You Shouldn't Hate Scheduling
Channel: Nerd Stalker
Date: 18/10/2016

We talk with Johan Gunnars on some tips on scheduling to simplify your day.

1.         “Scheduling takes too much time and energy.”
Instead: Schedule 15-30 minutes a week to plan your schedule, you’ll save time, decision-making power, and stress. If you collect relevant details for each event as you enter it into your schedule, you don’t be scrambling at the last minute.

2.         “I don’t want to plan my free time.”
If you don’t plan how you’re going to use your free time, it’s easy for it to pass right by. How many times have you answered “How was your weekend?” with something like, “It was good. Just hung around the house and ran some errands. I was kinda tired. Binge-watched the first season of Homeland.”

Instead:  Make a point of scheduling fun things to do on the weekend, especially in the morning—even better if it involves you getting out of the house. It will get you out of bed, moving, and enjoying yourself, which greatly increases your odds of enjoying that free time.

3.         “It’s too complicated to stick to a schedule.”
It’s as complicated as you make it. Do what works for you. There’s no one right way to do it. Problems typically occur when we try to force ourselves to use tools that don’t work for us. Just because it works for your friend, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Instead: Choose a calendar that’s designed to be flexible and easy to use. Something you can instantly update (and sync across devices). I recommend using one you can keep with you wherever you go, say via your smart phone.

4.         “Scheduling is no fun.”
In the past, it hasn’t been. It’s been tedious and laborious. The good news is that there are technologies and tools available now that make it so much easier. You have options, many of which are enjoyable and surprisingly satisfying to use.