A to Z Blog Challenge: P is for...

Planning

Everyone plans their work or other activities in a way that works for them. Whether it is a digital planner or a paper planner. Maybe even both. I prefer a paper planner.

Over the years I have adapted the Bullet Journal method to a style that works for me. No, I don't spend hours decorating the pages, because I need the space for planning everything.

When there is some space left at the end of the month, I will add stickers, washi tape, or stamps to decorate the space. I use a spread for a whole month. Then I can see everything at a single view. I draw a calendar, and a tracker. These are the only 'drawn' items.

I cannot add the individual activities of my work, there are simply too many, so I make a list of the highest level tasks that need to be done per job. I add my logbook (I need this for tax purposes), and then a list of everything else I have to do: pay tax, book a service for my car, etc.

How does it help with dealing with feeling overwhelmed?

Priorities. My work priorities are not in my control, but everything else is. By knowing my priorities, and the number of things I have going on, I can see what must be done by when, and what can be delayed by a day or two.

But I also plan to take breaks. Not hours, because I do take breaks during my workday, but days to relax and forget about my responsibilities. I do this as often as I can, and not when I have to. Something I learned the hard way!

And it is knowing my priorities and taking time off regularly, that has been the most useful to managing that near paralysing feeling of overwhelm.

There is no past tomorrow, so I will see you again on Monday!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé