Time is filled with swift transition…
I remember when banks, mortuaries, and insurance companies gave calendars to my grandparents who would pass them out to family, neighbors, and church members. This is perhaps my first memory of being time-conscious. By college, I graduated to a pocket planner because I needed help with keeping up with class schedules and deadlines for tests and papers.
By the time I entered the workforce, everything I needed to remember went on a legal pad or a post-it note. But, I never posted sticker notes all over the place like with the title character in the tv show "Mary Jane." That was a little too cluttered for me. Even now, when I see coaches use color-coded post-it notes all over boards, it makes me a little anxious. Instead, I stacked my sticky notes in a neat pile and kept them on my desk until the task or appointment was done.
The next phase of my time and project management plan was to put all of my tasks, events, and appointments into an electronic format. So, I started living and working by phone and email calendars, notes apps, virtual to-do lists, and project management tools.
My one rule: if it's not on my calendar, it doesn't happen.
About 3 years ago, I started focusing on paper planners. It took me back to my pocket planner days on steroids. I started watching videos on planning systems and planner reviews, and buying fancy planners, both expensive and cheap, dated and undated. By year's end, I discovered that I only used one simple planner that gave me the space to set goals, and plan out my life and business. The $50+ dated planners with my engraved name and preferred colors were barely used.
Lesson learned: keep it simple and doable.
This brings me to my current planning life. I now use digital planners that I can print out when I need them. Digital planners give you the flexibility to write things down when you need to brain dump or to see and feel your ideas and goals. You can also upload digital planners to notes and planning apps where you can write with a stylus or type depending on your mood or preference.
Furthermore, since I'm environmentally conscious and like to recycle♻️, I decided that the digital route was best for me.
Why digital planners?
Convenience – You can plan anywhere and on any device: phone, tablet, computer, or you can print out sheets as you need them.
Commitment – The act of writing anything down gives it permanence and it helps train your brain to be more accountable.
Cheap – Digital downloads tend to be less expensive because there’s nothing to print, ship, or package. I just told you that I barely touched all of those fancy printed planners that I bought.
Clutter-free – Conscientious for the Environment – Digital products are environmentally-conscious by minimizing clutter, waste, and are reusable. You want to automate and digitize as much as possible to keep these trees we need to breathe.
Creativity – Carving out time for planning allows you to tap into your creative energies and create a life and business that aligns with your goals and purpose.
With every new year, people begin focusing on goals. However, at Gabalot Consulting we encourage goal setting and goal planning as a way of life. Those who create and implement their goals will fulfill their dreams.
~ Gab
Shop here for our digital planners for goals, fitness, blogging, and finances.
At Gabalot® Consulting, we are proud to leverage our resources and expertise to transform organizations and the lives of individuals. Are you ready to get started?
Let's begin this journey together.
Comments