A few months ago I shared a post highlighting 4 traits of the not so busy mom. I knew that at some point I wanted to devote a single post to each trait, so I’ve been digging a little deeper into each trait as we look to live a full life without all the busy.
Just a reminder, the first 3 traits are:
Trait #1: The not so busy mom lets go of perfection.
Trait #2: The not so busy mom lets go of her need to impress others.
Trait #3: The not so busy mom considers her priorities.
Today we will be looking at trait #4.
Trait #4: The not so busy mom plans ahead.
So much busyness enters our lives when we don’t take the time to plan ahead. We don’t plan ahead, and we rush to the mall for a last minute gift. We don’t plan ahead, and we race to the grocery store a few times a week for ingredients for dinner. A weekend is filled with non-stop errands when we don’t plan ahead. Free moments in our calendar disappear. Every afternoon is a scramble, and downtime seems a thing of the past.
Planning ahead comes naturally to some, and perhaps as a struggle to others. There are many ways, though, to plan ahead, stay head of the game and be just a little less busy!
4 simple ways to plan ahead:
1. Flip your calendar before the month is up. A quick glance at the month ahead will remind you of the holidays, birthdays and other special events that await you. You can choose greeting cards, purchase presents and make sure you have all needed clothing items like tights for your girls for Easter, special shoes for a wedding, Halloween costumes, Christmas bow ties, etc.
**(I realize that if you are using an app you might not be “flipping” a calendar, but I think you remember good old-fashioned calendars that need to be flipped!)
2. Make meal planning your friend. I have written many posts on meal planning, so I will keep this short and sweet. When you plan your meals you will find that your afternoons and evenings are significantly less hectic. Don’t worry about creating elaborate meals; instead, just make a plan and enjoy the peace that follows.
For more about meal planning you can check out my posts found here, here and here.
3. Stick to your nighttime routine. Planning ahead can be as simple as planning for the next day. I wrote a post about 5 tasks to do before bedtime to prepare for the next day. Small tasks the night before lead to much slower, peaceful mornings. And who doesn’t want that??!!
4. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. These are some wise words from Benjamin Franklin. You might wonder what this has to do with planning ahead, but I guess simply stated, if you don’t procrastinate (and you get things done now) you don’t have to worry about planning ahead. When a nagging task come to mind, do it. When a phone call needs to be made, make it. Take care of the “to-do” today, and enjoy a little extra space in your tomorrow.
What about you? Are you good at planning ahead? Any advice or encouragement you can share with us? I’d love to hear from you, so leave your thoughts and ideas below!
Until next time,
Charissa
Great tips! Meal planning overwhelms me!
It can be overwhelming at first Bethany, but the more you do it the easier it gets. Have you checked out my meal planning posts?? Click the link to that category on my blog; you’ll find a number of helpful posts. 🙂
These are great tips! I used to be so great about planning ahead and all the other things you mentioned before I had 2 kids. I also commute 80 miles a day. I feel like when I do have time, I’m blogging, catching up on laundry, cooking or just resting and watching a little tv. I still try to do some planning-makes my life so much easier. Great post.
Thanks for sharing, Diedre. I think it can be a struggle for all of us in various ways. Maybe taking the same time once a week to sit for 20 minutes or so and plan out the next week or even the month would be a good strategy for you?!
I was never much of a planner before kids, but motherhood has necessitated the need for it. Thank you for the tips and reminders!
Yes, you are right about motherhood & planning, Amanda!
Great list! I especially like “don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today”. I think this is where I get myself into the most trouble because I’ll be thinking about what I need to do but then my brain almost checks it off because I’ve thought about it. Then I am horrified when I realize later that I never DID the thing I thought about.
Thanks for sharing, Jessica!
All very good advice. I especially like the idea of flipping your calendar early. I need to start doing this.
It’s a simple task but easily forgotten. 🙂
Planning ahead is something that I seriously struggle with! …but you have some great tips to get on a better track! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to share, Brit!
Great perspective. I love how all your tips tie together.
Thanks, Rebecca! 🙂
These are great tips! Thank you!
You are welcome, Jessica!
Yes! I try my best not to put things off. I like most things to just be done with!
Good for you, Leighann! Keep it up!!
#4! Yes to #4!! These are all great tips. I used to be way more of a planner than I am now but I do find it to be so helpful. And, procrastinating helps no one!
Thanks, Shannon!
These are such great tips. I need to do the calendar flip, because the new month sneaks up on me every time!
🙂
Such good advice. I need to work on meal planning more, and also WAY less procrastinating. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi, Kate! Check out my meal planning posts when you get a chance; I hope they will offer help and inspiration.
Great post, these are all so very helpful! I will have to check out your meal planning ideas too.
xo, Nicole
I’m glad the post was helpful, Nicole!