Using a calendar can optimize your work flow and allow you to reach unimaginable levels in productivity. There are many calendar apps, and many different techniques to make your own. This article will show the basics, and get you set up to embark on a new way of life.
Before we begin, the first thing we need to do is find the best calendar software. There exist Microsoft outlook calendar, apple calendar, fantastical, and numerous other third-party applications. The kind however, is Google Calendar. It is free, easy to set up and use, and connects syncs with almost all other types of calendar applications. What’s more? It features a variety of features through the workspace marketplace that can be used to our advantage.
Now that you have gotten the software, you can begin to follow the steps provided to customize the calendar to boost your efficiency.
List the fixed events
A brand new blank calendar call for fixed events to be filled first. these are events such as classes, work, volunteering, or other unavoidable tasks you perform routinely. As with anything, most people work best with breaks, so be sure to give yourself time to relax between sessions. Creating blocks of work and rest is the ideal if your situation allows for it. Even a small 10 minute breaks after a period of work will boost your productivity. Fixed breaks would allow you to focus on work during work time and better prevent you from interrupting a session for tasks like filling up water and using the restroom. Be sure to “fix” as many events as possible since this enables you to best utilize the time you have.
Fix other events
Next is the events that occur irregularly. This might be a doctors visit, or something that you want to be do spontaneously. Having your fixed schedule laid out in front of you makes this part easy and hassle free. There is no need to crowd your writing while making a schedule. Using the notes feature, you can easily add details for the items that you add. For example, maybe you want to study certain topics a certain day, all you have to do is list the specific tasks you want to complete over the allocated time. Adding a link to the task, such as a paper you need to read, is also helpful to streamline your work. All that is left is to actually show up.
Sync other apps
This one is a game changer. Utilize the google workspace marketplace. For example, if you have a lot of zoom meetings scheduled and cannot be bothered to add in, by hand, every single link, download zoom from the google market place and give the calendar permission to add zoom. What this will do is sync the meeting reminders, with links to the meetings attached, all to your google calendar.
Give yourself some slack around the events
Unexpected delays can never be fully accounted for. So it is best to take precaution when possible. Giving yourself an hour around events for general tasks like commuting, preparing, or even relaxing, is a good habit. This allows you time to calmly begin and end each block without, and less time worrying about the next block.
Make the schedule in advance
Another great rule to follow is to make the schedule in advance. This lets you plan over, potentially, multiple days. There lie many problems making the schedule on-the-fly. For one, you will be prone to adding too much each day, not allowing for a longer period of time to complete quality work. It is much easier to sit calmy the day, or even week before, and ration each hour – giving you a wider view.
Do not obsess
That being said, do not obsess over missed or incomplete work. It is not a healthy habit to obsess over every missed work session, especially if you had an emergency. That being said, it is also not a good idea to make a schedule and not follow it. Avoid the extremes, follow it religiously and rationally.