{"id":7019,"date":"2025-09-05T09:03:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T07:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/?p=7019"},"modified":"2025-09-05T09:03:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T07:03:41","slug":"how-to-effectivelly-plan-your-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/2025\/09\/05\/how-to-effectivelly-plan-your-day\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Effectivelly Plan Your Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chasing deadlines again? Having too much on your plate with studies, extracurricular activities and personal life? Trying to manage a hundred things? Why does it always happen like that?<\/p>\n

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this blog, I’ve gathered some tips on “perfecting” your day and achieving an organised routine that will keep you disciplined. \ud83d\ude0c<\/p>\n

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\"University<\/a><\/p>\n

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Set goals and define a vision<\/h2>\n

First, start messy! Write down<\/strong> every task and thing that is currently keeping your mind busy. Also, list what you’re striving for and want to achieve. I like to do this the day before<\/strong>, so that my intentions are set and I can start right away with my day the next morning. Then, connect the dots. Try to find the origin<\/strong> or the similarities between those things. Often, they are connected and one can lead to another, affecting your overall plan.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/em><\/strong> You stay up late, so you wake up tired and late the next morning. You don’t have enough time during the day to finish what you want. You start feeling overwhelmed and under the weather. A “Domino effect” is created, preventing you from doing things that were still possible. So, by fixing your sleeping schedule, you can make more time<\/strong> and focus on what is necessary.<\/p>\n

Like this, you can easily manage more duties, creating more free time in your day.<\/p>\n

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Being realistic and “The One Thing” concept<\/h2>\n

Let’s be honest – how many times have you been feeling lost and despair, you grab a pen and paper and start making those over-abmitious goals, trying to rewrite and pre-plan your whole life, saying tomorrow it will be better? In those situations, we see everything as imperfect and often aim high, setting unrealistic expectations<\/strong> for ourselves. We want every single bit to be “fixed”, “better” and “perfect”. However, you need to realise that this is not possible. Humans are not just task-solving machines. Sometimes, less is more and focusing on one thing is better than trying to control everything.<\/p>\n

“It is not that we have too little time to do all the things we need to do, it is that we feel the need to do too many things in the time we have.\u201d – Gary Keller<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But how to deal with all tasks<\/strong>? Another thing that G. Keller emphasises on is the importance of\u00a0 “The One Thing” <\/strong>concept. As I mentioned earlier, things are usually connected. It can allow you to positively influence<\/strong> many things by making a small change<\/strong>. This whole “connection thing” might turn out not to be so bad, right?<\/p>\n

Therefore, find what is the one thing<\/strong> you can do such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier. This might be putting on a timer, minimising phone time or treating yourself. The last suggestion leads us to the next tip:<\/p>\n

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\"Sunset<\/a><\/p>\n

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Flexibility and the right discipline<\/h2>\n

Why make it harsh when you can make it enjoyable? Now, after we have set realistic goals, it is time to talk about discipline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Hmmm, but wait! Are those completely\u00a0realistic goals<\/strong>? What if something goes wrong, if plans are cancelled or extended, you miss your bus, or you forget about your appointment? Probably, only even thinking about this makes you overwhelmed. But what if I told you there’s one simple solution – flexibility. Leaving time gaps<\/strong> between important events is excellent because it prevents the Domino effect. You can never predict what will happen, so having the option of flexibility<\/strong> and altering plans<\/strong> is a useful skill.<\/p>\n

After that is set, returning to one of the most important<\/strong> topics of this blog – having the proper mindset<\/strong>. Key is a gentle discipline and an environment that encourages<\/strong> you, not forces you. Put on a favourite song, snuggle in a blanket and turn on the cosy lights, work in a clean space, have a sweet treat or warm aromatic tea\/coffee. \ud83c\udf75 The list is endless, and you know best what you need to make yourself feel amazing. A big part of that is taking time for yourself<\/strong>! Discipline is not only about doing the work but being able to control things in such a way that they are balanced<\/strong>. Reward your body for making it through this day, so it can return the favour for the following. \ud83e\udd32<\/p>\n

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Mark it down<\/h2>\n

For me, the Calendar<\/strong> and Notes app<\/strong> are lifesavers. They act as my (digital) second brain haha. I have found it most effective since you keep track<\/strong> of all your things, while not being bothered with having to remember all the tasks and events happening. From time to time, I also happen to do it the old-fashioned way with a piece of paper <\/strong>and a pen<\/strong>. Buuut I won’t admit how many of those papers I’ve lost amongst my books lying around the desk oops. \ud83e\udee3<\/p>\n

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Bonus tips<\/h2>\n