7 Ways You Shouldn’t Be Using Your Calendar

For many people, their calendar is one of the most important tools when it comes to managing their productivity. On the other hand, some individuals use their calendar as a dumping ground for anything that comes to mind. The truth is that calendars are not meant to hold every piece of data and tasks that an individual has to do. They are supposed to keep time-specific data that should be done at a designated time.

Here are seven different ways in which individuals shouldn’t be using their calendars:

1. Setting Up False Due Dates

Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with milestones or objectives, marking them with a due date that isn’t real can lead to frustration and possibly less productivity. False due dates are the dates that one sets to have a task done by a particular date when it isn’t feasible. This practice usually leads to procrastination, and one may end up postponing the related task and wait until the due date is closer.

2. Time Blocking

One of the biggest misconceptions about time blocking is that it works for everyone. This practice involves setting aside a specific time or period to focus on a single task. For instance, an individual may set aside three hours to work on a particular project, focusing entirely on it during the said time. This practice is unrealistic for knowledge workers, as it is likely to be interrupted by something else that comes up. Instead of time blocking, one can use the Pomodoro technique or commence a task without an expectation of how much time they will use.

3. Checklists

Many individuals love checklists, but they do not belong in calendars. Using calendars to list things like groceries, taking out the puppies, making lunch, or taking medication, among other items, can soon lead to overlooking something. Checklists ought to be used differently, and individuals can opt for dedicated checklist applications or a simple paper to note down tasks that must be done.

4. Taking Notes

Although it may be tempting to use the calendar to write down a lot of notes, this habit is not sustainable in the long run. While it is okay to use the notes field to incorporate some information about a meeting, such as attendees’ names or the meeting’s location, it is not usually the best place to note meeting notes. Instead, one can use dedicated note-taking programs, paper, or any other personal preference that offers an easy way to track the data.

5. As a Ubiquitous Reminder Repository

Calendars may be used to track day and time-specific data, making them unsuitable for tracking data other than those connected to a specific time or day. Individuals can use task management apps to set reminders or track information related to projects, among other actionable items.

6. Keeping Track of Standard Events

Individuals do not need to clutter their calendars by marking events that they usually undertake every day. For instance, marking an eight-hour block every day labeled as “Work” may create the impression that one is busy. One can opt not to mark such events on their calendars and let them pass as they happen.

7. Not Using It

The worst way to use a calendar is not using it. Calendars are designed to hold time-specific data that should be passed through the day by the designated time. Therefore, not using calendars to track such information is tantamount to setting oneself up for failure. Thus, it is crucial to use calendars to keep track of time-specific data to remain productive and on top of all deadlines.

Conclusion

Calendars are like holy temples reserved for time-specific data that must be handled at a designated time or day. Therefore, it is essential to make the best use of calendars by avoiding practices such as setting up false due dates, time blocking, using checklists, taking notes, using calendars as a ubiquitous reminder repository, marking standard events on them, or even neglecting to use calendars. By avoiding such practices, one can remain productive and on top of all deadlines while making the best use of their time.