Stop Overcommitting: How My Calendar Keeps Me From Feeling Overwhelmed

What if I told you your calendar could be the key to staying on top of everything and still having time for yourself? It might sound simple, even a bit too good to be true, but bear with me—I’m here to share how a few tweaks to your scheduling system might just change your life.

In today’s fast-paced world, juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities can often feel like a relentless cycle of doggy paddling. I used to be in that same exhausting cycle until I discovered a strategy that transformed my approach to organization and time management. If anything I share resonates with you, or you know someone who could benefit from it, let’s dive in together and explore a tactic that could make a difference.

The game-changer for me came from a senior leader and his ingenious method of color coding. He introduced me to a system where categories are color-coded—emails, events, tasks, you name it. While some of it required manual effort, much was automated through filter rules. For example, emails were color-coded based on which commander they were from, or more broadly categorized by topics like ‘people’ or ‘mission’. These were then organized into folders according to different timeframes, such as quarters of the year.

Now, you might be wondering—could this possibly work for your calendar and emails? Is it overkill or a useful tool? I believe it’s worth considering, especially given the potential it holds for reducing chaos and enhancing clarity. 

I’ve found that using my calendar as my to-do list not only saves me time but also keeps me more organized than I’ve ever been. Having everything consolidated in one spot simplifies decision-making and prioritization, allowing for a smoother, less stressful day-to-day routine.

Think about your current system. Is there room for improvement? Could color coding help you regain control or add efficiency and order to your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can join my free community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1068078421305728/.  Together, we can exchange ideas, support, and empower one another to break free from the hectic cycle and find a more balanced approach to our responsibilities.

Remember, the first step towards change is often the simplest one. Implementing a color-coded calendar might just be that step toward a more organized and centered life. Try it out—you might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!