Have you ever planned an entire calendar year? It might sound crazy to plan and prioritize 365 days, but it's something I've done every January for the last couple of years, and let me tell you: It's a game-changer.

What do I mean? Early in January, I go through every month and "calendar" (yes, this is a verb now) everything that I anticipate popping up in the year.

• For Work

• Blocking off times I need to reserve for planning or focus work

• Monthly or quarterly activities (reviewing finances, professional development, submitting invoices)

• Other times that I know tend to run "hot" and want to reserve some space for

• Personal

• Doctors appointments

• Personal space (gym time, "me days", hair appointments)

• Birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions

• Holiday planning or vacations

• Kids

• No school days/school breaks

• First day/Last day/Spirit weeks

Does it take a fair amount of time and thought? Yes. But at the end of the exercise I have a pretty good gauge of what my year will look like, and - more importantly - when I know I cannot say YES to anything else because I'm already full.

For example, October and November tend to be my busiest work months. There are reliably a couple of workshops I travel for at this time of year. That time of year also kicks off the holiday season and it's my husband's birthday. So when school comes around asking for volunteers for the Halloween Festival - I'm sorry, this isn't my event. Come and find me in the Spring. :-)

Is it a perfect system? Of course not! Things pop up all the time. Kids get sick. Life goes haywire. BUT - I feel more prepared to handle the things I can't plan for when I've calendared and prepared myself for what I can.

Give it a try.

Start by writing down 2-3 events in each of the categories of Work, Personal, and Kids that you know happen regularly (or you WANT to happen regularly). Put them in your calendar. Block that time.

What are you beginning to notice? What are your busy times? Where are you a little lighter? What does that mean for what you are saying YES or NO to?

As I navigate the chaos of work, personal life, and family commitments, this intentional approach has granted me a valuable view of the ebb and flow of my year. While the system isn't flawless, it gives me a proactive mindset, allowing me to better handle the unexpected - and we know the only thing predictable is the unpredictable!

So, as you embark on your own calendar-planning journey, consider what you want to prioritize, observe your busy and lighter periods, and let your calendar become a guide in the unpredictable dance of life. Give it a try – you might just discover a newfound sense of control and readiness for whatever the year may bring.

Looking for a good yearly planner? Here’s my favorite!