Do you often feel stressed in your daily life? Do you feel like the days don't have enough hours to fulfill all your obligations? In this case, a weekly schedule can help you structure your everyday life and use your time more efficiently. Because often the lack of time is not the problem, but a lack of organization.
First of all, such a plan gives you a concrete overview of your tasks and appointments, which you can sort in the next step according to priority and time. Through an optimized Time Management you save yourself a lot of stress. You know exactly what needs to be done and when. Another big plus is that this often opens up new time slots for free time.
So creating a weekly plan is definitely worthwhile. But how exactly should it be structured so that it really serves its purpose? And how can you use it successfully in everyday life? In the following article, we will take a closer look at all of this and more.
A weekly schedule is a useful time management tool that can be either digital or analog. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a notebook is up to your personal preference. Sometimes even a single sheet of paper - similar to a school timetable - is sufficient.
A weekly schedule is usually structured in a table. Above the table, the calendar week and, if applicable, your name is noted. You need seven to nine table columns: the first for the respective date, the second for the time, followed by the weekdays from Monday to Friday or, if desired, from Monday to Sunday. In the rows you now enter your deadlines and appointments.
Tip: Online, you'll find plenty of handy templates that you just need to print out.
If you feel that the weekly schedule takes away your spontaneity, it is of course possible to use it only for certain areas of your life, such as the household, work or scheduling your children. Another popular variant is the weekly meal plan, which makes it easier for you to plan your shopping.
Also popular and proven are learning week plans for pupils and students. With the help of these plans, learning goals are self-employed has been developed. That this concept is very effective is shown by the following scientific elaboration.
As already briefly mentioned at the beginning, the creation of a weekly schedule brings considerable advantages. We would like to summarize the most important arguments here once again:
Now that you are familiar with the advantages of a weekly schedule, we will explain how to create it successfully. There are a few basic rules to follow.
Before you can create a weekly schedule, you should decide on the format. Digital versions are more environmentally friendly and flexible. You can download a template or design the schedule yourself using Excel or Word. If you prefer a classic diary or a printed template, this is of course also possible.
Interesting to know: If a classic weekly schedule isn't enough for you because you need more space for notes or thoughts, a bullet journal may be the right choice for you.
Once you've decided on your format, it's time to get an overview. Which weekly commitments do you have at all and in which areas do you want to bring more structure? It is often not necessary to enter free time appointments and hobbies, unless you want to do so.
However, the point of a weekly schedule is that you can plan important tasks better and don't forget them. Which obligations do you like to put off until the last second and then fall into a hectic state? Which important things always fall by the wayside? From now on, make a note of them in your weekly schedule.
If you have a lot of obligations, it makes sense to first create a to-do list and then transfer it to the weekly schedule with date and time. First, you enter the tasks that cannot be postponed. If you wish, you can also mark them with a color or an exclamation mark. Then follow the other appointments.
Tip: Make sure that you allow a certain time window for all obligations and do not schedule the appointments too tightly. After all, unforeseen delays can always happen. To save yourself unnecessary stress, a certain time buffer is an advantage.
Think about what long-term goals you are pursuing in your professional or private life. Which steps will bring you closer to this goal in the long term? Plan regular time slots for these steps in your weekly schedule. If, for example, you are in the process of furthering your professional training, fixed learning times belong in your weekly schedule.
Checking off the tasks on the weekly schedule is extremely motivating. So don't forget to do it! As soon as you have completed a task, cross it out or put a check mark behind it. By seeing in black and white what you have already accomplished, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Satisfaction one. In addition, checking off the tasks is important so that you keep a correct overview.
Often, weekly schedules become more efficient from week to week. After all, you first have to figure out what structure and time buffers are right for you. That's perfectly normal. Once you've warmed up to your weekly schedule, you certainly won't want to miss it.
It is best to enter the creation of the weekly plan for the following week in the plan as well. Calculate about half an hour for this. A popular time to plan the new week is Friday or Sunday evening. However, this is ultimately up to you.
Take the time to evaluate your old weekly schedule. Tasks that you could not complete, you transfer to the new weekly plan. However, if the latter happens more often, you need to work on your time calculation. If possible, plan fewer tasks and / or distribute them differently.
Of course, the weekly schedule only serves its purpose if you stick to it. We'll show you what you need to keep in mind in this regard.
The first basic rule is: Don't overfill your weekly schedule! Design it in such a way that it is also possible for you to fulfill the obligations entered. For this purpose it is important, with flexible appointments Set priorities. Certainly there are also tasks that can be bundled and worked off one after the other.
Your weekly schedule gives you an instant overview of your time capacities. Before you commit to anything, take a look at your schedule. Only accept as many unscheduled tasks as you can until no more than three-quarters of your time is used up. This includes turning down a favor.
Most fixed commitments repeat themselves from week to week. At some point, the routines become memorized so that planning new appointments is quicker. Therefore, always enter the fixed appointments first.
Always do the important tasks first. Of course, you should be thorough and conscientious, but don't dwell on the minor details. If possible, you should modify your projects so that you approach several goals at the same time with one activity. This will save you a lot of time.
In your weekly schedule, time idle such as travel times or waiting times are immediately apparent. Try to use these specifically for Relaxation or to use it for further training. During a train ride, for example, it is wonderful to learn or work on the laptop.
It may even be possible to schedule appointments in such a way that routes can be combined, thus eliminating travel time. In this way, you create a time window for other errands or for more free time.
Whether your time management actually improves with a weekly schedule ultimately depends on you. You have to be prepared to consider the dates entered and the time schedule as binding. If you constantly allow yourself exceptions and deviations, the weekly plan is in vain.
Weekly plans are a useful tool for using your time more effectively and reaching your goals faster. With the right guidance and a little Routine it's not hard to create a weekly schedule. Once you get used to it, you won't want to miss it. The relief in everyday life is clearly noticeable.
