Here’s how to stick to a timetable and stay consistent with it!

Why timetables are important

You’d be dead if you successfully ran away from work!

You’ve gotta put in some effort to live comfortably.

We’ve all got different things to do in life. Some tasks are urgent and some aren’t. Some are fun and some aren’t.

A timetable is your key to understanding which tasks have to be done when and for how long. You’re day will always be ruined when you’ve got no clue what you have going on that day and you’ll be dancing between tasks hoping they’ll all be completed soon.

Firstly, the human brain can’t multitask. And secondly, the sheer amount of concentration will make you burn out pretty quick.

This is why a timetable is important.

The Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge people face regarding timetables is staying?consistent.

During the first day of making the timetable, people are often excited to follow it. But as soon as they hit Day 8, they lose interest as the day becomes very predictable and mundane.

Even though the act of committing to a timetable guarantees huge returns, people aren’t ready to follow it because they need something new. That’s weak.

Know your Goals

The best timetables are formed when you know what you want to achieve after following the schedule.

If you’re like a sheep and mindlessly following the timetable, you’re wasting your time. This is because your plan isn’t giving you any output. And from the famous Alex Hormozi,

WORK = OUTPUT

Remember that.

Write down your short and long term goals on a sheet of paper. Funnel it down to the few most important goals you have.

Examples of?weak?goals -

1. Make more friends
2. Exercise more

Examples of?strong?goals -

1. I will make sure I am attending at least 5 social events in my country, and I will approach my colleagues at work and have a brief conversation with them and exchange contact information.
2. I will consult a fitness expert and draft a plan to strengthen my arms and back.

See the difference in goals?

Most people fall under the weak goals category. Which is why thet aren’t going anywhere in life.

How to make better goals?

To have strong goals, follow these steps -

1. Identify the most important parts of your life?— for example, if it is providing for your family, then earning more should be your main goal.
2. Be Ultra Specific?— Since nobody is going to be snooping around, looking at your goals, you shouldn’t be afraid to go all out. Mention everything about your goal, to the last detail.
3. Journaling?— If you have a strong timetable, you need to make sure you note down what’s going right and what’s not. Write down your losses as well as wins.
4. Break the Mammoth?— At some point you’ll come across a goal which is gigantic. Make sure you are dividing such goals into smaller actionable steps.

The Pomodoro Technique

I won’t recommend something I ain’t tried yet, but this Pomodoro technique is an OP weapon in your productivity arsenal. You need it.

When working for long hours, you become lethargic. To avoid this, have a?work session for 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. Repeat this process over and over again. You’ll see a major boost in productivity. I promise. I’ve been using it everyday now, and it’s perfect.

Best part is, you don’t need some app on your phone, get use the default timer app.

Adapt and Adjust

This isn’t wonderland kid.

When you follow a timetable there are times when you won’t finish your task as you planned, or maybe something external will hinder your focus causing you to get distracted. This is okay, it should be expected. Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t following your timetable 100%.

Life has it’s curevballs.?You’re timetable has to be a supportive tool. Not a jail cell.

Realistic Goals

If you’re goal is too hard, you won’t complete it. If your goal is too easy, you won’t complete it.

Either way, you need a goal which matches your level. These goals have to be?attainable?and?practical. Your goal has to be aligned to your long term plan and not just like

“I want to learn to fight like John Wick in 6 months”.

Ask yourself, “Do I have the?capability,?resources,?time?and?skill?to complete this job?” “Do I have any?constraints?” When you find the answers to these questions, you’ll understand what is real and what is imagination.

No Burnouts

The only thing that should be burning are tires while drifting.

If your timetable is too rigid, then you’ll eventually get burnt out. Meaning you’ll stop doing what you planned to do and will go on a hiatus… until you don’t feel okay-ish. If you’re feeling any sort of burnout, remember to add more breaks and relaxation time.

Learn to say ‘No’ to work. Prioritize self care and take care of your sanity.

Conclusion

With continuous life demands, sticking to a timetable and nurturing consistency isn’t just a choice — it’s a necessity.

Timetables allow us to seize control of our days, channel our efforts effectively, and lead a more balanced existence. However, the journey to consistency isn’t without its hurdles. From setting strong goals that resonate with your aspirations to embracing flexibility and adapting in the face of setbacks, each step is pivotal. The Pomodoro technique can be your productivity ally, and the art of saying “no” and prioritizing self-care shields you from burnout’s. Remember that your timetable is a tool for empowerment, not a rigid cage.

By weaving these strategies into your routine, you’re not just adhering to a schedule — you’re crafting a life that thrives on consistency and purpose.

That’s it folks!

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