Schedule, Journal, Succeed - Simple Strategies for a More Focused and Fulfilling Day

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, scattered, and like you’re always playing catch-up. Many of us juggle countless responsibilities, trying to stay on top of an ever-growing list of tasks, meetings, and projects. But what if two simple practices could bring you the clarity, focus, and even a sense of calm you crave? That’s where scheduling and journaling come in—practical yet powerful tools that can transform not only how you work but also how you feel each day. 

I’ve experienced this firsthand; I’ve been journaling since I was eight years old, capturing my thoughts about each day in my notebook. It was a way to reflect, even as a kid, on what mattered to me and what I wanted to remember. Then as I’m a big daydreamer, I’d often get lost in my thoughts. In the Netherlands, we only had homework in high school, so when the time came, my schedule—a Post-it placed at eye level on my desk—kept me on track, ensuring I didn’t lose sight of my assignments. These practices, which started as simple routines, have grown into essential tools that now bring purpose and intention to my life, helping me stay grounded, focused, and balanced each day

These practices might seem straightforward enough. You may be thinking, “I’m already scheduling—I have my online calendar, and my meetings are set by others, or maybe even managed by an assistant.” But how often are you truly scheduling with intention, not just for your workday, but for your life? And I get it—some of you might feel like there’s no time to add anything else in the evening. Yet, think about how often we find ourselves working late hours or unwinding with Netflix (I’m always surprised at how many shows people have seen!). If even the busiest people can find time for a few extra hours of work or a binge-watching session, imagine what a small, intentional block of time could add to your day—whether it’s planning something enjoyable, reflecting on your day, or setting intentions for tomorrow. So ask yourself, how often are you truly scheduling with intention, not just for your workday, but for your life?

Scheduling

Are you scheduling time for all the things that truly make up a fulfilling life? Many people worry that scheduling every part of their day might feel restrictive or lead to over-scheduling. But when you intentionally set aside time for what matters, you’ll actually feel a deeper sense of calm. Rather than feeling restricted, you experience more freedom and relaxation, knowing that even the moments of rest are accounted for. And those moments when nothing is scheduled? You’ll be able to fully embrace them, guilt-free, as a well-deserved break. 

Beyond just work, think about intentionally setting aside moments each week to nourish your physical health with planned workouts and nutritious meals. Don’t just think about it—if it’s not on your calendar, you haven’t really scheduled it. There’s magic in actually writing it down, in seeing your plans laid out on your calendar. This act of commitment makes it far more likely that you’ll follow through.

Prioritizing self-care and downtime for relaxation is equally important. Whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, or simply recharging, having these moments scheduled ensures they’re a regular part of your routine.

On a monthly basis, take time to care for your overall well-being with essentials like doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, or quality time with friends. Relationships deserve your attention, too. Plan thoughtful gestures for loved ones and carve out intentional moments with your partner. If you’re single, make dating part of your routine—even if it’s a solo date! Nurturing your own company is just as important as building connections with others.

Consider your personal growth as well. Block off time to engage in hobbies, pursue new learning opportunities, or dive into reflective practices that keep you aligned with your values and goals. And don’t overlook your financial health—schedule a regular check-in to review your budget and plan for upcoming expenses.

Finally, make space for gratitude and reflection in your routine. This could be a quick daily moment to appreciate what’s going well or a weekly ritual to set intentions—a practice that can easily become part of your journaling, which I discuss further below. You can also look for ways to contribute to your community, whether by volunteering or supporting causes that light you up. With intentional scheduling, you bring more balance, joy, and purpose into every area of your life.

Journaling

Then there’s the practice of journaling, a powerful way to deepen your connection with yourself and support your emotional and mental well-being. Are you setting aside time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals? Whether it’s a few minutes each morning or a dedicated weekly session, journaling helps you process your feelings, celebrate wins, and acknowledge areas for growth. It’s a space to record what you’re grateful for, set intentions, and even brainstorm ideas. By capturing your experiences on paper, you’re creating a release valve for stress, gaining perspective, and building resilience. Just like scheduling, journaling is a way of deliberately shaping the life you want to live – a practice that brings clarity, calm, and a greater sense of purpose. Some questions that can help you close the day or the week:

• What’s one thing I did today / this week, that made me feel like my Best Self – my own personal “high five” moment?
• If my current mood could talk, what would it say about what I need right now?
• What’s one small, fun challenge I can give myself tomorrow / this week to boost my energy, focus, or sense of adventure?

Planning and journaling aren’t just tools for personal growth—they’re essential for professional success as well. By scheduling with intention, you’re making time for what truly matters: your health, relationships, personal goals, and self-care. Journaling, meanwhile, offers a space to reflect, process, and connect with your emotions, helping you build resilience and clarity. Together, these practices create a balanced foundation that supports both productivity and inner peace. With the right tools, you can cultivate a fulfilling, high-performance life that feels both aligned and abundant, helping you thrive at work and beyond!

Best,

Pauline

Ps. If you’re ready to bring more focus, balance, and intention to your day, consider the Heart Centered Planner by Danielle LaPorte. I’m excited to be on Danielle’s Launch Team, and you can use my code PAULINELLOVE10 for 10% off your planner, with this link (ships globally, and if you order 17th of October latest, you’ll get it before the new year). Designed for working professionals who value both productivity and inner peace, this planner combines practical scheduling with soulful reflection, helping you align your actions with your values. Plus, I’m running a GIVEAWAY where you could win a planner—just click here to enter (24th of October latest). The winner will be announced end of October!