Shared calendars are a lifesaver. We use the iPhone one but we have about 6 of them showing (one each, plus a joint one and one for a charity we’re both on the committee of) so it’s colour coded for what kids going where. If it not on the calendar, it’s not happening. Means we don’t have to text each other constantly to find if we’re free for stuff too
This is kind of simple but I now only make to do lists for the week ahead. When I made daily to do lists it felt like I was failing because everything I didn’t do that day just got moved into the next day and so on. Now everything has a week to be achieved I typically get to about 90% of it. Of course the more immediate things get an asterisk and are prioritized - a little bit like your 3 top things. Also I schedule time in my calendar for things that might take time. I also like Gretchen Rubins ‘power hour’ where you schedule an hour a week to sit down and pay those bills, make those phone calls etc and take care of all the little pesky admin tasks at once.
I love the goal focus. Also wondering where you keep that to-do list for things you need to take care of. I like the idea of 3 things a day to prioritize but just wondering where you house all the rest of the little tasks you don’t want to forget?
I have a notepad that I jot things down on but I transfer them onto my digital calendar each night before bed, essentially eliminating the need for a to-do list). Example: if my list says "sign up girls for summer camps" I will block out time on my Google cal to research camps and then another block to register them. Hoping this makes sense! x
Lately I brain dump a list of everything that is taking up space in my brain. Then I attempt to whittle it down and break it up. There is more satisfaction in accomplishing 3. ❤️
Love the idea of the shared calendar--will have to get that established. Curious how you determine what specific goal to focus on/duration of that goal (i.e. how to focus on one item without letting every other area of life start slipping)?
I like to pick one big stretch goal per year to focus on but I have a minimum baseline for the other areas of my life. For example, if I'm writing a book I still make sure I move my body each day but I will not be challenging myself to any ambitious workout goals. When I was a new mom with a baby and a toddler my main goal was to keep myself and my kids healthy and happy so I didn't set any ambitious career goals during that time. It's all about leaning in hard to one area of growth at a time - but of course you still have to get dinner on the table and pay the bills!
Wisdom!! Thank you for this. My mind is so scattered… I have adopted the 3 things a day technique and it has been life changing for me. Even my teenager will do it on some days. it’s a fun morning conversation before school to hear what she is prioritizing for the day!
I really like the phrase "bottom lining it". I already do this in a way because I keep a running list on my phone that I prioritize every morning by putting a star next to the most important items. I love the question of what the 3 most important things to accomplish in a day would be. I'm going to put that at the top of my list to help keep my priorities in check and maximize efficiency. Thanks Shira!
We also have a shared calendar, but my husband has a separate one for his work and I don't have access to that, which complicates things a bit. I like the list of 3 non negotiable tasks, I should try it.
Thank you for the suggestions. I have tried so many different systems over the years but I do love the non-negotiables and the list of three. I am old school with my calendar so the Google one would be an upgrade. ❤️
Shared calendars are a lifesaver. We use the iPhone one but we have about 6 of them showing (one each, plus a joint one and one for a charity we’re both on the committee of) so it’s colour coded for what kids going where. If it not on the calendar, it’s not happening. Means we don’t have to text each other constantly to find if we’re free for stuff too
This is my dream. I will have to set aside the time for this one.
Love it! Color coding can be super helpful. x
This is kind of simple but I now only make to do lists for the week ahead. When I made daily to do lists it felt like I was failing because everything I didn’t do that day just got moved into the next day and so on. Now everything has a week to be achieved I typically get to about 90% of it. Of course the more immediate things get an asterisk and are prioritized - a little bit like your 3 top things. Also I schedule time in my calendar for things that might take time. I also like Gretchen Rubins ‘power hour’ where you schedule an hour a week to sit down and pay those bills, make those phone calls etc and take care of all the little pesky admin tasks at once.
Ooh love the weekly to-do list and power hour ideas. Thanks for sharing! x
I love the goal focus. Also wondering where you keep that to-do list for things you need to take care of. I like the idea of 3 things a day to prioritize but just wondering where you house all the rest of the little tasks you don’t want to forget?
I have a notepad that I jot things down on but I transfer them onto my digital calendar each night before bed, essentially eliminating the need for a to-do list). Example: if my list says "sign up girls for summer camps" I will block out time on my Google cal to research camps and then another block to register them. Hoping this makes sense! x
It does and I will try that! Thank you so much’
I struggle with keeping it to 3 😜
Honestly, me too. But it's a good practice because how many priorities can we really have??
Lately I brain dump a list of everything that is taking up space in my brain. Then I attempt to whittle it down and break it up. There is more satisfaction in accomplishing 3. ❤️
Love the idea of the shared calendar--will have to get that established. Curious how you determine what specific goal to focus on/duration of that goal (i.e. how to focus on one item without letting every other area of life start slipping)?
I like to pick one big stretch goal per year to focus on but I have a minimum baseline for the other areas of my life. For example, if I'm writing a book I still make sure I move my body each day but I will not be challenging myself to any ambitious workout goals. When I was a new mom with a baby and a toddler my main goal was to keep myself and my kids healthy and happy so I didn't set any ambitious career goals during that time. It's all about leaning in hard to one area of growth at a time - but of course you still have to get dinner on the table and pay the bills!
I like that! Definitely something I need to practice!
I think the three non-negotiables has just saved my life! Thanks so much! 🤓
Woot woot! Love that! x
Non negotiable per day is a great tip i will try to adopt. I could fill every morning at list 10 mission and sadly accomplish maybe 3 :-(
Hope you find it helpful - it's been a game changer for me! x
I’ll have to try the ONE BIG GOAL ! I like that bc I currently have a long list that keeps getting longer, but nothing is scratched off the list!!
The ONE BIG GOAL has worked so well for me in terms of maintaining focus. Hope it will be helpful for you! x
Wisdom!! Thank you for this. My mind is so scattered… I have adopted the 3 things a day technique and it has been life changing for me. Even my teenager will do it on some days. it’s a fun morning conversation before school to hear what she is prioritizing for the day!
Oh, that's so sweet. I should try with my teenagers!
I tend to make looooong to do lists and invariably fall short of my goals. I’m going to try your approach; so much more reasonable.
Yes, so much better to feel like you are winning, not falling behind! x
I really like the phrase "bottom lining it". I already do this in a way because I keep a running list on my phone that I prioritize every morning by putting a star next to the most important items. I love the question of what the 3 most important things to accomplish in a day would be. I'm going to put that at the top of my list to help keep my priorities in check and maximize efficiency. Thanks Shira!
Ooh also like the star idea for those who want to keep a longer list in one place. Thanks for sharing! x
and once the task is done I replace it with a check mark, and that simple little act makes me very happy :)
We also have a shared calendar, but my husband has a separate one for his work and I don't have access to that, which complicates things a bit. I like the list of 3 non negotiable tasks, I should try it.
My husband also uses a separate calendar for work but he adds social plans and travel to our shared calendar which is super helpful! x
Thank you for the suggestions. I have tried so many different systems over the years but I do love the non-negotiables and the list of three. I am old school with my calendar so the Google one would be an upgrade. ❤️
Thanks, Shira, love your simple rules! I'm going to try the 3-item to do list.
Yay, it's been a game changer for me. x