How to Organise Your Life - A Step-by-Step Guide
Reclaim your time and transform your life—it's not just a pipe dream. I've been in your shoes, feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, and I can show you how to make a positive change. Here's a quick snapshot of a workshop I recently conducted at CoreLogic Australia. Read on to learn from my personal journey!
Feeling the weight of life's demands and constantly struggling to find time for the things that truly matter is very stressful. You're not alone in this daily battle. The key to a more fulfilling life lies in organisation and a bit of self-discipline —it all starts with your digital calendar, a powerful tool that can revolutionise your time management and enhance your well-being.
Unlock Your Wellness Superpower: The Benefits of Organisation
Organising your life isn't just about efficiency; it's a key to reducing stress, boosting productivity, and enhancing well-being. It's about showing up as your best self in whatever setting that may be - work, home, social. By taking charge of your schedule, you can clear your mind, avoid decision fatigue, and make room for what truly nourishes your soul. This method has transformed my life, and I'm certain it can do the same for you.
I used to have pages of To-Do lists which was a constant source of stress. Here's how I used the power of a digital calendar to change that.
Mastering Your Digital Calendar: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Define Your Non-Negotiables:
Start with all the things outside of work. What activities are essential for you to operate at your highest level? Think beyond work tasks and consider your beliefs and values. Some of those things may include:
Exercise: Schedule specific workouts, walks, or yoga sessions, whatever you enjoy
Healthy Meals: Block off time for meal prep, food shopping, and mindful eating.
Sleep: Set consistent sleep and wake times, ensuring 7-8 hours of restorative rest.
Time in Nature: Plan walks in nature or simply sitting in the sunshine.
Social Connection: Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and family.
Self-Care: Block off time for reading, meditation, hobbies, or anything that rejuvenates you.
2. Create Your Ideal Week:
Block out time for each non-negotiable activity in your digital calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.). Use the list above to prompt you. This visual representation of your ideal week is a blueprint for how you want to spend your time outside of work. Having included all these things makes us better people to work with when we show up to work. Include "all the things" you need to run optimally too, the niggly things you have to get done like pick up kids, take the car for a service, book a haircut—instead of putting on your to-do list where it can be put off or forgotten (perhaps not the kids!) put a time in your calendar for when you will get-it-done and take it off your mind.
3. Time Blocking for Tasks:
Break down your work and personal tasks into smaller chunks and assign them specific time slots in your calendar. This practical approach eliminates the overwhelming burden of a long to-do list and ensures that each task gets dedicated focus. For example, it's coming to the end of the financial year, and tax returns need attention. Blocking out time in your calendar to make that happen gives you a sense of control over your life and takes it off your mind, freeing up space for creativity and energy.
4. Embrace Flexibility:
Life can be unpredictable, so be flexible with your schedule. Consider creating an "Ideal Calendar" in Google to overlay with your regular one, allowing for unexpected events. Here are some tips:
Be Realistic: Don't overschedule your Ideal Calendar. Leave some buffer time for breaks and unexpected events.
Regularly Review and Adjust: As your priorities and commitments change, update your Ideal Calendar accordingly.
Use Colour Coding: Differentiate between your Ideal Calendar and regular calendar using different colours for easy visualisation. I also use icons to make it look interesting!
5. Protect Your Non-Negotiables:
Treat your scheduled wellness activities as sacred appointments. Avoid overbooking yourself, and learn to say no to requests that conflict with your priorities. If you want to focus on more energy, say no to the Friday night drinks and late dinner that set you up for feeling tired for the rest of the weekend. Instead, consider blocking out time on a Sunday morning to catch up with friends and family in a way that serves your energy, like walking in nature and having a healthy brunch.
Example: Your Ideal Week
For all the things listed below, mark an actual time in your calendar to do them. That way, when you look at your calendar, you see where you fit in the self-care activities that you value and that make you feel vibrant and like you are getting that work-life balance—they all have a place. It's a far better way of operating than winging it and hoping you will have enough time (spoiler alert, you never will unless it's scheduled!).
Monday: Morning workout, focused work block, afternoon walk in the park, family dinner.
Tuesday: Morning meditation, work meetings, lunch break with a friend, evening yoga class.
Wednesday: Early morning run, dedicated work time, relaxing evening with a book.
Thursday: Team meeting, client calls, afternoon walk with a colleague, family game night.
Friday: Focused work block, lunch break for errands, early finish for weekend activities.
Weekend: Relaxation, quality time with loved ones, outdoor adventures, hobbies, and self-care, meal prep for the week.
The Benefits of Organised Living
When I began incorporating these strategies, instead of my to-do list running me, I regained control over my life and experienced:
Reduced Stress: Knowing your priorities are scheduled provides peace of mind.
Increased Productivity: Time blocking eliminates distractions and allows for focused work.
Improved Well-being: Regularly engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul enhances overall health and happiness.
Better Work-Life Balance: Protecting time for personal priorities ensures you're not sacrificing your well-being for work.
Greater Career Success: A calmer, more focused you is a more effective and successful professional.
Take Control of Your Time, Transform Your Life
Remember, your time is your most valuable asset. By embracing organisation and prioritising your well-being, you'll create a life that's not just busy, but truly fulfilling.
Ready to unlock your full potential? Contact Wiser & Well today for personalised coaching, workshops and support. We'll help you create a system that works for you so that you can experience the joy and freedom of a well-organised life.