I created a Daily Planning Sheet last year to help me stay organized, be more productive, focus in on priorities and ultimately get more things done!  So, I thought I’d share it with you in case you need a little extra inspo or productivity hack right about now!

I totally get it!  There’s so much to get done whether you’re in school, working or being mommy!  And, yes, sometimes, (or a lot of the time!) it can all be a little overwhelming! But, I’ve found a planning and organization system that has been working for me. Sure, some days are more productive than the next, but this has kept me accountable and on task.  It’s helped me focus in on my day, prioritize what’s most important and schedule in my workouts.  Flat out–it has helped me make things happen and get a lot more things done!

I used to have super long to-do lists that I would write out everyday, but it would get so overwhelming just looking at everything that had to get done and seeing only a couple things highlighted and crossed out at the end of the day.  About a year ago, I was introduced to the “3-A Day” concept.  Get 3 things done each day and you’ll be more productive.  I’m always down for new productivity hacks, so I decided to give it a try.  And it completely changed my life!

Who would have thought that just focusing on 3 things a day would actually help you get more things done?! Well, our lives are so crazy busy and, sometimes, that’s what creates a lot of clutter that makes us think we need to multi-task in order to fit everything in. But, I’ve realized, multi-tasking is not the most effective way to get things done. By focusing on just one thing at a time, you’re able to completely give it 100% (or close to it) and actually complete it a lot faster than if you were distracted with a ton of other things.

So, I call these 3 my “Make it Happens“ — my top 3 things that are my daily priority and that must be completed today.  It has really helped me dial in my days and move the needle forward and I hope it can help you, too!

  • I love the Daily Affirmation at the beginning of the day–it really sets the tone for what I’m going through and how I need to attack my day.  Looking at it throughout the day really helps me keep going!
  • Of course, the Top 3 Must Completes are at the top.  They are your non-negotiables for the day.  Be realistic, these aren’t big projects that take months to finish.  Break these Top 3 into basic tasks that can be completed today and that also move you forward.
  • The way you fill out the rest is really up to you!  I jot down the rest of my “To-Do’s” and “make it happens” in the first box. These are the little things that may pop up throughout the day and the things that I can move onto after the Top 3 get finished. This is the space where you can also list those on-going projects that are in the back of your head.
  • The second column box is where I write down any emails I need to send or reply to and people I need to hop on a call with that day.  I’ll also write down my meetings for the day by time.
  • The Personal/Home box is your “Me” box.  I use this to write down my errands, to remind myself in bold caps to clean my room, run to the grocery store, schedule a sugaring sesh, facial, or any personal “girly” appointments I need to make!
  • The last empty box is open for anything left I need to jot down or remind myself.
  • Lastly, the Notes/Gratitude Section at the bottom really helps me bring closure to my days at night when I’m getting ready for bed.  They’re a great way to remind myself of all the positives that happened that day, since it’s so easy to get bogged down with all the hurdles and challenges we go through on a daily basis.

And that’s it!  I hope this Make it Happen Daily Planner helps you as much as it’s helped me! You can download it by joining the free strong girl community! Click on the pink tab on the right! Let me know what you think!

Love & Sweat,
Ailis xoxo