It’s 2017 – can you believe it?

Hopefully, you are starting this year (and every year) saying “Hell yeah! I’m awesome!”

And you are looking forward to another year of awesomeness.

Achieving that is possible for all of us.

All it takes is planning.

Yes, I know you “know” this and it probably isn’t news for you.

But you know what?

Knowing doesn’t equal done.

We all know what to do. That’s the easy part.

But knowing isn’t doing you any good when your lists are getting longer and the “to dos” are piling up, taking over your life.

It’s time to get out of the abyss my friend.

And there is only one way to do it…

You need a plan!

The world is made up of people who love to plan – and everyone else.

If you are in the “everyone else” category…don’t despair!

Let me give you three tips to make planning easier.

1) Write it down.

Having the plan in your head isn’t enough.

There are countless articles and studies outlining the benefit of writing things down.

For one thing, when things are in your head, they are taking up processing space.

You need that space to do the amazing work you are planning for!

When your brain is cluttered, you don’t have room for the big things.

Get rid of it!

You’ll be so glad you did.

(If you want more benefits to writing things down, here are seven from Positivity Blog.)

2) Start with the big stones.

Planning can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to start.

It’s the whole “how do you eat an elephant?” question.

Starting with the big stones is key to a good plan.

Think of the things on your schedule you need to go to.

These are the items with set times or durations.

The stuff you can’t move.

Big stones include: conferences, travel (for family vacation or for work), classes or workshops you are going to put on, speaking engagements, or other big important things.

(If you want to come to Tuscany with me April 29 – May 6 – and there is still space – that would be a big stone!)

Once you have gotten the big stones out, the smaller things tend to flow a lot easier.

3) Get a paper planner.

Over the last year I have rediscovered the paper planner.

Why did we ever stop using them!?

A calendar is great for appointments, sure.

And the computer is good for some things too.

But when it comes to planning your days and scheduling out your time…

I think a paper planner is the way to go.

Everyone needs to find the right fit for them I’m using this one in 2017

And there are tons of options to choose from, including ones that are completely customizable (Levenger), manage your mindset along with your actions (Daily Action Planner), and teach you a system (Passion Planner).

Remember, at the end of the day, when you find the one that works for you, it will just click.

I hope these tips will provide you with a well-planned 2017 and have you saying “Hell yeah!” when 2018 comes around.

Stay connected!

Dana