HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT DAY
HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT DAY
I’m sure you’re reading this post because you’re interested in planning the perfect day. Well, to be honest, I’m not sure I have an answer for planning the perfect day. I can offer many tips on planning your day, but a perfect day, not so sure.
There Are No Perfect Days
You see, there are no perfect days. I’m sure we can conjure up thoughts of the perfect day. Let’s take a moment and imagine our perfect day. My day would begin by rising early to spend time in reflection, reading my devotional, and watching the sunrise over coffee. Unfortunately, my day rarely begins in this manner. I’m usually all over the place with my early-to-bed, early-to-rise scenario, thanks to our 24/7 family business and my furry friend, aRLo.
By the time I get out of bed, tend to aRLo, and pour a cup of coffee (praying it isn’t cold, my husband is an early riser and sets the coffee maker to his wake-up time), the sunrise is over. But I do spend time in the Word every day – this is non-negotiable!
After my TAG Time (Time alone with God), I head to the kitchen to make my morning smoothie. My intention is to take my delicious smoothie and head outdoors for some additional prayer time while listening to praise music. I love spending time outdoors. However, there are times the weather is not in agreement with my plans, or I’m behind on a deadline, or I’ve overscheduled my calendar, so I’m in a rush to gulp down my smoothie and get to work. All while praying the words will come to me for my next post, or my meeting will be canceled to free up my time (which rarely happens).
As you can see, my life is not flawless. There are days my life is hectic and messy (just ask my close friends). I also have days where everything flows. I love it when everything falls into place. I am thankful for those days.
Going with the Flow
I love flow. I’m a very organized person. I’m also a planner. I love to organize and plan. I also enjoy setting goals and working on my goals.
My intention is to focus on what matters most, taking small steps to achieve my goals. I’m a fan of small steps and breaking projects down into small pieces (which is how I survived my doctoral studies). I’m a fan of any goal-setting method that allows me to take small steps toward my goals. This prevents me from being overwhelmed by the big picture. A tip for those who over-plan!
The Tending List
I use the Tending List method (The Daily Grace Power Sheets). As I plan, I break my goals down into small steps – monthly, weekly, and daily- and remind myself of the company’s motto: “it’s about progress, not perfection.” This simple method allows me to focus on my goals, from the big picture down to my daily goals. I keep my goal planner on my desk. When I begin to feel my day is spinning out of control or I’m out of control, I take a break, review my to-do list, and get to work on what really matters. I also remind myself it’s about progress, not perfection – and God always brings me through.
Every Day is Different
Every day offers a different scenario and a different set of challenges. There are no perfect days. I pray and prepare, and then I give it to God.
Today, my plan was to schedule my blog post on Power, but it just wasn’t working for me. Some may call it writer’s block, but I call it a check in my Spirit. You see, it wasn’t in the plans for me to post about power; it was in His plans to post about my not-so-perfect days. Although my days are far from perfect, I can share that my days are blessed and filled with hope.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
How are your days? Do you have a perfect day you would like to share? Or would you prefer to share about your not-so-perfect days and how God brought you through? Please let us know your thoughts; we’d love to hear from you!
Hi there Robin, your title grabbed me at Coffee with Your Heart. 🙂 Because I’m a planner by nature, but you are so right! Nothing ever goes quite as planned. Somehow we have to stay flexible.
Thank you Betsy! I would agree! Just this morning I had a few glitches with my Gravatar, which put me behind on my link-ups, which put me behind on my tasks…I reminded myself of Isaiah 26:3, ” You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Have a great day,
Robin
I had to click on a post that promised I could plan the perfect day. Everything you said resonates. Thanks for reminding me God’s plan is the only one I need to follow.
Thank you for sharing Debbie! It’s funny. I wrote this post and experienced most of what I wrote about just this morning. I plan and prepare as much as possible but I need to leave room for God to work in me and through me. Today is my first try at the link-ups so keep me in your prayers!
Hi Robin,
I love how you connect all of your planning back to God’s Plans, and ultimately HE is the best one to set your day. We are works in progress, but He is so gentle with us along the way! Thanks for your encouraging words here! Blessings to you!
Thank you Bettie! As a planner, I continue to plan but I pray for His will, His way!
I’m all about planning my days, but it seems flexibility has to be built into the schedule because Life. Happens…
Thanks for the acronym TAG time. Love it!
I so agree with your comments Jerralea – I’m a work in progress! And, I am working on my flexibility. My word for 2017 is Grow!
Hey Robin! I stopped by from #chasingcommunity today and I’m so glad I did! It’s my first time here and I have to say it’s lovely! I know I should comment on the post, telling you how much I understand the gap between the ideal day and the real day (I’m not a coffee girl, but a tea girl and my family teases me because I’ll micro the same cup 3 times because I forget about it!) I should mention how much I love planning, but am struggling to find my “just right” groove that combines home/family and business life as I’m finally starting to look at writing as my business. I should comment on the post, but I have to say how much I love your title graphic! Did you make that? Where did you do that? So cool and fun! So glad I stopped by today!
Hello Becky! It’s great to hear from you and connect with you! I rarely get my cup of coffee down for the same reasons you shared. I have found this current season has been a struggle, which led me to write the post! I am amazed and in awe of the women who consistently show up through their blogs, social media, FB groups, and communities. I’m working on it but I am definitely in need of prayer! As for my title graphic, I use Shutterstock and search for vectors or illustrations. I then use Canva to edit and add text. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks! So glad we can connect and encourage one another! And thanks for the tips for your graphics. I love Canva!
Let me know if you need further info! Best, Robin
I love how to view of writer’s block! A check of the spirit! Great, encouraging post! Thank you!
Thank you Jessica! I believe there are times I’m just not meant to complete a post because God has another plan. If I try to “force” the topic, my peace is disturbed. When this happens, I know it’s a check in my Spirit – the Holy Spirit is speaking to me! I learned a while ago, pray and obey! Great connecting with you!
Hi Robin, lovely to meet you. You have a fan who submitted your post to #ChasingCommunity today. So glad she did as we’ve not had the opportunity to cross paths before. — Thanks for sharing your thoughts on organization and the “permission” to allow imperfection. I’m going to check out that beautiful pink binder that’s in your sidebar as soon as I finish typing this reply. So great to connect. Hope you’ll join us again. ((graces))
Hello Brenda! It’s been great making connections with #ChasingCommunity today! Sarah Geringer recommended the community and I am so happy for the recommendation! I look forward to connecting with you!
Visiting today after you visited me 🙂 You’re site is wonderful – so fresh, and chic, and so many adjectives – and I mean it, it’s lovely. And yes, a perfect day is everyday as long as we walk with the Holy Spirit because of the enduring hope we have.
I love adjectives! I’m rather animated in person – lol! It’s great connecting with you and I look forward to reading more of your posts. I’m so happy to have found the link groups!
This is such a great and realistic take on life — We can make all the best plans, but God is the Planner in Chief. Thanks for helpful input to keep my heart in a place of flexibility and responsiveness to His will.
Hello Michele, I love your words, God is the Planner in Chief. I just may borrow this phrase. Thank you for sharing and reminding me who the Chief Planner is in my life! Have a wonderful weekend!
I like to plan, but I’ve learned that flexibility is essential! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reminding me that God’s plans are ALWAYS best! 🙂 Stopping by from #saltandlight
I agree Laura! I’m a planner but my love for planning can sometimes become a hindrance to my growth certainly when it comes to “letting go!” Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Robin! A perfect day would be keeping to every part of the schedule and the weather would cooperate, too. It seems like there’s always so much going on or the kids need extra help or whatever, but that’s life, and that’s okay, too. 😉 I love the TAG time! Awesome!
I agree Kelly. Although I am an empty nester, it seems no matter how much I plan or prepare, something unexpected pops up or plans go awry. I’m learning to be much more flexible in this season! Thank you for the TAG time. I read a book several years ago and the author referred to her morning prayer as TAG time. I believe it was Donna Partow but I’m not sure! Thank you for sharing!
I’m a planner here too! The title got me and I had to find out how to plan the perfect day 🙂
Visiting from #Faith’nFriends
Thank you for sharing. My intention was to write about planning and what a perfect day looks like. I was stopped in my tracks when I started writing. It’s amazing how God leads us! I’m a planner and I’ve tried at times to pre-plan my blog posts. I’ve learned that although I have the best intentions, I’m writing for God and He will show me the way that I should go!