001: How to create a schedule that fits you (and your business)
Hei, and welcome to my first official episode! The three first episodes are going to be very how-to oriented, so that you get the basics down on how you can manage your tasks and your time in a way that works for you.
In this episode I’ll show you how you can create a schedule that fits you and your life. I wanted to talk about this in the first episode, because it’s so hard to move through your week in an intentional way, if you’re solely relying on a to do list but don’t have structure in your week.
If you are worried that a schedule will make life too boring or rigid, I would love to encourage you to still try one out.
Productivity Ecosystem summary
Check out current free resources
Grab a screenshot of the episode and share/say Hei on Instagram
Want to leave me a note? You can do that here.
It can be hard to move through your week in an intentional, productive way if you’re solely relying on a to-do list and don’t have a structure in your week.
The good news:
You can create a personalized schedule that fits your lifestyle and helps you navigate through your business tasks and activities with intention.
The benefits of a schedule for your workweek
A schedule is not about micromanaging every minute of your day; it's about having a general outline that allows you to plan your tasks efficiently while considering other aspects of your life beyond just getting things done. A structured schedule provides flexibility and freedom, and allows you to adapt to unexpected events.
The best benefit I can think of is the amount of mental capacity that’s freed up when you are organized – because your brain doesn’t have to solve the “when do we do the things?” problem 24/7.
Creating a schedule tailored to your needs
If you feel like your schedule is a mess, or like you’re just not the kind of person who can stick to a schedule, YOU are not the problem!
This is more likely to happen if the schedule doesn’t support your needs or align with the best way you get work done. But you can redefine and refine your schedule to make it work for you.
Let's delve into the step-by-step process of creating a personalized schedule:
Step 1: Roughly outline your week
Begin by visualizing your week on paper or using a digital spreadsheet. Divide each day into columns and write the hours you are typically awake on the left side. This outline helps you visualize the available time slots and plan accordingly.
Step 2: Prioritize mealtimes
Start by blocking out time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including additional time for meal preparation. Since meals are essential for nourishment and fueling your productivity, they should form the foundation of your schedule. (It’s not just me who things food is a priority, right?)
Step 3: Account for regular commitments
Identify recurring obligations, such as appointments, classes, or picking up children from school. If you have fixed work hours as an employee, block off that time.
Step 4: Allocate free time
Block out time for non-work activities, self-care, relaxation, socializing, household chores, errands, or other personal responsibilities. Prioritizing this time prevents overworking and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Consider giving specific blocks of time a name or theme to make it easier to remember – or to just make it more fun.
Step 5: Plan work and/or creative time
Once you have scheduled your meals, regular commitments, and free time, assess the remaining blocks for dedicated work or creative tasks. Take note of your energy levels throughout the day and identify when you're most energetic or prone to sluggishness. Allocate high-focus work during peak energy periods and lighter tasks or meetings during energy slumps. You could also consider assigning certain types of work to specific days to establish a predictable routine.
Stay flexible and experiment
Your schedule doesn’t need to be set in stone. It can serve as a tool or framework that can be adjusted and adapted as needed. Life is always evolving, the seasons change, and unforeseen circumstances may require modifications to your schedule. Embrace flexibility and experimentation; it’s always easier to make adjustments than to start from scratch every day.
By following these steps, you can create a personalized schedule that supports your productivity and fits around your unique needs and preferences. Remember that your schedule should provide structure without feeling overly rigid, allowing room for spontaneity and enjoyment. With your newly designed schedule, you'll be better equipped to manage your time, achieve your goals, and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.