Forward Thinking | Backward Planning

By: A. R. Christian

As a mother of four, business owner, and full-time college student… I get it. Stuff is always coming up. You turn your attention to one thing and all of a sudden you’re behind with another. Pretty soon everything piles up and you’re scattered, tired, overwhelmed, feeling like you’re getting nowhere, and life’s no fun…

If you are juggling a lot and don’t want to drop the ball, here’s a tip that has served me well. Think forward, plan backward.

1 First things first, Get a planner. Being able to visualize what you have coming up is a game changer and you don’t have to worry or stress that you might be forgetting something. Shop around for a planner that you like with plenty of space in it that is convenient to keep with you. It is your new best friend!

2 Next, think forward. Think about important things that are coming up like meetings, family functions, goals, bills, deadlines, holidays, and appointments for the month and beyond. Think about fun things you want to do or try and who you want to spend time with. Figure out when they can or need to happen and write them down in your planner.

3 Now, organize your week. Plan backward from each responsibility and be realistic. Have a deadline that’s two weeks away? Break the project up into sections. Choose days and times that make sense so that things don’t pile up on you. Give yourself the time you actually need to work on it and then add time to give yourself a buffer. Want to get away for a weekend? Make it happen! When is the soonest you can go? What would need to get done first for it to be relaxing? Figure out what you can do today that helps get you there next week!

4 As each day fills up, think about what needs to happen and what should wait? If your Monday is already busy, don’t pile more on if you don’t have to. Pace yourself. Schedule a break. Set time aside to goof off with the kids or walk the dog. And hey, you know you, plan accordingly. Not a morning person? Lay out your outfit the night before, check the weather, pack your briefcase or backpack, make sure there’s gas in the car, and program the coffee pot. Be polite to tomorrow you. You’ll be surprised how much time and stress a little planning will save you.