Everyone needs to use a calendar of some sort to schedule meetings and appointments and to prevent over-commitment of valuable time. Your own specific work governs your choice of the best type of calendar for your situation.
Anything from a mobile device, to a letter-sized three-ring binder, or even a compact pocket-sized booklet, as simple as it seems, can serve the purpose of keeping your daily priorities intact. If you choose to use an electronic device, search out an “app” that will best suit your needs. In addition, many apps can be customized to set up and track your daily important/imperative activities. Smartphones are another savvy choice, serving as sophisticated multi-tasking tools. If you use a desk-sized calendar, your important/imperative list can easily be incorporated into it.
Regardless of the format, consider your calendar as a commitment book rather than merely a record of what you have done or plan to do. This attitude makes it easier to control how you use your time. If, for example, you have marked a block of time for planning, and someone calls and requests an appointment, it is easy to refer to your calendar and say, “I’m sorry, I’m already committed for that time. Would 2 p.m. Thursday be convenient for you?” Keeping commitments to yourself to accomplish the work you want to do is just as important as keeping commitments you make to other people.
When you use a daily planner to identify an important/imperative list, you avoid using precious mental energy for remembering lists. That capacity is released for creative, productive work and planning. The study of how you now use your time and the type of investments you make with your time capital helps you set goals for improved time use and for gaining control of your own life and your own time.
Author: Capt. Sachin Kamble (LMI Partner,India)
Leadership & Transformational Development Coach at Nevoxel
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