Most people spend more time planning their vacation than they do planning their life. There are also many time-stealers that take away from planning time. Television is an impediment to would-be successful people. The average person in America watches eight hours of TV per day, but the average millionaire only watches one hour of TV per day. According to Cheryl Sherry, a Post-Crescent staff writer, on average children in the United States will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours). Plan your day like your life depends on it, because it does.

Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, was once asked how she developed her plans and stayed focused each day. The answer was so simple, yet so powerful.
 

Mary Kay’s Daily Plan

"Before I start working I write down the top six things I need to accomplish that day and number them from one, the most important, to six, the least important. As I go through my day I stay focused on completing the things on my list in the order of their importance." Everyone can learn from the great visionary Mary Kay Ash.

To plan your work and work your plan, get a calendar and a notebook. Only three people out of 100 actually plan their day. A calendar and a notebook distances those people who are just waiting for life to happen from those that make life happen.

Let the tools of organization work for you:

The beauty of the calendar, notebook system lies in its simplicity that handles the complexity of life.

1. Open the calendar to the present week.

2. Write down the appointed committed times in ink.

3. Write unconfirmed times in pencil and when confirmed, ink them in.

4. Use highlighters to identify types of appointments indicating their importance to living a fulfilling life.
 

The color coding concept stems from the techniques taught by the U.S. Army. Military commanders use situation maps to view the operational area. On these situation maps major points of references are identified with a specific color. An enemy unit might be identified with red while friendly forces could be identified with blue. In the heat of battle when emotions are running high, color coding allows commanders to make sound and timely decisions. This simple but effective color coding system allows anyone to command their time with excellence.

By color coding activities it is a graphic reminder of the important things for valuable, purposeful living. The color coding makes the activities become high octane events and saves time and energy.

The use of the notebook adds an important dimension to the planning process. Use the notebook for a historic file for life’s memories and notes. Write down phrases and words that are inspirational. Keep track of poems, songs or speeches that touch the soul. The notebook gives the planning process depth and encourages reflection and thought on the really important things in life. Use the notebook as a brain-storming tool.

In summary, by working the planner and using the notebook, more gets done and those things that get done are more meaningful and purposeful.

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