Slow Down, Get More Done
There are two types of people:
1) introverted, love the slow, and know the few things they love
or
2) extroverted, on the go all the time, and love experiencing everything
Both these people live inside my head! Haha jokes aside, I hope this resonates with you with the confliction of every day of wanting to do things, as well as wanting to get rid of the pull of today's fast paced world and keep in day simple and slow. How do we be the "Jill of a trades" yet not get caught into being a "master of none"? Through the past years of school, health issues, prioritizing being a mom, and owning a business- I have learned to bring in tools to help my busy lifestyle. (A large reason why I started Kelly Jean Snacks was to provide a food tool to simplify snacks that tasted good, were quick, and helped me feel good.) I have found these tools by books, coaches, self-experience, close friends, podcasts, etc. So while I could actually go on and on and chat about this FOREVER because it sparks such a passion in my soul, I'm going to focus on 1 specific thing that helps me be in the present, get rid of the overwhelm, enjoy life, and end my day fulfilled with my accomplishments of the day.
- The Power of a Daily Planner -
By writing down our goals and to-do lists, our brains can become more clear on the when, how, quality, and quantity of our actions. I can write a mile long to-do list in my brain and think I can do it all! When I write it down, I can see how unrealistic it is and I am just setting myself up for failure at the end of the day wondering why I didn't get my "priorities" done. It then becomes a cycle, we get analysis paralysis, even don't do the things on our list because it all seems un-doable. Writing down our lists also just takes weight of off our thoughts of trying to carry and remember it all- we can trust that it's in a new storage spot "aka planner" and can be more in the right now. We are not worried about what we didn't do yesterday, or what is to come tonight, tomorrow, the future. There is so much peace of mind of staying in the present and saying "Im doing my best, and there is only one thing I should/am doing right at this moment."
Another lesson I've recently learned is that if you don't have a plan, someone else will plan it for you. I used to have a great habit of journaling and using a planner. I thought I did it because I had the time. When life got busier, I stopped—and soon, I found myself running out of time precisely because I wasn’t taking those crucial 5 minutes to plan my day. This is why I value planners so much: without a clear path, you risk wandering aimlessly.
BIG SIDE NOTE: I honestly can say that even if you write your schedule in your planner at the beginning of the day but something comes up and the whole day was sideswiped and you don't get a single thing done on that planner, there's a peace of mind that you start to trust yourself that you know you did the best and right things you needed to do that day. You are more present and end the day with invaluable peace of mind. The list of to-do's is written there for you to pick up whenever you are able to, for a later time.
To help both myself and others get back on track, I've created a FREE PRINTABLE PLANNER. I’ll be using it this year to stay accountable and pursue my goals with greater intention. I’d be honored for you to try it out and use them with me!
FREE PRINTALE PLANNER HERE
When it comes to to-do lists, here is a solid process I challenge you to do! Prioritize only 3, THREE!, things for the day. Maybe some days it's only 1... I can MAYBE allow 5 things depending on what they are. This is honestly more realistic on how to actually make progress on your priorities and do them excellently, not just "good enough". By doing things well- this will build on the quality of your days, projects, and relationships. Another bonus, if you get all 3 things done by noon- HECK YES, you're going to feel SO ACCOMPLISHED and productive leaving you time to do more on your list if you like, or even start finding more time to do things for yourself! How do I choose what my daily list is? On Sundays, I brain dump every. single. thought. on what I want to get done or have going on in the week. From there, I can deligate where those priorties fit throughout the weekdays.
Here is a recap on why planners are so powerful not only for our productivity, but also as important for our mental wellbeing:
Enter the humble daily planner—a tool that not only helps you stay on track but also boosts productivity, sets realistic expectations, and reduces stress. Here’s how:
- Stay Organized and On Track
A daily planner serves as your roadmap for the day. By outlining your tasks and appointments, you create a clear picture of what needs to be done. This organization helps you focus on one task at a time, reducing the chance of forgetting important duties and ensuring that you make steady progress throughout the day.
- Boost Productivity
When you jot down your tasks and goals, you turn abstract ideas into concrete steps. This practice enhances your productivity by breaking down your workload into manageable chunks. You can prioritize tasks, allocate specific time blocks for each one, and track your progress. As a result, you’re more likely to complete tasks efficiently and feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Set Realistic Goals
One of the key benefits of using a daily planner is setting realistic expectations. By assessing what you can reasonably achieve in a day, you avoid overloading yourself with tasks. A planner helps you gauge your capacity, ensuring you set achievable goals and prevent burnout. It’s a tool for balancing ambition with practicality.
- Reduce Stress
Writing things down has a calming effect. When you transfer your thoughts and tasks from your mind to paper, you reduce mental clutter and free up cognitive space. This act of organizing can lower anxiety, as you no longer have to worry about forgetting important details. Seeing your plan laid out helps you approach the day with a clearer, more focused mindset.
Cheers to a healthier, happier us! Appreciate you all!
Kelly Jean