Happy Wednesday, ya'll! I don't know if it's where Mars shifted into Capricorn on Sunday morning but ever since Saturday, I have been tackling my to-do list like a champ! Cleaning, creating blog content, de-cluttering files, planning projects--motivation has come so much easier which frankly is a nice change of pace.
As I sit here with a hot cup of tea, a load of laundry washing, and a freshly cleaned apartment, I thought I'd share with y'all the methods I use to be productive which includes both magickal and mundane tools and tricks.
As I realized how much I love talking about this subject, and how absurdly long my original post was, I decided to make this into a series, so this post will serve as an introductory, beginning with what productivity means to me and what my planner system is since it really is the foundation of it all. Without my planning system, I'd probably end up wasting energy on certain tasks and forgetting about others. This can be especially true when it comes to projects as I would end up struggling to complete everything all at once instead of tackling it little by little. College definitely helped highlight my issue with procrastination!
Before I begin, I do want to explicitly state that I am not sponsored or affiliated with anyone I link to below. I simply found their tools and systems beneficial and believe that credit ought to be given where it's due. I don't utilize just one method but instead pulled from many and tweaked them to work for me. I think that's where many go wrong whenever they come across methods for productivity--they take it straight from the other person, forgetting it may need to be tweaked to work for them.
Please also note that any links will be AFTER the post so be sure to check them out as they are wonderful resources and you may find that their system works better for you than mine.
Now I know this topic seems so out there for a blog that is based around witchcraft and spiritual practices but I want my blog to be a place for personal and spiritual fulfillment, for tools and methods that allow us to live our best magickal lives, and assist us in embodying our truth and authenticity. Productivity and time management bleeds into every facet of that.
How many times have you wanted to cast that spell or do that ritual but can’t find the time? Maybe you want to go for a walk in nature but you have too much work to do? Meditation, cleaning, journaling, hobbies…we seem to never have enough time for it all when we actually have time for all that we want to accomplish, if we manage our time effectively. After years of trading either my magickal life for my mundane life or the other way around, I realized that what I really needed was a way to find balance. A way to create my days to reflect what mattered to me while still doing everything else that I had to do—like washing dishes and commutes.
This probably will be a longer post than I usually write but that’s simply because I want to offer you suggestions that you can look more into so you too can shift your energy and be productive, not busy. So, if this is a bit too mundane for you, that’s alright. There is more magick to come later.
For now, though, let’s take a look into how I plan my month, my week, and my day. Then I’ll show you were I pulled these principles from (with links!) so you can go check out anything that seems to catch your fancy! Sound good? Let’s go then!
"We don't manage time, we manage activities within time." --Bernard Kelvin Cline
Before we begin delving into my perhaps crazy planning system, let's take a look at what productivity means and why time management is so important.
According to Merriam-Webster, being productive means (3a) yielding results, benefits, or profits. Essentially it's actually accomplishing our goals and tasks.
When we're busy, we spend a lot of time and energy on either 1) tasks that aren't important or 2) don't yield results.
Effectively managing our time allows us to get more done in a shorter span of time, thereby allowing for either more free time or time to work on other projects. We don't want to spin our wheels and waste time on tasks that aren't a priority which is why priorities are a huge factor in planning and time management.
Today I want to spend time delving into my planner system but check back tomorrow for a blog post on my time management methods and and tricks.
"Productivity is never an accident. It's the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." --Paul Meyer
My Planner System
When I plan, I specifically set aside time to do that which can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether it's for the entire month or the week. I make it a priority because I don't want to be rushed, can give it my full attention, and if I'm being honest, I like decorating my planner with stickers and washing tape. Is that a waste of time? Depending on your perspective, definitely, but for me, no. This also serves as time for me to be creative and have fun--allowing my inner child to play. We need that in our lives too, after all. It cannot be all work and seriousness all the time! That freedom to play and get creative was why I loved Bullet Journaling as I would draw, color, and allow it to be a time to de-stress.
I don't use a Bullet Journal right now because I actually spent too much time being creative and making it pretty. So instead I use a paper/digital planner system though I actually have two paper planners but I'll explain the second one later since it's something entirely optional and probably weird.
Before I can begin telling you how I plan my days, I have to define what I mean when I say "negotiable" and "non-negotiable" as you'll see those words in a moment. Negotiable are tasks that aren't a priority and can be done whenever I have time, like checking emails. If I have to push them to another day, it's not going to cause me much distress or annoyance. Non-negotiables are priorities and cannot be moved to different times (except in dire circumstances). These would be like doctor appointments and content creation times. If I get nothing else accomplished that day, I will get those done.
"You get to decide where your time goes. You can either spend it moving forward, or you can spend it putting out fires. You decide. If you don't decide, others will decide for you." --Tony Morgan
My Digital Calendar
There are people who do have digital planners which seem interesting and a great way to save paper but I personally need paper. I need to check stuff off the list physically...it's the biggest sense of satisfaction for me. So, instead of those, I utilize Google Calendar which is a free tool--all you need is a Google account! This is where I track appointments, due dates, bills, meetings, and anything I MUST get done. Remember those non-negotiable?
Since it's digital, I can access it from my computer, tablet, or phone. If you're worried about forgetting to check it, because I was when I first started using it, you can set reminders and notifications which help ensure you see it. I have it set on my iPhone as a widget so if I swipe all the way to the left, I'll see my calendar events.
Setting appointments is self-explanatory as they aren't things I can push off. I have to show up and be there. So instead I want to take a moment to focus on filling out my non-negotiables which do also get created like an appointment.
The first thing I have to do is estimate how long do I expect it'll take me to accomplish something. If I'm working on my new moon workbook, for example, and need type it up, I know it'll take anywhere from an hour to two, depending on whether I've already created an outline of what I'm including, how I want it arranged, etc.. Keeping with the example, I'd find the day I want to work on it and create an appointment that last for two hours. Done. I now have to show up for it because it's an appointment. (Definitely a mindset thing but it works for me.)
I had to get stern with myself about this since I've struggled in the past with writing something down in my planner then whenever something would come up, instead of working that around my schedule, I would completely flip my schedule upside down to accommodate them. This led to me pushing my tasks and projects to the side until I was left scrambling to complete them on time.
So, if I have a friend phone me, wanting to meet for coffee, I will pull up my calendar and see what I have scheduled for that day. If I have an appointment from 8-10 am and another at 2-5pm, I'll ask if she's free between 10:30 and 1:30 (that way I have time to get where I need to be) or after 5. If not, we'll find another day. The only way I move my appointments is if there is either an emergency or something came up on the other person's end as I cannot control that.
Utilizing my Google Calendar in this way allows me to have control over my day and set boundaries. It allows me the confidence to stand firm in my priorities as it changes the way I view them. They aren't just tasks but appointments, after all.
I originally got this idea from Amy Landino, who was discussing her Calendar Blocking Method on Youtube, which was brilliant as I did manage to accomplish EVERYTHING on my list, however not in the order I would put it. That may seem trivial but something about that seemed frustrating to me as I would still find myself pushing my stuff aside to accommodate others. And when I say accommodate, I mean always choosing to help with their stuff instead of doing my own. It was a lack of boundaries. I don't mind helping others if they need it but I wasn't allowing myself to become anything more than a second thought.
This method allows me to make myself and my tasks a priority.
Using a digital calendar or planner like this requires commitment and a promise to yourself that if you see it there, you'll show up...even when you don't feel like it. You can create all the events and appointments in the world but if you're unwilling to honor them, it isn't going to serve you any good. Sometimes, we have to create boundaries for ourselves as well.
"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." --Stephen R. Covey
My Primary Paper Planner
My paper planner is actually a really cute planner I picked up at Target from Create & Cultivate, however you could honestly just use a composition book as more often than not, the dates aren't even that important. I like choosing a book that resonates with me, that I find pretty, as I'm more likely to actually use it and carry it around with me. I had a bad habit in the past of grabbing sticky notes or scrap sheets of paper to make quick task lists, only to misplace or lose them. Sometimes I forgot to even look at them, even though they were right there!!
I would suggest using a smaller book so you can carry it with you easier (mine is small enough to fit inside my pocketbook). This is where I keep 1) a list of my tasks for the week, 2) my tasks for the day, and 3) due dates. (Yes, I put due dates in both so there's no way I can forget. That's just my paranoia kicking in.)
On the left-hand side of the daily entries, I'll write any specific day tasks (like dropping off a package at the post office) while the right-hand side is where I'll write anything that needs to be accomplished anytime during the week. The reason I really like the Create & Cultivate planner is that it gives me a space for weekly tasks so I can keep some organization to it. I always have more tasks than the spaces provided which is why I decided to do my weekly spreads divided.
Being the stickler that I am, I include EVERYTHING that must get done so even repeating daily tasks, like litter and taking out the trash. However, to save myself space in the my planner, I have those listed on a sticky note that I can then move from week to week. This is just so I never forget anything and before doing the other tasks in my planner, I know to do these first since they are usually just basic housekeeping.I try to tackle that whole list in one go since they don't take long.
Does it seem over the top to include such a list? Perhaps but I know how forgetful I can be and so I accommodate that. Don't ever feel foolish for doing something that helps you. We're all different and have different ways of remembering and doing.We're human which means we are prone to forgetting.
My overall system here definitely was inspired by Jordan Page of funcheaporfree.com. As soon as I watched her mention mixing the Google Calendar and list system, I knew I'd found the perfect system for me. I'd played around already with the Google Calendar system suggested by Amy Landino and a running list system like the one Jessi Huntenburg shared on her Youtube channel. They both worked but something was lacking. Jordan Page's helped me understand how I could combine them both in order to work for me.
Overlaps
There are times when certain things will go into both planners, like due dates. That's just so I can keep them in mind at all times. As I stated, I am a naturally forgetful person so sabbat and esbat dates, project due dates, bills, etc. are things I need constant reminding of!
"The path to success is to take massive determined action." --Tony Robbins
Planning The Month
I always schedule time during the last week of the month to plan the upcoming month. That way, as soon as the first hits, I have a game plan. Of course things are going to crop up throughout the month so it's not just a once and done sort of thing. Instead the point for me is to be able to recognize what major occurrences are taking place that month, what to expect, how to plan projects and posts accordingly, etc..
The monthly spread in my paper planner is what I consider "working space" as it's where I plan out my projects and content. I do start my transferring everything in my Google Calendar into the physical planner. I then create a list of content I want to create during this month with the date I want to publish it and the due date (which is usually a day or two before the date I want to publish it). This list can either be on the side of the spread or on a separate sheet of paper. I put the due date onto both calendars but the publishing date goes only onto my paper planner. The reason to have the due date on the Google Calendar is just being reminded of when it needs to be completed by.
Sticking with strictly the paper planner, I then break the projects down further and write the steps onto the calendar. When do I need to start it? When should I have the research and outline done by? When should I have it typed up and ready to edit by? Flora Sage had a really good method for reverse engineering goals and projects so look for the link below.
So, to recap, the paper planner's monthly spread is strictly for content/project planning and creation while the Google Calendar is where I'll put things like appointments, due dates, birthdays, etc..
In essence, the paper planner becomes a way to manage, prepare, and organize tasks, content, and projects.
Rituals I plan go into my Google Calendar since I block off time for them, however you will also find them in my paper planner since I have to create the rituals. It's both a non-negotiable appointment and a creative endeavor.
If there is a spell I want to do but need to wait for a specific time/moon phase/etc., I'll write it down at the bottom of the calendar as a reminder. That way I don't have to worry about doing it on a certain day when maybe the energies feel more appropriate for it on another. So, to put it into an example, if I want to do a banishing spell, I would want the waning moon. Let's say the full moon is on the 10th and the new moon on the 30th. I could do the banishing anything between then. If I'd written it down for the 15th, I may find that the moon is void-of-course or something tells me to wait until the 27th. Either way, it gives me a flexibility to it.
The only thing I write in the monthly spread of my paper planner are the astrological information from my witchy calendar, like esbats, sabbats, and retrogrades. That way I'll know keep those in mind when reverse engineering my tasks. I like keeping my schedule as open as possible so I have options. I wouldn't want to release a program during Mercury retrograde, for example, so I can make note of that on my calendar. I can either move the program up or push it back.
As I said before, I don't have to worry about actual appointments and whatnot, in case for whatever reason I forget to check my monthly spread (which has happened!) because they are on my Google Calendar which I can set reminders for. I am going to post a video later with a Google Calendar Tutorial (just give me some grace since I'm totally NOT comfortable with a camera or recording but this is the time to get out of that comfort zone!).
I know this seems quite complicated and very involved but I promise it really isn't crazy once you get the hang of it. If something confuses you, please comment or send me an email. Like I said though, experiment and find what works for you. This is the way I do it. Some people stick strictly with either digital or paper planners and that's fine. We're not cookie-cutter gingerbread men who all are the exact same way...well, maybe not the gingerbread men that I bake but that's a different point!
"Good things happen when you set your priorities straight." --Scott Caan
Planning My Weeks and Days
As I plan my month before it happens, so too do I plan my weeks. I prefer to sit-down on Sundays since its the day before the new week as I start my weeks on Monday. However, if you start your week on Sunday, take time on Saturdays. Before I even begin planning, I take time to reflect on the past week. I make note of what worked and what didn't, what I got accomplished and what needs to be transferred to next week, etc.. It's a great way to reflect on what's happened, how much progress I'm making, and get clear on what are my next steps. It also allows me to get honest and recognize where did I waste time, where am I not allowing myself time to play, etc..
I use the monthly calendars to figure out what tasks need to be done during this week and insert them into my planner (on the left-hand side). For example, if I see I have a meeting on Thursday, I might write "Follow Up via Email for Appt" on Monday or Tuesday to ensure we're still good for the meeting. If I decide to send out a Newsletter on Friday, I may schedule to write it on Tuesday or Wednesday so I have time to edit it.
There aren't many day specific tasks as most of my tasks can be completed any day of the week. Typically my biggest concern with scheduling like that is anything that pertains to my blog. Everything else can be done any other day of the week, so long as it's done that week. That's why it's not like a "Master Task List".
Once I get the tasks written, I go through and essentially make a list of tasks that need to be done throughout the week that don't really have a certain day they must be completed on. This could be stuff like "Mop the Kitchen" or "Drop Package at Post Office"...stuff like that. I like Jordan Page's idea of carrying your planner around the house so you can add anything you think of to the list. As someone who absolutely forgets why she even walked into a room, this is brilliant.
I do plan my supper meals out in my paper planner except having them down on a certain day doesn't mean that's when you're going to eat them. Instead it's just a way to make sure I have a plan for every day and to help me when creating my weekly grocery list. It's disorganized in that regard but as I check the meal off as I make it, it's no biggie. So long as everyone gets fed, right?
Setting Intentions with Themes & Other Bits
With this Create & Cultivate planner, I have room to create a mantra for the week which helps me set my intentions for the week. I'm going to create a post just on setting intentions but essentially, as many choose a word for their year, I do one per month that is usually centered around a magickal topic. Last month was Spirit Communication and was all about deepening my connection with my Guides and Angels. My mantra was "I'm always connected to the deep wisdom and guidance of my Guides and Angels. I understand and recognize when they are speaking to me.".
Before I got this planner, I would write this over the top of the monthly calendar in the paper planner or on the calendar that hangs by my desk so I would always see it. I then make sure to add tasks to my list that will help me in aligning and experiencing what I want to experience. I think that's something people forget when setting intentions like that. You can choose a word for the year but you still need to actively see those experiences. So, if my yearly theme is Joy, I'm going to ensure to include more activities into my days that evoke joy.
As most of us intend to have productive and positive weeks, I do my best to move away from that when choosing my mantra/affirmation and setting intentions. I want something that gives my life and practices depth. Every week will relate to the monthly theme I've chosen. So, yes I'll set the intention to have a beautiful and productive week, where motivation comes to me easier, etc.. but I'll also use it as a way to make my spiritual practices a priority. I may schedule meditation sessions into my Google Calendar than add "Goddess Hathor Devotion" to Friday if my theme is to deepen my connection and relationship with the Goddess or to perform more rituals...though frankly, devotionals ought to be done regularly so they would be scheduled into my Google Calendar.
I also include a book for the week so I can remember to take time away from the screens and read. To learn. I don't finish a book a week, though that's a goal for March, so if I don't finish, I'll transfer it over to the next week.That way I'll have a reading list at the end of the year with only books I did read so I can donate any books I know I won't pick back up again without worrying about buying it again. Oh how many times have I done that!!
Conclusion
I really hope you enjoyed learning how I plan and schedule my time, even if it's perhaps a bit crazy, complicated, and involved. It's the system that I've found works for me. My next post will cover my time management methods and hacks that I've found work for me.
As I said before, I believe that regardless of anything, this is a topic that could be of benefit to everyone who reads it. Even though I want this blog to be primarily witchy and magickal, being organized and in control of your time actually helps us be better witches. The systems may not have originally been mine but I wanted to demonstrate how I took the practices of others and tweaked them to work for me as well as give you suggestions of different ways you too can plan. Maybe a digital calendar works better for you? Perhaps a paper list instead of traditional planner?
We all have the same amount of time in a day yet some of us manage to accomplish more than others. Sometimes we've been busy all day long yet there's nothing to show for it. I've been there and it sucks. It leaves me frustrated, pissed off, and unmotivated to get anything else accomplished! Sound familiar?
With Mars in Capricorn, this seems like a really good time to analyze how we manage our workload and time. Do we allow yourselves to be a priority or do we treat ourselves as a second thought? Why? As I said, planning and creating priorities is a way to set boundaries, show up for yourself, and hold yourself accountable. It's 2020. Let's make this decade our best one yet, hmm?
Share in the comments what sort of planner you use? What's your planner system like? I am always interested in seeing how others plan their time!!
Brightest of Blessings!
DON'T FORGET!!
Check out the wonderful resources below and allow yourself to experiment. Find what works best for you!! Just click the link below
Resources:
Amy Landino
Jordan Page
Flora Sage
Jessi Huntenburg
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