A while back, I mentioned my 'to-do' planner and promised to do a post on it. I had intended to get this post done sooner than later, but later is better than not at all!
Here you go, my 'to-do' planner!
What you will need is a blank planner. This one came from Hobby Lobby and cost $14.99. I like the vertical layout for the purposes of this planner, but that's just my preference.
I skipped ahead to a section that I hadn't filled out except for the basics to show you how I create my 'to-do' planner.
Notice on Monday, I have six things listed that I wrote out and drew a little box in front of. This is what I strive to do every day for me. I start my day feeding my soul spiritually and then throughout the day work in my exercises and water (at least 4 bottles). As I finish each item, I put a red 'x' in the box in front of the item.
Next, comes more little boxes with things I need to do that day that have nothing to do with my personal self-care. Examples might be, an appointment somewhere, I would write it down and put a box in front of it. Other examples might be laundry or pay bills or write a blog post or clean bathrooms, preserve something for my pantry, send a card to someone, work on a specific project, etc. Again, when the thing is completed, I mark it done with a red 'x.'
Do you see the Christmas sticker on the 25th, that's my reminder to do something Christmas related that will move me toward being prepared for Christmas 2024. There is a Christmas sticker on the 25th of each month.
At the bottom of the page, you will see where I've written the word 'meal.' That's where I write the menu for our main meal of the day. I typically meal plan a week at a time which makes it easy to look ahead and see what prep work is needed.
I call my planner a 'to-do' planner, because it is my daily 'to-do' list. Do I always get everything done that I've listed on each day, absolutely not ... and that's okay! My 'to-do' planner is my guide for the day, not something to get stressed about if I don't get all the boxes checked.
When do I fill out my 'to-do' planner? The meal planning is done over the weekend or first thing Monday morning. The daily listings are done first thing in the morning of the day, or the evening before.
My 'to-do' planner is heavily used, it helps me get things done and prioritizes the most important things.
I hope you've enjoyed seeing how I create and use my 'to-do' planner. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
until next time,
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
Sharing 44 years' experience of frugal, prudent living and pantry building
My second blog: From This Heart of Mine, where I share my love for God and His Word through my personal Bibe study. Physical preparedness is important, but not near as important as spiritual preparedness. Ladies, join me over at From This Heart of Mine and study God's Word with me.
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I am using your sticker on the 25th idea for Christmas. I think it's a great idea to lessen the $ I would spend in November for Christmas gifts as well as using ideas I pick up all year long when my family expresses an interest in something. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteEllen, that's why I do it, besides I think it's fun!
DeleteLove the idea of using my daily planner for "to-do" planning, as well. I relied on my Day-Runner when I was working full time, but have gotten away from it since retiring. I think I'll pull it out and start listing my to-do's instead of meetings and deadlines. A Santa sticker will go on the 25th, too, as a reminder for advance planning. I menu-plan all 3 meals, so will need to ponder how I can work that into my Day-Runner.
ReplyDeleteLori, you will figure out a way to get all 3 meals on there, I have confidence in you!
DeleteLOVE this, Patsy. I've never used a planner before, but?? I do use spiral or composition notebooks for planning out things like garden, home projects, crafting, expenses, etc. Plan to get some of those at Dollar General, but they sell planners, too. :-) Like Ellen, I love the reminder to plan all year for Christmas, although our Christmas list has dwindled significantly.
ReplyDeleteI journal every day in conjunction with daily devotions. Have done so for years. In 2024 I feel motivated to develop other, similar habits in my everyday life. I was that artsy, slightly disheveled kid who made Barbie furniture and clothes out of boxes and scraps of things. True organization has only come 'round since my hair went white. LOL! --Elise
Elsie, our Christmas list has dwindled over the years too, I think that naturally comes with age. At any rate it's still really nice to arrive in November and be all prepared or so close to it that it can be finished with little effort.
DeleteI made Barbie furniture out of boxes too!
What a fabulous idea, Patsi! I love it! I'm going to go dig out my poor, neglected planner and put it to good use!
ReplyDelete