Improving your schedule and habits is not something that happens overnight. It's a gradual process, one that requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to learn and adapt along the way. Think of it as a journey rather than a race.
First, take a moment to really understand why you want to make these changes. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated when things don't go as planned, but when you have a clear reason, it grounds you. Knowing your "why" helps you stay focused, especially when distractions pop up. And distractions will happen, they're a part of life. The key is recognizing them and learning how to say no to things that don't align with your goals. It's not about being perfect but about making small, intentional choices that add up over time.
How I remind myself of my WHY
- I put some sticky notes in front of me for the most important things that affect me
- I keep a small book of my own where I write things that impact me the most, and I go through it almost every week
- I reflect on my thoughts, write them on paper, and find their answers
- I go back to seeing or thinking of things that get me emotional and give me an extra push
Some ideas on how you can find your 'why'
- Some loved ones for whom you want to do something
- Something that makes you emotional
- The ability to save someone from pain, hunger, or poverty
- Having the power to have a say in society about something that hurts you when you see it
- Having a stronger connection with your Creator through self-improvement, which can further improve the lives of millions long after you are gone
Hold yourself accountable, gently
Start by gently holding yourself accountable. You don't need to make huge changes all at once. Begin with something simple, like keeping a weekly report of what you've accomplished and what didn't go as well. Celebrate the days when you're productive, even if it's just a couple of days a week. Gradually, as you get more comfortable with your routine, aim for a little more. Maybe this week it's two productive days, and next week you try for three or four. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
What I try to hold myself accountable for:
- I keep my tracking in my Trello board under "Done" and watch how much progress I made
- Google Sheets are a nice way to reflect on your day. Even if you did 40% in your day, you still got the "passing" marks and you didn't fail. "Life goes on."
To help keep everything organized, there are some great tools out there like Trello, Google Sheets, and Microsoft To-Do. Trello helps you visually break down your tasks, making them feel more manageable. Google Sheets is perfect for tracking your goals and progress, and Microsoft To-Do is a simple way to keep your daily tasks in check. These tools are there to support you, not to overwhelm you, so start with what feels comfortable and build from there.
This is roughly how I plan my to-dos in Trello for weekdays and weekends, with some tasks having sub-tasks:
A nice template for reflecting on your day, no matter how good or bad it was. The sooner you make this a habit, the sooner it will shape your mind:
I also keep a list of everything I've learned or have to do in the future, so I am never short on what to do next:
Be patient with yourself
Remember, productivity and habit-building are skills you develop over time. It's perfectly okay to take things slow. Be patient with yourself. Watch a few videos on habit formation, dive into tutorials on how to use these productivity tools, and explore time management techniques. There's no rush, and the more you learn, the better equipped you'll be to create a schedule and habits that truly work for you.
This journey is all about progress, not perfection. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to where you want to be. So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and trust in the process. You've got this, and in time you'll find that your hard work and patience will pay off.
Try to use a nice tool for taking your notes, because you will always forget things. You can choose from OneNote or Notion.
To be continued...
Footnotes
Some talks you can listen to for habit development: