How To Be Consistent When Your Schedule Isn’t

If you are a shift worker, a parent or just someone with a busy lifestyle this is the post for you!

There are a few thing we need to work on to help you stay consistent while your schedule isn’t.

1. Preparation

2. Time management

3. Action

Let me explain how I can help you.

Over the past few years I have had the most inconsistent schedule. I am someone who likes to plan, colour code and organise everything and I mean everything. I have several different calendars linked up as well as a daily planner that I write in. Over the past year I found that these little tricks have helped me stay on track and continue to be consistent with my goals and my lifestyle.

On Sunday or Monday mornings I sit down with my calendars and my book and plan my week. I write down what I have booked in and what hours I am working. By doing this you have a visual of everything you have on and the free time you have available.

Now write a list of what you would like to do during your week. It could be a fitness class, coffee with a friend or even dinner out with your whole family.

After you have written your list go back to your calendar and see where you can book it in. Look at it in a way that it is happening and will happen that’s why we book it in. You just need to be a little more organised so you can do everything you want to. We have 24 hours in the day so let's start using them.

In my calendar I have the hours of my classes booked out, the hours I have for admin jobs booked out as well as lunch time booked because I tend to forget to eat when I get busy (That is a whole other post). I also booked out time for my family. Three days a week after 3pm I add to my calendar that I am unavailable. This is the time I book out to spend with my son. I don’t plan anything. I let the afternoons unfold as it will.

Here are a few things to consider to add in your calendar

1. Work hours

2. Study hours

3. Family time

4. Appointments

5. Fitness classes

6. Personal time (Self care)

7. Supermarket shop

8. Coffee dates (even if it’s with yourself)

9. Bedtime (make sure to have a time when you turn off and get ready for bed)

10. House cleaning/Tidy up

To stay consistent make sure to treat the things in your calendar as appointments. You wouldn’t cancel on your boss so why cancel on yourself? Don’t give in to those excuses in your head. Stay consistent so you can continue to grow and make progress in all aspects of life.

If you fall off track for a day or two remember to be kind to yourself. Treat your calendar as an outline to your life. Life loves to be a pain and throw you a curve ball so remember to be flexible. Consider what is a priority to you and what is a bonus. For example family time is a priority, going out for coffee is a bonus.

If you are struggling to decide what is a priority try and say it out loud. For example Todays priority is to make my exercise class. Today's priority is to get X Y Z done at work today. It's all about the mindset.

If you have any other tips to be consistent with an inconsistent schedule let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this with a friend who may need some help with their time management and organisations.