Where Does the Time Go
**Make a Plan or Plan to Fail**
Part 1 of 3
By: Peggy Willms
(3 min. read)
We all get the same 168 hours a week. What you do with yours matters, especially if you are not turning your dreams into reality or meeting your goals. Why is that? Frankly, most of us have no clue where our time goes. And it simply flies by
Are you slamming that iPad playing Candy Crush 10 hours a week? Are you watching 40 hours of TV? What if I told you that you would feel a gamut of emotions by keeping track for just a few days? Some of you may experience embarrassment, guilt, and disappointment. Others might feel pride and accomplishment.
I will bring you a three-part series to determine where you spend your time and how you might want to shift it to accomplish your goals. We will also discuss fun ways to design a week to lift your spirits and increase your efficiency.
Ready? Yes, Peggy. Duh.
Taking a peek at the week ahead is priceless. It won’t take you too much time when you create the habit of doing so, especially if you do it as a family. Each one of your calendars affects the others. How many soccer games, board meetings, Zumba classes, or doctor appointments do you have, and how much time will that suck out of your 168?
First … Why plan?
**Increases Productivity**
Planning and scheduling your week allows you to allocate time for important tasks, appointments, and activities. This helps you stay organized and focused on what needs to be done, leading to increased productivity.
**Time Management**
Planning allows you to allocate your time effectively, ensuring enough time for work, personal tasks, relaxation, and social activities. It helps you prioritize tasks and manage your time more efficiently.
**Reduce Stress**
Knowing what to expect in the upcoming week can reduce anxiety and stress. By having a clear plan in place, you can approach the week with a sense of control and preparedness rather than feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty.
**Improved Goal Setting**
Planning helps you set specific weekly goals and break them down into manageable tasks. This can help you stay focused on your objectives and track your progress throughout the week.
**Better Work-Life Balance**
By scheduling your week in advance, you can make time for both work and personal activities. Allocating time for relaxation, hobbies, and self-care can help you achieve a better work-life balance and prevent burnout.
**Flexibility and Adaptability**
While planning ahead provides structure, it also allows for flexibility. If unexpected events arise during the week, you can adjust your schedule accordingly without losing sight of your priorities.
**Increased Accountability**
Having a schedule in place holds you accountable for your commitments and tasks. It helps you stay on track and ensures that you follow through on your plans and responsibilities. Planning and scheduling your week can help you stay organized, focused, and efficient, leading to increased productivity, reduced stress, and a better work-life balance.
Great reminders, huh? Now that you know why we want to look ahead make sure you come back for Part 2, where we will discuss all the areas in your life that require your attention and how to shift that time to nail your goals and improve the quality of your life and those around you. Oh, yeah!
Peggy Willms
All Things Wellness, LLC
peggy@allthingswellness.com
The information provided is the opinion of the author. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice: diagnosis or treatment. The author, the business, All Things Wellness, LLC, and its owner Peggy Willms, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this article or website. We assume no responsibility for tangible and intangible damages such as physical harm caused by using a product, loss of profits or loss of data, and defamatory comments. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
