A daily schedule will be very useful if you have to live your daily life with very busy activities. Time is a resource that you can't buy, but you can either put it to good use or waste it. A well-organized schedule is a useful tool for organizing hour-to-hour activities and achieving all your desired goals.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Writing the Most Important Daily Tasks
Step 1. Make a list of daily tasks that you must do
This list is for inspiration only, not a to-do list so you don't have to think about the order. Set aside approximately 1 hour to record all your daily activities, including tasks that you should have done, but didn't do.
If you're having trouble remembering the activity, keep a small, easy-to-carry notebook handy to make it easier for you to jot down daily tasks
Step 2. Write down the main and supporting tasks
When you start creating a schedule, think of all activities as tasks. Anything you have to do can be recorded as a task. To make it easier to make the first schedule, write down all the daily tasks because you can edit these notes if needed.
If you have to cook every day and night, just take notes first
Step 3. Ask yourself what your daily activities are
What must you do to eat well? What do you have to do to get to work? What should you prepare to make sure your daughter is there to pick you up after school?
Maybe you've just realized how much support work there is to fulfill your primary responsibilities. The good news is that you can use a schedule to lighten tasks and set priorities
Step 4. Perform a to-do list analysis
If you're short on time, evaluate whether a particular task should be done. This way, you can define tasks that need to be completed more efficiently or delegated.
If the cooking task is very time-consuming, think about whether someone else is willing to help you cook. You can cook with friends or pay someone who provides catering services to make your job easier
Part 2 of 3: Making a Schedule
Step 1. Create a schedule using Microsoft Excel or another program
Use the leftmost column for “time” and the top row for “day of the week”.
Step 2. Match the task with the execution time
Start by writing down an activity that needs to be done at a certain time each day. Based on the results of the analysis of the tasks that you have done, write down certain tasks at a certain time that you think is the most appropriate in the schedule. Also set aside time to rest several times a day.
Step 3. Schedule activities that take more time
An interval of 1 hour is usually sufficient, but there are activities that take longer so you may need to block 90 minutes or even 2 hours. Don't forget to schedule tasks that can be completed in just 30 minutes. Do not make a schedule that is too tight by shortening the duration of activities.
Merge 2 cells to block longer time
Step 4. Create a flexible schedule
Estimating time requirements is not easy, so make a schedule that is easy to adjust if needed. Also take into account additional time to anticipate unexpected events.
Don't be trapped by the view that considers relaxation activities as a 'comfort zone'. Relaxation is not a luxury because this activity is as important as any other activity
Step 5. Print the schedule that you have prepared
Print out a few sheets of schedule and post them on the refrigerator door, in the bedroom, and in the bathroom. Activities that you consider important should be underlined or colored to make them easier to see.
Step 6. Use color as code
Use different colors as markers to separate activities by aspect of life. You can choose yellow for work activities, red for sports activities, blue for study schedules, and so on. This method helps you understand what your daily activity plan will look like just by looking at the schedule at a glance. If today's schedule is more blue, this means your activity will be more learning.
Part 3 of 3: Optimizing Schedule
Step 1. Watch your energy level in the morning
Critical thinking and creativity are usually strongest in the morning, but tend to diminish over time. If you feel most energized in the morning, schedule a morning activity that requires a lot of thinking, such as writing an article.
Creative activities are better for you to do at night, but you are free to determine the time. Try to make an effective schedule according to your activities and needs
Step 2. Watch your energy levels during the day
If your energy is highest during the day, this is a good time to do boring routine activities that don't require much thinking. Fill in your daytime schedule by making appointments, picking up kids from school, replying to emails, etc.
Step 3. Watch your energy level at night
Many people prefer to make plans and prepare for tomorrow at night. Tasks that you need to schedule, for example: preparing lunch, cleaning clothes, cleaning the house.
Step 4. Begin to form habits that can support the achievement of goals
Set aside 30 minutes/day to write a novel, tidy up the garage, or learn to garden. Doing what you want to achieve little by little will form good habits that are beneficial because this will work automatically. What you do regularly, for better or for worse, will eventually become a habit.
Step 5. Take advantage of the schedule by implementing it
What do you think after using the schedule? Have you scheduled the most appropriate time for a particular activity? Does anything need to be adjusted? Change the things that are not useful as needed. Don't wait until the weekend or the end of the month. Make small adjustments every day until you get to the schedule that works best for you. Usually, you need to change your schedule every month because the only sure thing in life is change.
Tips
- Non-routine activities don't need to be written on a schedule, unless you want to do them regularly at certain times each day. Instead, schedule these activities to have free time.
- If you miss an activity in your schedule, for example because you overslept, don't force yourself to do it. Do the next activity. You will be able to implement the schedule well in no time.
