If it’s on there, you put it there … and that might be the problem!

Long ago, I transitioned from a paper to an electronic calendar.

At the time, I felt great trepidation about making the change. What if there was some sort of glitch (like user error) that wiped out my calendar? With a paper calendar, I would always have my notes. But I could make sure my electronic calendar was backed up, so I made the change.

I’m glad I did.

But only because having all my operational resources in one device is convenient for me. I still have a calendar that can be full — too full sometimes. It still wields a strong influence on my life.

However, for any of us who need to keep and maintain a calendar, here’s the question: Is your calendar managing you, or are you managing it?

We often hear the laments about the crazy, harried, and overflowing calendars, but keep this simple fact in mind: each item scheduled on your calendar is put there by YOU!

None of us purchase a calendar that comes pre-loaded with activities and events we absolutely must attend or take part in. Everything that winds up on our calendars is there by our making a choice to schedule that item into our lives.

With that understood, the greater issue is in our managing our time and commitments. A good way to get a better handle on that is to better learn to say “no.”

We aren’t needed in every meeting.

We don’t have to do everything ourselves, some things can be delegated.

Some things aren’t important enough to give time to.

Some things are so important they need to be highlighted in yellow on our calendars.

The kids don’t have to participate in every sport and extracurricular event.

We can be more selective about secondary interests.

There are lots of things that might be nice, fun, or interesting to be a part of, but the quality and productivity of our lives would be better if we simply said no and kept them off our calendars.

If your calendar is a source of stress or frustration to you, take a look at what’s on it and reassess your decision-making and how you’re valuing what you’re scheduling into your life. Make sure you’re using your calendar as a tool to manage your time and commitments rather than allowing it to manage you.

Scotty