Octavia Butler said, "First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won't. Habit is persistence in practice."
I learned long ago that you don't always feel like doing the things you should or have to do. You have to make it a priority, and then you have to make it a habit. So, what am I doing to persist in being consistent with better habits?
Well, my first habit helping decision was purchasing a Smart Planner Pro from Amazon. I was researching a planner to gift my daughter,and in comparing a few online, I came upon this one. It has four different sections and four different bookmark dividers, a bookmark and a back inside cover pocket. I liked it so much that I bought one for her and one for myself.
How it works:
Section 1: The month at a glance allows you to start at any month of the year because you have to write in the month and the numbers of each day. The section has a space to include your monthly goals.
Section 2: The week at a glance section is divided up for the hours of 6AM-9PM and includes a place to list your daily priorities.
Section 3: Notes section with lined paper.
Why I like it:
It forces me to think about what I am grateful for each day. It includes a space to list four priorities for the day. Once you list your priorities, your mind is trained to focus on your priorities first when planning the day. It also has a daily habit tracker that allows you to rate (1-4) your progress on your habit goals each day, and then you can compare your weekly score from week to week. It also includes a space for notes and reflection at the bottom.
Does the Smart Planner worth it?
So, I would have to say that it works if you work it. When I have been on point with this journal, I have been on point with my time management and my goals. When I'm not...well, I'll just say I'm happy with whatever I get accomplished, but I am much less efficient and productive. Hours just slip on by and I can rarely account for the lost time.
Bottom Line:
It is not in the planner; it is in the habits. Using the planner has to become a habit to reap the benefits. So, I think the first habit to cultivate is the habit of growth. I'm not 100% every day on my goals, but I am seeking progress, not perfection.
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