3 Ways to Simplify Your Weekly Schedule and Make Time for What Matters
I live by my google calendar and my phone alarms….
If it isn’t on my calendar, it is very likely that I will forget about it or be late. The combination of a high demand job, perimenopause, and being a dyslexic adult means using tools like Google Calendar are a necessity. Not only does scheduling everything (and I mean everything) on my calendar help me be on time and not forget things, it allows me to reflect on how my time is being spent. And that is probably where the real power comes in. Being able to reflect on how I spent my time allows me to:
Make sure my use of time is in alignment with my values
Assess my progress towards my goals
Let me explain…
When I plan my week out on my calendar, I can see where I am spending my time in relation to the priorities I have set. If I want to take care of my physical health, I schedule time to exercise, I plan time to meal plan, I plan time to meal prep. Then when I reflect on my week and see that I only exercised 2 times (compared to the 5 times I put it on my calendar) I can hold myself accountable and figure out what got in the way of me living the plan I committed to.
When I plan my work schedule for the week, including when I will arrive at work and when I will leave, I can see where I am living in alignment with the work boundaries I have set for myself. If I plan to leave work by 5 so I can be home for dinner and end up staying until 6 three night, I am not living in alignment with my value of dinner with husband. Or when we plan a date night each week and I look back and we only held one last month, my values are not in alignment with my actions.
The calendar helps me to avoid drifting through life and getting to the end of the week and wondering why I am not closer to my goals or feeling disconnected from my values.
Here are three tips for you to try if you want to take back control of your time and live in alignment with your values:
Prioritize Your Top 3 Non-Negotiable Activities
You get to decide what truly matters in your week. By identifying and scheduling your top three priorities, you’re asserting your power over your time. You’re no longer at the mercy of everyone else’s demands—now, your time reflects what’s most important to you.
Eliminate or Delegate Tasks that Don’t Align with Your Values
When you say no to obligations that don’t serve you, you’re creating space for the things that truly matter. You’re not just decluttering your schedule; you’re reinforcing your commitment to living a life aligned with your values. This is your time to step into your next chapter with intentionality.
Block Off “Me Time” to Recharge
As the hero of your journey, you need time to recharge. By blocking off time for yourself, you’re ensuring that you show up as your best self in every other role you play. You’re not waiting for life to give you space—you’re taking it, and that’s powerful.
