How I Adjust My Planner to Deal with Real-Life Chaos
If you’re anything like me, you probably dream of a perfectly organized existence where every plan falls into place. But real life, especially during a new season like back-to-school, can feel chaotic and messy. This past week was the first full week of school, and I severely underestimated how busy our schedule would be. I even had to skip a video I planned to film, and that’s okay.
My goal is to simplify planning, not make it another chore. Instead of getting frustrated when my plan doesn’t work out, I’ve learned to adjust. Planning isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, and sometimes progress means adapting to the season you’re in.
Here are three simple, no-fuss strategies I used this week to adjust my planner and reduce my mental load.
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Strategy 1: Use an Erasable Pen
For years, I’ve used a planner to manage my to-do list, and I’ve tried all kinds of methods. But lately I’ve found that the best tool for dealing with an ever-changing schedule is an erasable pen. This allows me to make changes without making a mess, which feels more valuable than any other pen. It keeps my planner from looking chaotic and allows me to stay flexible without feeling like I’m failing.
Strategy 2: Reconfigure Your Weekly Dashboard
I use the Erin Condren Dashboard Layout LifePlanner. I love that it has a whole page for lists! But when my to-do list started to feel overwhelming, I knew I needed to simplify my dashboard. I drew a line to create a dedicated to-do list column (instead of how it is broken into two sections) and added sections for my weekly menu and habits. I also used my cleaning checklist sticky note from the shop to keep up with the housekeeping tasks that need to happen. I find that a simple layout with separate sections for different tasks helps me to feel more organized and in control. This small adjustment helped me manage my mental load and made it easier to see what I needed to accomplish each day.
Strategy 3: Embrace the Flexibility of Menu Planning
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I love to menu plan for the whole month. While some may see this as a rigid system, I see it as a way to simplify my life by reducing daily decision fatigue. This week, my family requested pulled pork instead of shredded beef tacos, and because the menu was already planned out, I simply swapped the meals. I didn’t have to come up with a new idea from scratch. This type of simple planning helps me feel calm and in control, even when the week is busy.
A Note on the New School Schedule
This fall, I’m adjusting my work schedule to accommodate my son’s high school schedule. In my planner, I use a line item to block out time to pick him up from school. This is a non-negotiable task that needs a dedicated space in my schedule. It’s a simple reminder that my most important priorities must go on the lines in the weekly section (which are reserved for the most important thing for each time block).
Planning is a tool that should serve you, not the other way around. By embracing simple, flexible strategies, you can reduce your mental load and create a more organized existence.
Watch My Weekly Planning Session
Want to see how these strategies work in real-time? Watch my latest Erin Condren Dashboard Layout Plan With Me video where I walk you through my weekly planning session, update my menu, and get ready for a busy week.