The calendar or planner you choose is an important part of your time management system.

Paper vs. Electronic

The Productivity Pro has great information to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method. You can read the article “Paper vs Electronic” here. Personally, I like a combination of the two methods. She also talks about the HUG criteria for time management systems.

• DIY Planner – Currently using Palm or software

Whatever you choose should be:

• Flexible-Easy to update
• Portable-Large enough to hold all your information, yet small enough you won’t mind carrying it around.
• Comfortable-attractive forms or screens
• Customizable-make it work for your needs

Further Reading

• Kristen’s Guide has printable forms and tells how to manage schedules.
• A very useful guide to Learning to Use a Day Planner from the National Resource Center of AD/HD
• The Paper Planner Inbox from A Million Monkeys Typing

Possible sections to include:

• Calendar
• Master list
• to-do list
• goals
• work duties
• repeating tasks
• projects
• ideas
• important dates/gift ideas
• notes
• telephone/address
• information
• shopping list
• books to read
• movies to watch
• checklists

More section ideas from:

• The Productivity Pro
• Kristen’s Guide