Despite this beautiful Rifle Paper Co photograph, my #1 tip is not about writing things down so that you’re on time, organized, and remember everything. I’ve tried that, and it just isn’t enough for me.
I’ve given paper lists and planners a fair shot. I use this notepad regularly for groceries and to-do lists, but frequently they are forgotten. I hemmed and hawed here about getting a paper planner, but finally I just admitted to myself that it would be a passing fad and I would let it collect dust by May.
So I’ve taken to using my Google calendar more heavily than ever on my phone and computer.
AND
I have started setting alarms on my phone for myself.
All. The. Time.
Need to be at the UPS store when it opens? Set an alarm for the time you absolutely must leave.
Need to put something in the mailbox for a neighbor to pick up? Set an alarm to put it in after you know the mail will be delivered.
Need to bid on something on eBay? Set an alarm for three minutes before the bidding closes so you can slip in your surprise final bid in the last 20 seconds.
Need to call someone during the kids’ nap time? Set an alarm.
Need to go to bed by 10pm? Set an alarm.
Need to get to church on time? Set an alarm.
And so on and so forth. It works!
I’ve also been using my Google calendar alerts, and every time I put something in my calendar I will frequently add a pop-up alert for a day and hour before the event just to be sure I remember it and I’m on time.
Now, all this didn’t stop me from forgetting a doctor’s appointment last week and racing in with flushed cheeks and sweaty palms exactly 10 minutes too late (whomp whomp), but that was because I failed to check my phone and my email and look at any paper reminders beforehand. AND forgot to set an alarm.
I’m a work in progress, what can I say?! And I need all the help I can get!
Do you have any other great, new tricks for getting places on time, staying organized, and remembering absolutely everything? You know I need them.
——–
Thank you again to all who entered the beautiful doll and book giveaway from BB&J last week! The giveaway closed at midnight on Friday, and the winner (Heidi P.) has been emailed. Congrats, Heidi!
Anna of BB&J Handmade is offering a generous discount for Making Room readers until May 15. The code for free shipping is MAKINGROOM15. Hustle on over to her shop and pick out your favorites!
Yes! Setting alarms for getting things done has been a huge help for me to remember things and get them done on time. The Google calendar reminder function is nice as well. Which reminds me…I need to set an alarm for our CSA box pickup that starts this afternoon. :)
Glad I’m not the only one! It’s so handy… and so easy!
I do the same thing! I’ll look wistfully at all those lovely planners and maybe even buy one and write in some appointments in the first month or so, but then realize I can never keep it up because I need my schedule with me all the time and I forget it at home at least half the time. I rarely forget my phone at home, and the reminders are very helpful.
I still feel like there is a future out there for me and a good planner, but I’m not there yet! Maybe if I PLAN ahead at the end of 2015, I’ll have something good for 2016!
Becca, you totally need to use goofbid.com for last second eBay bids (despite its kind of awkward name and somewhat quirky features). You log in (for free), tell goofbid how much you want to bid and it puts in your bid automatically with 5 seconds left (or even fewer if you are particularly daring). It has saved me lots of time and money (sometimes I’ll set it days in advance). Now you can be even more efficient!
I realize that my comment reads like an ad; really it’s not (but it could be – goofbid, are you listening?). I’m guessing there are other free eBay snipers out there – but this one has worked well for me.
Josh
I totally thought this was a spam comment until I saw your email address! OK, fine, I won’t delete you.
But seriously, thanks for the tip! I will check it out, because it definitely would save me some time.