Everything that matters in life deserves a certain amount of planning. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can prove wasteful and confusing without the foresight and planning that go into a grocery list. It is difficult to get all of the necessary items, or to avoid unnecessary purchases when wandering the aisles of the grocery store without a clear plan of what should be placed in the cart.

It is not necessary or desirable to plan everything in life. It is good to have spontaneity and surprise in elements that are not essential to progress and personal well-being. For many aspects of life, even those as simple as purchasing the items needed to feed our families, a certain amount of planning can be of great benefit and can eliminate unnecessary stress that comes from inadequate preparation. For tasks and processes that do require preparation in life, however, there are a few helpful tips that can make planning useful and effective.

Planning Time
In order to keep planning on track, it is beneficial to set aside a certain time of the day that is regularly used for planning. This time does not have to take a very long time, nor does it have to be complicated. Whether it is by using a planner with software on a computer, or taking a pen to a small piece of paper, a simple ten or fifteen minutes is commonly enough to layout the important tasks of the following day in a way that will lead to effectiveness and efficiency.

Many people find it best to plan for the next day just before bedtime, when any incomplete tasks of the day are noted and new tasks that become necessary are identified. Taking ten or fifteen minutes before heading to bed is a great way to put any concerns about the coming day to rest by knowing the best way to approach the coming day without delay when it comes. This helps to eliminate worries and racing thoughts that prevent restful sleep and makes for a great start to a new day.

Organizing and Prioritizing
When sitting down to do planning it is helpful to select 3 to 5 main priorities that should be accomplished in the day to come. Additional tasks are helpful to identify as well, but a handful of main objectives are a good start to direction and priority for the coming day.
 
It is not necessary to fill every minute of the day with penciled in duties. It is good to leave a few empty spaces for unexpected surprises and changes of plan that come up without warning. What actually happens in a day is frequently different than what is expected to happen. Allowing some time for surprises makes more sense than following a second-to-second pencil trail agenda.

Allowing for a Plan “B”
In addition to the three to five main priorities, a side list of desirable, but not essential tasks can also be useful. Identify as many tasks that would be beneficial to accomplish, but not absolutely vital to get done on the coming day. There are times when for whatever reason, priority tasks will be put off or cancelled. When this happens, your desirable task list can help to rapidly switch from a great plan “A” to an equally effective plan “B.”

Carry Over
While it would be nice to complete all of the tasks on a “to do” list every day, this simply is not always possible. It should not be considered a reason to fret when some tasks go unfulfilled. While it is important to use time wisely and to accomplish all that can be reasonably done in a day, there is always the option of carrying tasks that have not been completed over to the next day. The idea is to make progress toward your goals not to abuse yourself. Continue this process daily, making the tasks that have not accomplished priorities for the coming day.

Consistency
Make planning an integral part of your day. Though it may not come naturally at first, repeating the process daily will eventually make it a habit…a good, stress relieving habit. Use this time to set leave your worries on paper so they do not follow you to bed. Put your pen down when you feel a solid plan “A” and a tentative plan “B” can be easily negotiated. Finally you can rest peacefully through the night, knowing that the coming day will be productive and efficient. When you get that shopping list done before you head to the store, it is always easier to get exactly what you need. 

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