You have a beautiful blank calendar before you. What should you put on it to ensure you get the most use out of it? This article addresses the basics.
In spite of my dedication to electronic calendars (because of their portability and shareability), I still maintain a paper calendar in my kitchen. This is simply for the visibility without extra steps. But both types of calendars have benefited from my adding the following types of items.
Note: since many of these items repeat yearly, if you are adding them to an electronic calendar, make sure to set up the repeat function so you only have to do this once!
Birthdays/Anniversaries
Mark the whole year’s worth of birthdays and anniversaries on the calendar. This will give you plenty of time to get cards and/or gifts out.
School Dates
If you have children in school, mark the dates of the vacations, staff days and holidays on the calendar. Also mark games, performances and other school events. This will enable you to schedule care if needed, and keep track of where you need to be to support your kids.
Health Appointments
Many routine health appointments are scheduled months in advance. Write these on your calendar immediately so you don’t forget them.
Car/Property Deadlines
If you have to pay taxes, get inspections, renew registrations, put those on the first of the month in which they occur. This will give you time to plan to get them done. Never get stuck in an inspection line at the end of the month!
Religious Holidays
Most calendars are getting better about putting the various types of religious holidays on the calendars. However, it won’t necessarily get the ones specific to your faith. Add those in now, particularly if you have to do something to observe them.
Scheduled Vacations
Vacations can be scheduled months in advance. Write those into your calendar. Not only does that allow you to prepare for them, but also reminds you to look forward to them.
Conclusion
By adding basic information to your calendar, you can see what is coming at you that needs preparation.
Action Steps
Make sure whatever calendar you are using has the above items already entered.
