Having established the importance of planning in general wellness and productivity, we want to dive into action. There are things or conditions that should be factored into a daily planning process so as to get the desired results and make the most of them. It’s not enough to plan, it is expedient to gather enough data and be well equipped with the rudiments of making an effective daily plan as well as the necessary data required for the set goal or objectives to be accomplished.
We will be considering few tips that can aid an effective daily planning habit.
1.) Visualize and clarify your goals for the day - Your mind is a powerful tool. you can work out in your mind whatever you desire to bring into reality. Every great achievement started in somebody’s mind. It’s important to engage your mind in your work. Remember every day is supposed to be a form of contribution to a bigger goal, so decide what you are doing for the day and line up your tasks to accomplish the set goals for the day. It is generally advised to plan your day the night of the previous day so that you can be more relaxed and not miss out on important details. List out your tasks on a to-do list, and be conscious of the fact that no day is existing in isolation especially when you have a project at hand and a time frame. so make your daily plans progressive such that the activities of today lead to the next and on and on. You can carry over an unaccomplished task to the next day. This gives your work a sense of purpose. It also trains your mind to be focused on the goal and has the ability to unlock creativity and innovation at work. You can scan through the whole day in your mind and pen down every detail, listing them in order of priority.
2)Group similar activities together - This process is called chunking, categorize the tasks on your list, and group similar tasks together. Allot a reasonable chunk of time to carry them out. This will make your work easier and the necessary data and information more accessible because some of the tasks in the same group could actually require similar data.
Be disciplined - Set time for each task and be disciplined to keep to it. In this digital age where almost every work has gone remote, this could be difficult, but let your goals be your motivation. it is also important to make your plans flexible such that there is time to attend to personal needs and unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that you stay focused on work and also enjoy your personal time. take your schedule very seriously.
Be intentional about sticking to your plans and do not also leave out time for yourself. Your physical and emotional well-being is equally important in your bid to be productive. Maintain that balance.
3)Set realistic time frames - We only have 24 hours in a day. Don’t be tempted to want to do more than you can in a day. Let your plan not have more tasks than the available hours of the day can cover. It is better to face 3-5 major tasks and deliver with excellence than to have a long list that you can hardly keep up with.
Observe regular checks - Set an alarm for the day. It could be hourly or within and after every task. just to keep yourself on track. When the alarm rings, take a break and evaluate your performance rate in the past hours and make amends where necessary. sincerely take necessary measures and precautions to maximize the remaining part of the day.
5)Be consistent - Planning can become a habit. Don’t just start to plan without making it a consistent habit. Repeat the process until it becomes almost impossible not to plan. In doing so you are developing a pattern and building a structure around your life which has the ability to positively influence more important aspects of your life.
It is popularly said that ‘he who fails to plan has planned to fail’ Planning is very expedient to lead a successful life. The ability to apply this concept in greater things starts with how well you have been able to practice something as simple and basic as a consistent daily plan. It will improve your overall productivity and wellness. It gives meaning and structure to your life.
Very wise advice, especially the one about grouping similar tasks, it helps to save time, even some can be done simultaneously.