We live in a fast-paced world filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. Like
kids in a candy shop, we can easily feel overwhelmed choices on where we spend our time. What’s most important? How do we find time to get things done? How much can we handle? It is tempting to shove more in our day than is humanly possible, and discouraged at the end of the day when we barely got past the second item on our to-do list. In an overstuffed schedule, we feel out of balance—where one area of our lives monopolizes our time at the expense of other more important things.
Throughout my 20 years as a time management coach , I’ve found that there are certain key skills that make the difference between a day that feels in balance vs. out of balance. And those are the skills I teach my clients in 1:1 sessions to create meaningful and fulfilling days. In partnership with Franklin Covey, I wanted to design a planner that brought the coaching I do with my clients directly to you, teaching you the 5 Gateway skills to staying in balance:
- Skill # 1-Time Estimating
- Skill # 2- The 4 D's to streamline your to-do list
- Skill # 3-Group Similar Tasks
- Skill # 4- Creating a Time Map
- Skill # 5- Controlling the Nibblers
That is the logic behind the design of the pages, which include a column for time estimating, a column called the 4D’s that prompts you to find ways to save time, and a page layout that groups similar tasks by separating "DO" from "CALL" and Work from Personal. There is are forms and instructions for creating a Time Map, sections for tracking interruptions and monthly goals, and a complete coaching guide on mastering the 5 Gateway skills.
The Balanced Life Planner system gives you a personal coach within every page to help you plan your days realistically so you feel excited, rather than overwhelmed, when you wake up. It will help you stay on track all day long, so you get the right things done and feel satisfied when you go to sleep at night. It will help you create days that are meaningful and rewarding to you and teach you how to connect each of your daily activities to your big-picture goals.
This planner captures every element of your life in one place so that you can enjoy your days, rather than be overwhelmed. It’s the tool I use to keep me on track and balance my time between writing, speaking, running a business, being a mom, spending time with friends, and still dedicating some time just for me.
Time management from the inside out is based on the belief that you have the power to make choices, take ownership, and influence the course of your days, instead of feeling victimized. This system doesn’t impose value systems urging you to work more and play less, or encourage you to be anything other than exactly who you are. What’s offered here is a process, not a prescription.
The Balanced Life Planner will help you:
The Balanced Life Planner will help you:
• Design and maintain a life based on your unique personality and goals.
• Develop a new, empowering perception of time.
• Master the 5 gateway skills to good time management.
• Connect your daily tasks to big-picture goals.
• Feel deeply satisfied at the end of each day.
If you ever feel out of balance and want to learn how to make your time work for you, this planner is the perfect tool to help you manage your work, your life, and your time—from the inside out.
To learn more, and purchase your Balanced Life Planner, visit our partners at Franklin Covey
