and a plan. I do know that there is a delicate balance between sticking to a schedule and then becoming annoyingly neurotic about it and rigid with your time.

I’ll preface with this: having a schedule doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life, be flexible, or prioritize people over a plan. When a true friend needs ya, you probably don’t want to respond with “sorry I wish I could help, but it’s 8pm and that’s my window to start my bedtime routine.”

Anyway.  What I AM going to highly suggest to everyone, regardless of if you consider yourself a “planner” or not, is to take one hour per week to lay out a very general schedule for the next 7 days ahead. The process can look something like this: 

1. First, write down all the things that are locked down to a specific time. (ex. doctors appts, school, work, meetings, etc)
2. Next, write down the projects or activities of highest priority to you, and schedule them. There can be some wiggle room on timing and placement, but you should literally make time for them in your calendar. (ex. going to the gym, practicing the instrument, studying for the certification, going on a date with your spouse, etc.)
3. Finally, with whatever free time you have left (which I hope you have at least a bit), write down one or two options you can do other than sit around and watch TV or scroll on your phone. These are the things that aren’t high on your priority list, but you’ve been saying you’d like to do.

I’m not even saying it has to be work related. Maybe these things look like scheduling dinner with friends, reading the book you’ve been wanting to, or going to the park. Don’t overcomplicate it. But this step can help us realize we actually have more time than we think – we just tend to waste a whole lot on our phones or TVs because we haven’t consciously thought of an alternative.

Side note, don’t be overzealous with your schedule. Make sure you have time to breathe. Overbooking is not the point of this – it doesn’t need to be an “hour by hour” situation. It’s about giving the week ahead structure and intention. This gives you a sense of control and peace of mind.

Even when it doesn’t go according to plan, I can almost guarantee that it went better than if you hadn’t made the plan at all. 

Write down the ish’, kids. You are actually in control of your schedule and priorities, even in seasons where things are less than ideal. Go do the thing.