Planning Vs. Scheduling: Where Do You Focus?

So many people collapse the distinction between planning their time and scheduling time to actually accomplish their tasks.

The fact is, planning and scheduling are two different skills. According to Dictionary.com:

PLAN

IS A NOUN, VERB, PLANNED, PLAN·NING

noun

1. a scheme or method of acting, doing, proceeding, making, etc., developed in advance: battle plans.
2. a design or scheme of arrangement: an elaborate plan for seating guests.
3. a specific project or definite purpose: plans for the future.
4. Also called plan view. a drawing made to scale to represent the top view or a horizontal section of a structure or a machine, as a floor layout of a building.
5. a representation of a thing drawn on a plane, as a map or diagram: a plan of the dock area.

verb (used with object)

1. to arrange a method or scheme beforehand for (any work, enterprise, or proceeding): to plan a new recreation center.
2. to draw or make a diagram or layout of, as a building.

verb (used without object)

1. to make plans: to plan ahead; to plan for one’s retirement.

Notice all the future-facing words used to define this one? So – planning is always done ahead of time…. with a big picture and idea in mind.

SCHED·ULE NOUN, VERB, SCHED·ULED, SCHED·UL·ING.

noun

1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, especially with reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion: The schedule allows three weeks for this stage.
2. a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period: He always has a full schedule.
3. a timetable.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a schedule of or enter in a schedule.
2. to plan for a certain date: to schedule publication for June.

What do you notice that is different about the two words?

Both Planning and scheduling are done in advance, but a PLAN is about thinking things through to produce a design. When applied to your time – think of planning as a time design toward the desired result! To schedule – means to take the existing plan – and estimate and assign time elements to events, tasks, and projects. Scheduling is about estimating how long things will take – and executing them at a given time. A schedule puts your plan into action by assigning a time estimate and value to the actual task or activity you’re going to do on a certain date.

DO YOU EXCEL AT ONE OVER THE OTHER?

These two functions work hand in hand, but interestingly, different parts of the brain are responsible for planning, scheduling and action.

The human brain has many parts and each is responsible for different things. Follow this quick primer in brain physiology:

The cerebrum is divided into two equal halves called hemispheres and controls our thoughts and actions. This is what is referred to when someone is deemed ‘left-‘ or ‘right-brained’. Each hemisphere is responsible for different functions.

The Cerebrum It is the largest part of the brain, located in the forebrain, and consists of four lobes.

1. The frontal lobe assists us with problem-solving, movement, planning, reasoning, parts of speech and emotions.
2. This is where PLANNING skills reside. This area is what must be stimulated for adequate scheduling to occur. Note that this area is usually more developed in females.
3. The parietal lobe is responsible for recognition, movement, orientation and perception of stimuli.
4. This is where the ACTION and physical coordination take place for executing tasks.
5. The temporal lobe controls memory, speech, and perception of auditory stimuli.
6. The occipital lobe controls our sense of sight. The neocortex accounts for the largest part of the cerebrum. This six-layer structure is responsible for higher information processing.

Goals and objectives produce plans, that lead to schedules so tasks are executed within the time you’ve scheduled. It’s a suite of skills and activities that when combined are most effective. Especially for mompreneurs who are juggling SO many other tasks and priorities. Each requires different tactics, and they are different skills. Scheduling is a planning activity and requires time to accomplish it. Working tasks without first planning your schedule may be a recipe for disaster, especially if you have several tasks to manage at one time.

Take some time to plan first, then focus on estimating and executing! Focusing on Planning and Scheduling will help any mompreneur manage all the details, and help you reclaim your time! If you need HELP planning your business goals – Check out my highly acclaimed Planapaloozah – a self-paced course to get your business back on course. Go here to learn more!

Do you have any tips and tricks for planning and scheduling? How do you manage it all? When do you find time for planning and scheduling? Please share your planning and scheduling tips and tools in the comment box below!

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Welcome readers! If this is your first time reading my posts on LinkedIn, thank you for stopping by! I help overwhelmed entrepreneurs, women and high performers with ADHD align. It's time to enjoy life again. Coaching helps you clear the fog, design flexible framework, hack your focus formula and finish what you start. Adults, professionals, and entrepreneurs with ADHD find coaching essential to consistently exceeding goals. I'd be truly grateful if you'd share my work with your LinkedIn network to help others focus on what matters: you and a life-centered business you love!

Reclaim your time and sanity with the 90-day Business Planner for Entrepreneurs here: https://bit.ly/QuarterlyBizPlan or download additional free planners & tools at SaneSpaces.com.