GON Reader Question
Can't Seem to Keep My Schedule Straight
Hi Maria,
I work a full time job that requires me to make appointments with clients, plus I have school age kids, and volunteer events.
I've never been good with calendars and I really can't seem to keep my schedule straight. I have a calendar for work and another for home. Just this week, I was late for a client appointment because I missed the fact that I had one scheduled, even though it was on one of my calendars.
Plus, I inadvertently double booked volunteer hours during the time I was supposed to be at a school sporting event with one of my sons.
This is not a new thing. I just can't seem to get a handle on
everything I have going on. Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Kendra Lopez in New Jersey
Response from Maria
Hi Kendra,
It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, juggling a full-time job, school-age kids, and volunteer commitments. Keeping track of everything can be challenging, but there are
some strategies you can try to better manage your schedule.
1. Use a Digital Calendar: It sounds like you may be using a paper calendar. If so, consider using a digital calendar app on your phone. While paper calendars work for many people, a digital calendar can be set up with audible and haptic reminders and
notifications, reducing the chances of missing them.
2. Use ONE Calendar: It's very easy to double-book when you use two calendars. While I usually promote keeping home and work stuff separate, that's not the case when it comes to calendars. I schedule my home and work events and activities on ONE calendar. This way,
it's nearly impossible to overbook.
3. Look at Your Calendar the Day Before: If you look at your calendar the previous day (at the same exact time each day) and focus on what's happening tomorrow, you'll be better prepared for what's on the schedule.
Finally, if you're feeling super stressed and overwhelmed, you may have to look at the types of activities on your schedule and reassess what you realistically can and cannot do.
For instance, your full-time job is likely high-priority as well as taking care of your kids. Volunteering may have to be put on the backburner until your kids are a bit older. Alternately, consider only volunteering on a day when you don't have to work or go to child-related events, like a Sunday afternoon.
Hope this helps a bit.
