I plan.

I thrive on a detailed schedule. For the last two years, I’ve kept a daily planner. I developed the habit of scheduling just about every part of my day. I’m goal-oriented, highly driven by purpose, so I like having something to look forward to each day. Crafting a schedule for myself is crucial to my success and wellbeing.

I like having a physical planner because I can decorate it as I go along. I also enjoy the act of writing (especially when it means I can use the hundreds of colored pens & pencils I own). This past semester, however, I slowly drifted towards the Google Calendar app on my phone because it was a particularly demanding term. While I can change event colors or add emojis, the app isn’t as cute or customizable as a planner. But, I appreciate the timely reminders and can quickly access my schedule to make changes.  

Disclaimer: While planning is great, it’s impossible to prepare for everything. Life is both beautiful and stressful because most of it is unpredictable. I acknowledge that I like to plan because it gives me a sense of control and comfort. I find it easier to delve into a goal when I know what I should do to make it possible. But, I am also open to embracing any curveballs that life throws my way (even when they manage to hit me in the face). I plan with this in mind to ensure I don’t keep too rigid a schedule. I am open to change in case God has alternate plans.

That said, I still think planning is important. Here is what a typical Tuesday looked like for me this spring semester (Tuesday was my busiest weekday):

You’ll note that aside from writing down lecture times and meeting times, I also allotted uninterrupted writing time in the morning & downtime before bed (during which I usually watched an episode or two of “Friends” & FaceTimed my boyfriend). A detailed schedule reminds me to do things that are helpful for me in the long run, to take the steps I need to take to achieve a goal. If I didn’t put writing time in my calendar, I would fill that time with something else and convince myself I just didn’t have time to write that day. We must make time for our priorities.

If you’re in a PhD program, the first couple of years involve coursework and teaching, so there’s some established structure there. But, once classes are over, it is your responsibility to develop a schedule that can keep you focused and motivated. Remind yourself to eat well, to leave the house for a walk, to pick up books you need at the library, or to finally e-mail your advisors with a thoughtful (not frantic!) update on your progress. 

If planning your day down to the minute before your head touches your pillow sounds too intense, I recommend scheduling at least two things everyday: 

1. Something you should do (say, an hour for reading or writing with no distractions) 

2. Something you want to do (such as calling a loved one, journaling, hanging out with friends, watching your favorite Netflix show, etc.)

This way, you’ll feel proud that you prioritized something important on your to-do list and you’ll feel fulfilled for making time for something or someone you love. 

Planning can be empowering. Planning can be an act of self care. Planning can help you attain the life you want to lead. I encourage you to plan out your schedule a week in advance. Take some time today or sometime on Sunday to lay out your ideal schedule and you’ll notice that time is always right there, waiting for you to see that you’ve had it all along. 

Con cariño,

Jenesis