You have big plans for this year. This is going to be your best year yet, and you need to stay organized. Have you considered what schedule will work for you and not against you this coming year? You have options, you know.
Before evaluating your options, keep three thoughts in mind. First, how do you best remember appointments? The need to physically write them down with a pen (or pencil for those whose plans tend to change) can automatically rule out typing-requiring calendars that may be less memorable for you. Second, be aware of who can see your calendar. You may not want your boss to know about certain doctor’s appointments or an upcoming interview with a competing company, or you may not want your partner’s pressure to ask you about your employee’s upcoming evaluation. It’s best to keep work and personal items in one place to maintain your work-life balance. Having separate calendars for everyone can lead to overscheduling or, worse, missing an important deadline. Ultimately, it’s a calendar that lives online, on your computer, on your phone, on your desk, or on your wall; it is not carved in stone. This year, challenge yourself to change your calendar system if it doesn’t work for you. Why waste time logging events on something you don’t use? A calendar is meant to work for you to remember.
All calendars come in hourly, daily, weekly, and yearly versions. Decide which one you prefer before comparing calendars to make your choice easier.
The traditional paper calendar is very useful in today’s high-tech world. Having a desk calendar, wall calendar, or pocket planner helps keep events in mind. If you see it every day, the chances of remembering the commitments you’ve made are much higher. Pocket planners are convenient, portable, and private.
Dry erase board calendars come in various sizes and styles with decorative options if desired. These are an easy way to keep a wall calendar if your schedule is constantly changing. If you decide that this is the type of calendar for you and you are using it in a household with small children, it is imperative that you keep it out of their reach.
Computer software calendars offer many advantages. They are customizable by choice of font, decoration, icons and even personal photos. You can even change the settings next December if you choose to. This software can convert time zones around the world. Having an alarm going off on your computer screen is also a nice bonus. Contacts that exist on your computer can be linked to your calendar, so your sister-in-law’s phone number comes in handy on her birthday. Computer software calendars can also be printed if you like the hybrid option of computer and paper.
Many online calendars exist for free and are similar to computer software calendars. Like computer software calendars, you enter the information and it is stored. Also, they are printable. Online calendars can send email alerts about upcoming events. These are by far the easiest calendars to share (via email) if you need to let a work group or your family know your schedule. There are settings for other people to add to your online calendar, which is useful for wedding plans, company meetings, school group projects, etc. Online calendars can also be synced to your smartphone.
Calendars usually come standard on your phone for free. The smarter your phone is, the more advanced your calendar will be. Smartphones give you the option to set alarms anywhere from minutes to days before any given event. Naturally, this type of calendar syncs with your phone’s contacts. Most smartphone calendars can be easily linked to your computer for a seamless transition from work to personal life. The smartphone calendar has become the new pocket planner.
Remember to choose a calendar that supports you rather than adding another “to do” to your ever-growing list. It doesn’t have to be high-tech or flashy to be effective. The following month decide if you need to change any aspect of your calendar system or if you need a whole new one. Oh, and schedule those New Years resolutions in right away!