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The Art of Making Plans

Some people live by their "to do" lists and others (like me) get confused by them. Sometimes your "to do" list is in a notebook and sometimes you're brainstorming in Word. When you're feeling super organized you put your "Tasks" in Outlook.

We constantly plan our time with the expected, as well as the unexpected. Life dictates our days with work, deadlines, bills, children, friends, laundry, groceries, packing, unpacking, taxes, errands... Feeling stressed already?

Okay, fine. If we absolutely must be on top of all things at all times, how about we tilt the planning practice in our favor? While we are busy scheduling what we have to do, why don't we schedule activities that give us more of what we need? Why don't we treat those personal "to do" items with the same urgency as our weekly meeting with our boss?

Considering making some changes to your daily rut, uh, I mean routine? Think you don't have enough time? Think again and while you are thinking "outside the box," try these tips on for size:

1. Plan Your Day the Day Before

Before you leave work, prioritize your "to do" list for the next day. Before you go to sleep, plan the non-work portion of your day. Get it on paper, free up your mind up for happier thoughts and start your day running!

2. Think Intentions Rather than Must Dos

Take the pressure off by dropping "have to" and "should" from your plans. In the Health Magazine article "Destiny by Design," life coach Wendy Wein says to "turn your [to do list] into a list of intentions, things you have in mind to do." This eases the pressure and keeps you flexible for the less than expected.

3. Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

The best use of your lunch break may vary from one day to the next. It might be the perfect time for you to take a walk with a co-worker or spend some time by yourself. On the other hand, spending that time making phone calls, paying bills or running errands might free up more time for later while clearing those nagging "to do" items off your plate. If you don't work in an office, you should still take a lunch break. Get out of the house and be with the people! The most important thing is to take a break. You will feel more focused for that 3 o'clock slump.

4. Use Your Five Senses

My last therapist gave me this one. It is a good way to anchor yourself in the present and take a quick time out. Run through your senses and name three things you hear, smell, taste, touch or see. It only takes a minute or less and gives you a great

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