by Susan E. Gonzalez
On this Monday morning, I can’t help but ponder the immediate effects of being ill prepared for the week. I skipped half of my Sunday night routine. Organization and attention to detail do not come naturally to me. Spurts of caffeine induced organizational rage help but don’t produce lasting results.
In search of another paper organizational tool to fix my chaos, I came across a website called Buttoned Up. The all-female team that created this online mecca of printable planners are clearly the Type-A wonders I aspire to be. Their weekly strategy planner is my instrument of choice when I sit down on (most) Sunday evenings to set my objectives and intentions for the week. No one has ever described me as a “morning person” as I often push the boundaries of my alarm clock, highway speed limits and my boss’ level of patience. In order to set myself up for sunrise success, my ideal Sunday night these days consists of:
• Weekly schedule planning using Free Weekly Strategy Tool, ensuring work out classes, appointments, after-hours work commitments are noted
o Schedule (and write down) all work outs
o Note any major or minor planned purchases
o Set goals (example: go to gym at least three times this week)
• Meal prep
o Five small Ziploc bags that contain exactly ¾ cup of gluten free oatmeal to eat for breakfast at the office.
o Pre-made lunch for at least two or three work days.
o Planned healthy snacks to avoid poor food decisions I frequently make when hungry
• Outfit assembly for the week (organized by day)
o Include selections for other activities and events
o At least one bonus outfit in case daily selection doesn’t fit mood or weather
o Ensure all clothes are ironed, steamed and mended to avoid morning delays.
Let’s be honest, I’m lucky to accomplish 50 percent of the aforementioned list on any given Sunday night, but that’s okay. I’m now in the habit of planning ahead and thinking about personal needs in weekly chunks. I have recognized my trouble spots (i.e. the snooze button) and clearly feel the difference in my mood, productivity and general timeliness when I have spent time planning ahead.
On those golden Sunday evenings when I have checked every box, documented my sweet planning skills on social media and even finished the laundry, my mood about the approaching work week lifts and my Monday morning anxiety decreases to a somewhat acceptable level.
What works for you? Please send me your weekly organizational strategies at sgonzalez@goshiftkey.com.