Your guide to planning your year in advance

Do you plan your year out in advance?

If not, why not?

As an Executive Assistant, I’m quite the expert on calendar management. The one thing I notice year after year whether you’re working for a company or you’re a small business owner is the scramble to fit in time away from work and prioritise other important aspects of life.

Do the 3 statements below resonate with you?

• It was difficult to take a holiday this year.
• I struggled to find space in my busy life/calendar to do the things that bring me joy.
• I had multiple people to consider, and it was frustrating.

We dream about spending time away from work. Time to sit back, relax and take a break. Take time for yourself, get a massage, read a book, paint or go to the gym. By planning out your year in advance, we can get that work/life balance right.

It’s a really simple concept, but so important. By planning out your year in advance, you can fit in time for yourself and your family. Not only will this help you find time to take a holiday, it will help you find time to plan for other things in your life. To make your planning successful, set aside time to think about your year and what you and your family want it to look like. If you have meaningful conversations with your family, you’ll be on the same page.

Here are a few ideas to consider when planning out your year.

• If you have children, when are the school holidays? There are half terms, Easter break, summer, and Christmas breaks to consider. Not to mention the non-pupil days dotted throughout the school year. Pre-plan for any child care you might need. Are there any holiday clubs that you could use? Or days out that would need planning? Do yourself a huge favour, go onto your child’s school website and download the school calendar (go on, I’ll wait).
• Is there a big holiday you wanted to plan? Have a conversation with those it affects and get the dates blocked out in your calendars. You don’t need to book anything there and then, but put the block in your calendar or book that time off work, even if it’s 9 months away.
• Is there an anniversary coming up that you need to make plans for, or what about a special birthday? Do you have sporting or club activities that have training days or competitions? Get them on the calendar. You can then plan around them.

Of course, there are more things to consider, everyone is different. Start thinking about what your and your families’ non-negotiables are for the upcoming year and get them on the calendar. As I mentioned above, you don’t have to arrange anything right away. The trick is to add it to your calendar. Once it’s in the calendar, plan around it (making sure everyone has it blocked in their calendars as well).

If the time is already pre-planned and blocked out, you are more likely to take it or make it happen.

Think about the results. Your future self will thank you for it.