An Organized Life Archives | West Coast Dreaming

Unleash Your Potential with Undated Planners: A Path to Productivity and Self-Care

by Nikola | Sep 21, 2023 | An Organized Life

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to manage our time, set goals, and prioritize self-care has become crucial. Choosing between a dated and undated planner plays a significant role in achieving these aims. Undated planners, in particular, have gained popularity for their flexibility and ability to align with individual preferences. In this article, we delve into the pros and cons of dated vs. undated planners, showcase eight of our favourite examples, and highlight their impact on productivity, goal attainment, and overall well-being.

Dated vs. Undated Planners: Striking the Balance

Tailoring Your Planning Experience

Dated planners come with pre-filled dates, making them more convenient than their undated counterparts. On the other hand, undated planners offer the freedom to start whenever you like, ensuring that your planner is always relevant.

The Consistency Conundrum

Dated planners can foster consistency, but they can also lead to stress when schedules change. Undated planners allow for adjustments without wasting pages.

The Advantages of an Undated Planner: Customization and Flexibility

Your Planner, Your Way

Undated planners grant you the creative license to structure your planner according to your needs. This adaptability is a game-changer in achieving both short-term tasks and long-term objectives.

Staying Organized Amidst Chaos

Life is unpredictable, and undated planners embrace this reality. Whether you’re a student with fluctuating exam dates or a professional with dynamic projects, undated planners stay relevant regardless of changes.

Page Samples: Navigating Your Undated Planner

To give you a glimpse of the power of undated planners, here are some sample pages that highlight their versatility:

Weekly Layout

A spacious section for each day of the week, with customizable date entries. Accompanied by a task list, priorities, and a notes section.

Goal Tracker

Set your short-term or long-term goals with progress trackers, motivational quotes, and reward ideas.

Monthly Calendar

An overview of the month that adapts to your schedule. Add events, deadlines, and reminders at your convenience.

Top 8 Undated Planner Products: Your Path to Success

Self Journal by BestSelf

Undated 13-Week Planning, Productivity and Positivity System for Max Achievement and Goal Success — Track Gratitude, Habits and Goals Daily and Weekly
Image credit: Bestself.co
The Full Focus Planner

Three simple keys to reach your most ambitious goals & achieve the lifestyle you desire. The Full Focus System is all about working smarter, not harder.
Image Credit fullfocusstore.com
Peak Productivity Planner

The Peak Productivity Planner is specifically designed to add more structure to your days and weeks, so you can get more done, stay focused on your priorities, and move closer to your long-term goals.
Image credit: personalgrowthlab.co
Clever Fox Weekly Planner

The Clever Fox Weekly Planner will help you create a vision for your life, define and break down your short and long-term goals in each area of your life, and incorporate these goals into your monthly, weekly, and daily agenda. Image credit: cleverfoxplanner.com
Leuchtturm1917 Dotted Notebook

An absolute classic in the journaling and notebook world: The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Dotted Journal. Keep life straight with this medium-size organizer that opens flat and includes stickers for labeling. Numbered pages, dotted lines, a placekeeper, a blank table of contents, and an expandable inside pocket all help to keep to-do lists current.
Image credit: leuchtturm1917.ca
Panda Planner Classic

Panda Planner is a scientifically-designed daily planner that will empower you to take back control, reclaim your happiness and flourish in every way.
Image credit: pandaplanner.com
The Three Month Planner

This highly customizable Three Month Planner helps you achieve your goals like never before. Set achievable goals and track your progress toward them with our disc-bound system, which allows you to add pages when and where you need them.
Smart Planner Pro

Meet Smart Planner Pro: a scientific approach to productivity and efficiency so that you can reach your highest potential! Space for gratitude, affirmations, notes, habit tracking and to-do lists – all of this without being too overwhelming.
Image credit: smartplanner.co

Printables: Tailoring Your Undated Planner to Perfection

Many undated planners offer printable templates for those who prefer a more customized touch. These can be especially useful for experimenting with layouts, trying new sections, or testing planning techniques before committing to a physical planner. Websites like Etsy offer a plethora of undated planner printables to suit your preferences, or check out West Coast Dreaming’s Minimalist Planner Kit to get you started.

The Symbiotic Relationship: Productivity, Goals, and Well-being

Undated planners are not just tools but allies in your journey toward self-improvement. By streamlining your tasks, aligning your actions with your objectives, and making time for self-care, these planners empower you to lead a fulfilling life. Remember, it’s not about the planner itself but the transformation it facilitates in your life.

In conclusion, the choice between dated and undated planners ultimately boils down to your unique preferences and goals. Undated planners offer the adaptability needed to accommodate life’s changes while fostering a sense of purpose and organization. They bridge the gap between productivity, goal achievement, and self-care, paving the way for a holistic and successful life journey.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a path of self-discovery, achievement, and well-being, consider embracing the undated planner revolution. Your future self will thank you for it.

From Dream to Reality: Effective Goal-Setting Strategies for Success

by Nikola | Jul 14, 2023 | An Organized Life, Bullet Journaling

We believe that dreams have the power to shape our lives and guide us toward success. However, turning dreams into reality requires more than just wishful thinking. It requires you to think strategically and commit to your goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore five effective goal-setting strategies to help you bridge the gap between your dreams and achievements. So, let’s dive in and start turning your dreams into reality!

Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 1

Clarity is Key

The first step toward achieving any goal is to gain clarity about what you truly want. Spend some time reflecting on your dreams and aspirations. Then, ask yourself: What do I truly want? Why do I want it? What does success mean to me? What specific goals will bring me closer to my vision? The more precise and detailed you are, the better. Remember, clarity sets the foundation for success.

Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 2

Make your goals SMART

Once you clearly understand your goals, making them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound is essential. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” consider setting a goal like, “I want to increase my annual revenue by 20% in the next year.” Or redefine “I want to lose weight” to “I want to lose eight to ten pounds within the next two months.” By defining your goals in measurable terms, you provide yourself with a tangible target to work towards, making tracking your progress along the way easier. Check out this article if you want to learn more about SMART goals.

Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 3

Create Actionable Plans

Setting goals without a plan is like setting sail without a map. So, after setting your goals and intentions, you need a plan that you can follow. To ensure success:

Gather information and resources relevant to your goal. This could involve reading books, attending workshops, or conducting online research to gain knowledge and insights.
Break down your goal into smaller, manageable and actionable steps. Define specific targets or achievements that will mark your progress along the way.
Start by identifying the key milestones you need to reach and then outline the specific actions required to achieve each milestone.

Remember to set realistic deadlines for each step and hold yourself accountable.

Here is a sample to illustrate actionable steps (see #2) for the goal:

“I want to lose eight to ten pounds within the next two months.”

Break down your goal into smaller, manageable, and actionable steps:

Consult a nutritionist to create a personalized meal plan based on your caloric needs and dietary preferences.
Consult a fitness professional to design a workout plan that suits your fitness level and goals.
Include cardiovascular exercises (such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) and strength training exercises (using weights or bodyweight exercises) in your routine.
Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of your exercise routine daily, and increase your daily step level to a minimum of 8000 steps per day to boost your metabolism.
Keep a food journal to record your meals, snacks, and portion sizes.
Utilize a fitness tracking app or wearable device to monitor your exercise and track calories burned.
Weigh yourself regularly (e.g., once a week) and take body measurements to gauge progress.

This approach will help you maintain focus and stay on track toward your ultimate objective.

Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 4

Consistent Progress is Crucial for Success

Consistency is the secret ingredient to success. It’s not about taking giant leaps overnight but making small, consistent strides toward your goals. Celebrate every milestone you achieve, no matter how small, and use that momentum to propel you forward. Remember, practice makes perfect and repeated action is progress, no matter how slow it may seem. Stay committed, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.

Pro-Tip
Consider using a habit tracker to make your progress visual and keep you motivated.
You can find inspiration in our post “80 Habit tracker ideas for your bullet journal“.

Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 5

Utilize Tools for Structure and Organization

Goal setting can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you have multiple goals in different areas of your life. That’s where tools can be invaluable. Whether it’s a physical planner, a goal-tracking app, or a vision board, find a tool that resonates with you and helps structure and organization your goal-setting process. These tools will keep you focused, motivated, and on top of your game.

Summary

Turning your dreams into reality is within your reach. By following these five effective goal-setting strategies, you’ll gain clarity, set SMART goals, create actionable plans, maintain consistent progress, and utilize tools that provide structure and organization. As Bruce Lee once said, success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, stay resilient, and let your dreams guide you toward the extraordinary life you deserve. Now, let’s start setting goals and making your dreams a reality!
Dream big, take action, and never stop believing in yourself.

Happy goal setting!
The West Coast Dreaming Team

Mastering Time Blocking: Take Control of Your Productivity and Achieve Your Goals

by Nikola | May 11, 2023 | An Organized Life, Bullet Journaling

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Exclusive Resource for you!

Grab your free time-blocking e-book at the end of this post (includes printables!!). Click to take you there.

Time is our most precious resource, yet it often seems like there’s never enough of it. We’re constantly bombarded with distractions and interruptions that make it challenging to stay focused and get things done. That’s where time blocking comes in – it’s a powerful productivity technique that can help you take control of your time and use it more effectively. In this post, we’ll explore what time blocking is, how it works, and how to use it to achieve your goals and make the most of your time.

time blocking graphic

What is time blocking?

Time blocking is a technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time and assigning specific tasks or activities to each block. By doing this, you can create a schedule tailored to your needs and priorities and ensure you’re using your time in the most productive way possible.

Why use time blocking?

There are many benefits to using this technique, including increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved work-life balance. Dividing your daily schedule into blocks of time can also help you prioritize your tasks, minimize distractions, and spend your time on the things that matter most to you.

Daily plan time blocking sample by West Coast Dreaming

How to get started

Getting started is easy – all you need is a calendar or planner and a willingness to experiment and adjust your schedule as needed. If you want to make the most of your time, this method can be an incredibly effective strategy. First, set clear goals for yourself. This will give you a sense of direction and purpose and help you stay focused throughout the day. Next, identify your priorities so you know which tasks to tackle first. Finally, breaking your day into manageable time blocks of 15, 30 or 60 minutes can help you stay organized and on track. This allows you to work efficiently and avoid distractions, ultimately leading to greater productivity and success.

Tips for successful time blocking

While time blocking can be a powerful productivity tool, it does require some discipline and effort to make it work effectively. Effective time management requires setting achievable goals, being adaptable, and utilizing helpful software and tools to improve organizational skills. By implementing these key strategies, you can optimize your time management and quickly achieve your objectives. In addition, remember to prioritize tasks, take breaks when needed, and be flexible in adjusting your schedule. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of time blocking and achieving success in your daily tasks.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Like any productivity technique, time blocking can have its challenges. Interruptions and distractions can quickly derail your schedule, making it difficult to stay on track. Be gentle with yourself, and remember to recognize that you are human and working on your goals and develop strategies to overcome your obstacles. One approach is scheduling time for interruptions and distractions, allowing you to address them without sacrificing productivity. Another method is eliminating or minimizing distractions by turning off notifications or finding a quiet workspace.

It is also common to underestimate the time it needs to complete a task. You’ll get better at estimating how long tasks take over time, but until you’ve honed your instincts, err on the side of blocking off too much time rather than too little. Instead, pad your schedule with extra time to complete and transition between tasks. You can even create “conditional blocks” of time you can tap into if you fall behind.

Try these tools
Find out how long it takes you to complete your tasks by tracking them with RescueTime or Toggl. Over time, this will improve your sense of much much time you should budget for in your daily or weekly plan.

By proactively addressing these challenges, you can maximize your time and stay focused on your goals.

Advanced time-blocking techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of time blocking, you can take your productivity to the next level. One such technique is “batching,” where you group similar tasks and complete them all at once. Another technique is “theme days,” where you assign specific themes to each day of the week and only work on tasks related to that theme on that day. These advanced techniques can help you stay focused and maximize your productivity, ultimately leading to greater success in both your personal and professional life.

Software and tools to improve your time-blocking skills

Various software and tools available can help with time blocking and organizational skills. One popular option is Trello, which allows users to create visual task boards and organize their to-do lists by priority and deadline. Another helpful tool is RescueTime, which tracks how much time you spend on various tasks and can help users identify areas where they may need to improve their time management. Additionally, apps like Focus@Will and Freedom can help eliminate distractions and enhance focus during designated time blocks. Ultimately, the best software and tools for time blocking will depend on individual preferences and needs, but these options are a great place to start.

time-blocking-templates-by-WestCoastDreaming

In addition to digital tools, planners and journals are popular choices for many people who prefer to have a physical record of their tasks and appointments. By writing down assignments and deadlines, users can better visualize their schedules and prioritize accordingly. Some people also find that physically writing down tasks can help them commit them to memory more effectively. Additionally, using coloured pens or stickers can help make the planner or journal more visually appealing and engaging. Ultimately, whether someone prefers digital or non-digital tools depends on their preferences and habits.

How long does it typically take to see the benefits?

The time it takes to see the benefits of time blocking can vary depending on several factors, including your current habits, the complexity of your tasks, and how effectively you implement the technique. However, with consistent practice and proper implementation, you can begin to experience the benefits of time blocking within a few weeks or even sooner. The process involves an initial adjustment period, followed by increased awareness and focus, improved productivity and time management, enhanced work-life balance and reduced stress. It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and consistency and perseverance are essential to fully realizing the benefits of time blocking.

Conclusion

Time blocking is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your time and achieve your goals. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this post, you can create a schedule that works for you and make the most of every minute of your day. So what are you waiting for? Start time blocking today and see the difference it can make in your life!

Free time-blocking e-book AND printables for you.

20 Time Management tips for busy moms! Or just anybody!

by Nikola | Nov 5, 2018 | An Organized Life

20 time management tips for busy moms | www.westcoastdreaming.com/20-time-managagement-tips-for-busy-moms Haven’t we all been there? Do you have lots of dreams, but don’t have a moment to spare to even think about making them come true? Or you are so overwhelmed by life and your tasks that you have come to believe that you don’t have any dreams? With these time management tips for busy moms or simply busy people, you can get ahead of the game and carve out more time for what is really important to you!

1. Assess your time

Over a few days, assess your time and note what you spend your time on. Try to create a weekly schedule of your current time “consumption”. After you have recorded a typical week, go over each chunk of time and note down ideas on how to improve your flow. Remember to also record travel or commute times in your schedule.

Seeing your days mapped out on a piece of paper will likely get your time improvement ideas flowing. Note down your ideas and go to the next point. If your schedule still feels as overwhelming as before and you struggle writing down ideas, put your schedule aside and move to the next point. You will have a clearer vision when you revisit your weekly routine.

2. Prioritize

The trick being organized is to understand what your priorities are. List all of your to-do’s in one list and then start sorting each item into a separate section: Needs to be done immediately, do this week, long-term and ongoing projects. In your schedule mark the time blocks that are non-negotiable: work, getting to and from work, picking up children, eating & sleeping

What time slots are available after this exercise? What blocks are flexible and could be re-arranged? And what will you fill the rest of your week/days with? Look at your priorities and draw ideas from there. Do not forget to schedule regular me-time to improve your physical and mental well-being.

3. Think ahead

Prepare as much as you can for the morning the night before. Lay out your clothes the night before or assess whether you could take a shower before going to bed.

4. Plan ahead

Every Sunday, go over the to-do list of the next week and if applicable, discuss the next week with your family and make a meal plan for the next week. This will help save time, stay on track and keeps you motivated to achieve your goals.

5. Make extras

Whenever you cook a meal make extras or double the recipe so you can freeze the extras. This not only saves you time but also money. You can assess what produce and groceries are on sale and then cook accordingly.

6. Organize, organize, organize

Organize your files and documents for you and your entire family so you can find what you need when you need it. Clutter will forever keep you in the hamster-wheel of feeling overwhelmed. Experts say that clutter in our lives leads to losing focus. Start small. Organize your house and quieten your mind one day, one shelf and one drawer at a time. You can do it.

7. Eliminate bad habits

Aren’t we all guilty of doing this? Just one more scroll on your social media, just one more episode of the latest show or not being able to stop playing games into the wee hours of the night.

Even though there is nothing particularly wrong with enjoying those things, they are time killers. Just as much with food and drinks, take everything in moderation. If you are short on time, assess your time wasters and see how you can fill them with something more productive. Instead of TV, try to meditate or doing Yoga.

Believe me, I know how hard this is and how alluring the call of the couch can be. I have been its “victim” for so long. Now, after I am done for the evening, I usually go write these articles, come up with improvements for my website or learn more about the art of blogging. If somebody had told me that I would be doing all this almost every single evening I would have laughed so hard. I am not kidding! Best thing, I love doing it.

As you are following your dream, things fall into place and you will find the motivation and energy to do that. PLUS, you can allow yourself an evening out once in a while or going to bed early because you are tired. Just stay focused and don’t let the bad habits distract you again. You and your dreams are worth it!

8. Use empty pockets of time

While dinner is happily cooking away on the stove, use the time to clean up your kitchen or you could also pay bills or get organized for the next day while your child is doing homework.

9. Streamline your errands

Assess your commute, where you shop and what routes you take. Streamline everything so that you can get most errands done without having to do multiple trips. We started ordering our food from a local grocery store online and one of us picks it up on the way home. I swear I am also saving money that way.

10. Everything has its assigned place

Looking for items before you head out the door is one of the biggest time wasters. Put your clothes, jackets, shoes away when you come home. Place your keys and wallet ALWAYS in the same spot and you will be able to leave your house without feeling stressed when you are in a hurry.

11. Give everyone a job

Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Enlist your entire family to help around your home. Every member of your family can have assigned tasks, whether it is setting the table, helping unload the dishwasher or sorting laundry. Researchers of a 75-year Harvard study came to the conclusion that kids who had chores fared better later in life. Children with chores were healthier and happier as adults, had become responsible and gained valuable life skills.

12. List it – Post it

Start weekly to-do lists and hang a family calendar in an area in your house that you frequently use. Making tasks and appointments visible for everyone will help your family stay organized and on track. Don’t forget to update your calendar and lists.

13. Be ready to go

Have your purse, or bag packed and ready to go by the door. Fill it with all the items you might need, such as snacks, napkins, colouring book and pens or whatever you need on the go.

14. Use the internet

As much as I love and support shopping locally, it also takes a lot of time and driving back and forth to get everything. Buy gifts online, switch to online banking and research items before you go to the store. You’ll then know exactly where to get for what price. You can also look into ordering a veggie-box from a local farmer. They often deliver or you can pick it up on your way home. That way you eat and support locally plus will have saved time.

15. Cleaning habits

Don’t like scrubbing away in your bathroom and shower? Try drying out your shower first with a squeegee and then with a cloth after every use. That way you will rarely have to scrub and your shower looks sparkling for a long time. Do the same with your sinks and faucets. I love this technique.

16. Learn to say no

This is your life and no one can live it for you. You are working hard to achieve your dreams, spend more time with your family or learn a new skill. Whatever it is, learn to say no to the things that are not bringing you closer to your goal. Some things you will still have to do, but you could also say no to the TV that is beckoning you to turn it on. Always trust your gut, you will find your rhythm.

17. Pick your battles

Decide what you can live with and what absolutely needs to get done around your house. My mantra is: A home should be clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. Truth be told, it is helpful if your husband likes cleaning it a lot. Sometimes I feel our home could be a little bit “happier” *grin*.*nocomplaints*

18. Find inspiration wherever you can

As with every change you are trying to introduce in your life, it is hard to stay on track when you lose that drive inside of you. That also applies to how you spend your time. Find inspiration wherever you can. I like to listen to my favourite songs in the car until my skin tingles with positive energy.

19. Routine

Once you have assessed your schedule and implemented a few changes, set up routines for yourself and your family. Routines are comforting for children and adults alike. By using a routine, you don’t have to re-invent the wheel every single week. Things will start to flow which in turn allows you to be more flexible.

20. One hour method

If you set aside just one-hour per day to work on goals, you will start to see results in just a few short weeks. Seeing yourself progress, will keep you motivated and inspired. An hour a day is small enough to not overwhelm you but large enough to make progress. Setting yourself a time limit will keep you focused during this time and you will power through your tasks.

Let me know what you think and if this helpful at all. I have tried to pick items that I have experience with so my advice can be as authentic as possible. I know there are many more strategies out there. Find the ones that work best for You!