How to take time to plan your time

I don't know if it's the same for you but my days fly by. I am learning that if I am not intentional with my time I will not get much of anything done. I have a tendency to get lost in thought and mosey about my day, only realizing later that I didn't really accomplish anything. Since starting to blog I feel that it has helped me to be more conscious and disciplined with my time. I am finding there is really a lot more time in the day then I thought possible and it's all because I am taking the time, to plan my time.

When I don't have a plan in place I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off; with the rest of my body running around trying to do everything but not really knowing what I am doing or where I am going. With a husband and children that need me, food that needs to be cooked, a house that needs to be cleaned, school that needs to be planned and taught, laundry that needs to be cleaned and put away, dishes that need to be washed and million other things calling my name, you better believe that I need to  have a plan in place!

With the start of the new year I shared my goals that I am working on. Here are some ways that I am making them happen with planning out my days and daily tasks better.

Buy a Planner

I used to only think planners were for people who have a lot of places to go and cool things to do. I didn't feel I should write anything down in a planner or calendar unless it was really important. I have since realized that I have a lot of important things to do...like keeping my family alive and keeping my sanity in tact! A planner goes a long way in helping me keep track of all that I have to do.

I do write down important dates coming up but mostly I write down my goals for the day and what I need to get done.

I don't think you have to have an expensive planner to organize your life better. I bought my planner for 2015 at the Dollar Store and it worked just fine! I think I picked up the one for this year at Marshalls for $5. As long as it has a calendar and a space dedicated to each day it should do just fine. Of course there are some amazing and beautiful planners out there that I am sure would help motivate me even more! I have my eye on this rifle paper co. planner. I am just not sure if I am ready to hand over the big bucks for it, but it is drool worthy.

You might want to figure out what your criteria is for planning before looking for a planner? I actually have 3 planners. One for Lesson planning, one for meal planning and one for daily planning. I probably should have a blog planner but haven't gotten that far yet. You might want to find one that consolidates all of those. I like having them separate, at least for now.

Lesson Planner
1. School schedule
2. Attendance
3. Daily school record
4. Lesson plans
5.Calendar
6. Library books
7. Reading list
8.Goals/ Ideas
9. Unit Studies
10. Field Trips/ Projects
11. Supplies

Meal Planner
1.Grocery list
2. Meal ideas/favorite meals
3. Categories- Breakfast- snacks- lunch- dinner- desert
4. Bi-weekly meal plans

Daily Planner
1. Devotional time
2. Exercise
3. Chores that need to be done
4. Errands/ shopping- library
5. Fellowship- time scheduled with friends- date night with husband-
6. Appointments- dentist-
7. Important dates- birthdays/parties- get togethers-
8. blog posts- ideas/ times/deadlines

Set aside time to plan

It may sound redundant but in order to get anything done, I have to set a time to plan out my time. Not only do I jot down what I need to do everyday but I also need to stay on top of meal planning, lesson planning, my devotional time, household chores and exercising. If I don't set a time to do these things, chances are they will not happen.

 At the end of the day I want to know that I used the time God gave me to the best of my ability. One of my worst fears and pet peeves is wasting time. I don't want to stand before the Lord and him ask me why I wasted all that time he gave me to do his will! Of course I know God has so much grace for me and he doesn't want me to try to jam as much as possible into my days just for the sake of crossing them off my list. I just want to make sure that I am making the most with the time he has given me!

1. Schedule in when you are going to make your plans- lesson/ meal/daily
2. Set aside a time weekly and/or monthly to get away or if possible have hubby take kids out
3. Stick to a time every week/month that you are going to use for planning
4. Plan a weekend or day away with friends to plan

Make your plans a reality

I get easily distracted from doing what I really need to be doing. I often go to do a chore and find myself on instagram, referring a sibling fight or totally forgetting what I went to do in the first place. I would much rather be doing all the fun things then what I really need to be doing sometimes. I have found that I need to do first things first, and then if I have time do all the things that are really just extras. Here are some ways I am making my plans a reality when distractions are all around me.

1. Do what needs to be done first before doing what you want to do(dying to self)
2. Check your planner or list throughout the day to remind you of what you should be doing
3. Set a certain amount of time for you to get your chore or project done
4. Move things that you didn't get done to the next day
5. Have people in your life hold you accountable if you are having a hard time getting things done
6. Turn off your phone if it distracts you
7. Schedule each day to a different chore or project
8. Give yourself an incentive to get things done


I do not in any way have my whole life organized or am by any means a planner expert. I am just a ordinary mama and wife who is trying to the best of my ability to stay sane and make my life run a little smoother. I am finding that by planning to plan; I am not only saving time and money, but my sanity.

As I am trying to organize my time better, I am finding more enjoyment in what I have to do; instead of rushing to get through it. I don't always have the best attitude, but I am so thankful for all that God has given me to do; for the people he has given me.

Are you a planner?

Do you find it hard to stay on top of all that you have to do?

How have you streamlined your time?

Linking up here!