I have several calendars. And I use them all. Sort of.
I try to write most appointments and reminders on a (very ugly) calendar hanging on my kitchen wall. I also use the iCal app that came loaded on my iPad. If I think of it. When I do happen to add events to my iPad, and I remember to sync it to iTunes, and I take the time to hook up and sync my iPod, and I toss my iPod into my purse.....then I can have my calendar with me all the time. Cool, huh?
But......(you knew that was coming, didn't you?) I don't always write everything down on the kitchen wall. I usually forget to put things into my iPad. I rarely sync to my iPod. Oh, and did I mention that I'm not consistent with looking at all those calendars I use?
I've got issues.
I need a system, preferably one that works. Here's my new plan:
- Abandon my do-it-later philosophy and adopt a do-it-now practice instead. As soon as I read a note, open an email invitation, or hear about a church event, I need to write it down, even if I'm not sure we'll attend. And appointments should always be noted. Now. Not later.
- Use both an electronic and a paper calendar. I need to make a habit of adding appointments and events to my iPad and my paper wall calendar at the same time. It can't possibly take more than twenty seconds.
- Regularly update and sync all calendars. Every weekend I need to take a few minutes to sit down and make sure my paper and electronic formats match up. Then I need to sync my iPad and iPod so they're ready to be used efficiently.
- Use a weekly calendar to stay on top of things. When I do my update and sync on the weekends, I also need to prepare a weekly calendar that I'm sure to see and use every day. I just started using a free printable weekly calendar from my new favorite blog. I love it. LOVE. IT. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to subscribe to JDC Monthly so I will always have beautiful calendars and tools to keep me motivated.
These simple steps will help me create {a better} ordinary for my family.
How about you? How do you manage your calendars?
Branding Company
October 1, 2011 - 9:09 am
Thank you for admitting and posting this. I totally could have written this article – word for word. You have a new strategy and I am sure the discipline to pull it off. I’m committed too.
Cheers, Dawn
October 1, 2011 - 1:04 pm
I recently revamped my planning system and calendar. I love MoneySavingMom.com and she has been sharing weekly goals. So, I started doing this too. I feel like I am finally getting things done. I had these ideas in my head of things I wanted to do, but it stayed there, in my head! lol…
Great ideas! Thanks!
October 1, 2011 - 1:29 pm
Dawn,
Thanks for the encouragement. It’s nice to know I’m not alone!
October 1, 2011 - 1:35 pm
Ashely,
I’ve also enjoyed reading MoneySavingMom’s weekly goals posts. I need to do better with setting goals. I have a lot of things rattling around in my head, too!
October 1, 2011 - 6:27 pm
I am so have a few calendars and it seems like I always forgetting to update at least one of them! I prefer a paper calendar but the one in my phone is so convenient. The problem is if I forget to set an alarm I forget to look at it- not a good thing! It’s really a daily struggle. Looking forward to reading your posts this month!
October 7, 2011 - 8:05 pm
I thought I was the only one who did this! I use Cosi on my android, but don’t check it often enough to really know where I’m supposed to be and when. In an effort to keep from having multiple calendars I often fail to write anything on a paper calendar. Needless to say, there are days when I’m relying on my brain alone to tell me where I need to be and what time! One day my lack of good system is going to bite me hard.
June 18, 2012 - 9:16 am
Just wanted to pipe in and say your syncing issues can all be solved by using Google calendar! You can have your web version that can automatically stay in sync with your iPad and iPod. SOOOO easy!!! In fact, you’ve inspired me to write a how-to blog post about it
I love this method, because you put it in once and it’s done. And with Google calendar, you can even use texting to add appointments. I’ll put that in my tutorial too…. 
LOVE this series!!!