by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
While brainstorming ideas for this column there was a request ... what are the calendar must-haves for a new year?
As I surveyed what my must-haves are, I wondered what others would put on their list.
For example:
My Family Calendar:
- highlighters
- colored pens
- post-it notes
- tape
- pegs on the wall
My Business Calendar:
- smart phone
- access to Google Calendar
- streamlined task reminders
- room for notes
And, yes. I have two types of calendars.
Let me explain:
I've always based calendar systems first on "where I need to be", then on "where everyone else needs to be".
The family calendar is an inexpensive desk calendar that I hang on the wall. It records pertinent things for others in the household {Dad's shift schedule, Dr. appointments, business travel plans, athletic tournaments}. The purpose of this calendar is to keep the lines of communication open. If Pipsqueak wants to know how the upcoming weekend would work for a sleepover, the calendar can provide where the parents are.
My business calendar is formatted through the Google Calendar platform. It's my tool of choice for a few reasons ~ I can access it anywhere I can get an internet connection, I can set up calendars for each family member, I always have it with me on my smart phone & finally {most importantly} it has an easy reminder interface.
Having two calendars can be difficult for a lot of people, although in my life it has been a safety net.
Where I need to be:
When a new commitment enters my life, I first ask "do I need to be there?".
For example:
Hubby's shift schedule. No, I don't need to be at work with him, however, I do need to know he is on shift and I'm in charge of transporting kiddos that day. So, while I note on the family calendar his commitment to work, I also note on the electronic calendar that he is unavailable that day.
On the other hand, when the Pipsqueak walks in with a practice schedule I survey the days I'll be on chauffeur duty ~ make necessary notes in my calendar and then post his responsibilities on the family calendar.
Where everyone else needs to be:
By posting on the family calendar his schedule this gives me the information I'll need to schedule things like doctor appointments or trips to see extended family.
Yes, it would be so much easier if I could bring everyone to the electronic world I live in. And I have created calendars for each of them in the Google platform. But it's important to note, I've created a system that works for me, now I also have to function in a system that works for them.
Making the time to manage the family calendar {highlighting shift days, marking recycle days with an orange pen} is critical to the communication and flow of our rhythm, but it has literally taken years of tweaking to get it down. That said, every once in awhile there is yet another thing that needs a slight tweak.
Here's my question to you:
What is working in your calendar system?
What needs a slight adjustment?
How do you keep the lines of communication open with those you spend your days with?
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
***
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
