Podcast Episode 113 — My Favorite Essential Tools to Keep Your Life Organized
For best results, use some combination of them.
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Today I want to talk about my four favorite essential tools to keep your life organized.
Maintaining an organized life is easy, but sometimes getting started can seem monumental. You will need some tools to help you out, and it will take time to set them up and get used to them. It’s worth it in the end.
Here are my favorites:
Paper Planner
Although almost everything is done digitally these days, a paper planner can still be in your organizational toolbox. There are a zillion (yes, that’s a technical number) options to choose from. Picking one that works for you might take longer than setting it up!
Paper planners are great because writing things down can help cement the events or items in your mind. I use my paper planner daily, and even though gel pens are cute and fun, I only use pencils. Things in my life change too quickly, and I’m usually erasing something at least once daily. But if you want to go the pen, sticker, and washi tape route, have at it. If it makes it more fun for you and will keep you using your planner, I’m all for it. Find a planner and accessories that work for you and your lifestyle.
Online Calendar
My online calendar is essential to me too. Instead of dragging my paper planner everywhere, I have my calendar on my phone. This makes it super easy to make appointments and check my upcoming obligations when I’m out. Google Calendar and iCal are good choices to start with, although if you have another system that’s been recommended to you, give it a try.
I love that I can set alerts and reminders on my digital calendar. I also love that I can color-code things. I have one color for my personal appointments and activities, another for my business appointments and work schedule, a third for my husband’s appointments and events, and a fourth for my son’s activities. I can tell at a glance who is doing what and when they’re doing it. And, because I’m a self-proclaimed calendar geek, I also have additional color-coded calendars for vacations, meals (I plan my meals weekly), my workout/gym schedule…
